Blue Note Cherry Wood Cask Bourbon

Memphis heat does brutal, brilliant things to whiskey barrels. B.R. Distilling Company leans completely into that climate, letting the humidity pull staggering depth from the wood. Their latest limited release shifts the paradigm by finishing five-year-old straight bourbon in sustainably harvested wild-cherry casks from the Jura region of eastern France. It pushes past typical oak boundaries.

Bottled uncut at a formidable 120 proof, this expression stands as a testament to alternative cooperage. The heavy 21% rye mashbill provides a sturdy, peppery backbone that prevents the cherry influence from drifting into cloying sweetness. French wood amplifies the natural dried fruit notes inherent to the distillate while layering down serious toasted complexity. It simply commands the glass.

• Mashbill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley
• Cask: American Oak, finished in Jura Wild-Cherry Wood
• Bottled at Cask Strength (120 Proof)

Nose: Massive waves of dried cherry and violet jam erupt from the glass. Let it breathe to reveal dense cedar, warm beignets, and a playful note of candied fruit.

Palate: Rich and fiercely spiced. Deep apricot and toasted oak rush the tongue, transitioning sharply into punchy ginger, white pepper, and a distinctly robust rye bite.

Finish: Bone dry and lingering. Cracked black pepper mingled with faint cherry soda fades gradually into a deep, earthy oak.

Don't hold back; pair this powerhouse bourbon with a heavily charred ribeye steak. The rendered beef fat brilliantly tames the massive 120-proof heat. Smoky meat crust highlights the toasted cherry wood notes effortlessly. For dessert, grab dark chocolate truffles to mirror the rich fruit profile. It’s a dynamic combination that elevates the deep apricot and cedar undertones.