There's a new member to Nelson Green Brier Distillery's extraordinary series of special cask finished bourbons, and just in time for the holidays: Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish, from bourbon brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson in Nashville.
Like its small-batch, limited-edition predecessors, the Sherry Cask Finish and Cognac Cask Finish bourbons, Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish is a product of careful crafting and patience. The outcome is both a taste of "America's Native Spirit," and the Old World winemaking methods used in Madeira production.
To finish this offering, the Nelson brothers selected casks that had been used in the production of Malmsey Madeira. Malmsey is the richest and sweetest tasting of the Madeira styles, and is renowned for the depth and complexity of its honeyed flavors. This is a result of the wine being "cooked," fortified, and aged in the time-honored traditions of winemaking on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The casks were filled with a blend of 6- and 9-year-old Belle Meade Bourbons. The robust flavors from the casks pair well with the spicy high rye content of the Bourbon, and create a striking and unique profile unlike any other whiskey in the world. The nose is floral, with vanilla and hints of toffee. The palate shows dark wildflower honey, vanilla, ripe persimmon, dried black cherry, caramelized raw cane sugar, a touch of plum, and a healthy dose of baking spices throughout. The lengthy finish echoes the honey, black cherry, vanilla, and spice notes, and adds a touch of malt and chocolate. Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish has been cut to 90.4 proof and, as with all of Nelson Green Brier Distillery products, is never chill-filtered.
The result is a Bourbon of particular distinction and uncommon character. Have it neat, with a splash, over a sphere of ice, or create a distinguished twist on your favorite whiskey-based classic cocktail. However you drink it, you'll know you are enjoying a rare spirit made for the discerning whiskey drinker!
Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish—SRP: $74.95 (750mL)—at limited local retailers in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee, Nevada, Texas, and Washington, D.C. In 2017, it will be released to Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Kentucky, and South Carolina.
