Review of Belle Meade Sour Mash Whiskey Bourbon

The Four Barrels are always looking for new products to try and spirits to review.  Recently, we stumbled across a unique bourbon that – surprisingly - we had not heard of before.  Unlike many of these micro-distilleries popping up around the U.S., this bourbon has a story a 100 years in the making.

Nelson's Greenbrier Distillery was established on Rocky Fork Creek in 1867 and was acquired in 1870 by Charles Nelson of Nashville.  Nelson's first whiskey held the title “Nelson's Best”.  The distillery produced whiskey until 1909.  At that time, Tennessee enacted prohibition causing the distillery to shut down.  

In 2011, Nelson’s great-great-great grandchildren, Charles & Andy Nelson, decided to resurrect the family business.  As of now, Belle Meade is the only product they are selling.  Belle Meade Bourbon is sourced from stock bourbon produced in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, but they are currently in the process of outfitting their own distillery and rickhouse in Nashville, TN and plan to revive Charles Nelson’s recipe for Tennessee Whiskey in the coming years.
 


-High rye content (30% rye)
-90.4 proof
-Small batch – 4 hand-selected barrels per batch

Age: Unknown.  We believe from the color and taste that this bourbon is at least a four year whiskey.  Also, we know that most bourbons coming out of lawrenceburg are around 4 years old.

Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana


Four Barrels Tasting Notes: (Neat)

-Nose: Maple syrup with a hint of tobacco and smoke
-Palate: strong sweet front with vanilla.  Surprisingly sweet given the nose
-Middle: Smooth and sweet
-Finish: slight spice.  With a 30% rye mash bill, it's not that distinctive

 We would suggest you serve this bourbon neat or use for cocktails.

Final Notes:

We look forward to what the future holds for Greenbrier Distillery.  We know this is a cut-throat market but there are many bourbon sippers out there that want something other than the large corporate labels.

Good bourbon can not be cheated.  If Charles & Andy Nelson keep to their vision, they very well could rise the Greenbrier name to the very top, where it once stood.

Price Point:  $39.99  - 750ml

Nelson's Green Brier Distillery
Chas & W.A. Nelson, Proprietors
Nashville, TN

www.greenbrierdistillery.com

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Review of WIlliam Wolf Aged Premium Bourbon - Be that Wolf on Wall Street

This week, we try a different approach to bourbon.  Much of what we drink around here in bourbon country, a strong spirit – sipped neat… and something that might even start up a car is not always on the menu.  Occasionally, we want something a bit on the sweeter side.  This time, we tried a different side of the barrel.  Introducing the new wolf in town, William Wolf Premium Whiskey.




Retailing at $25-$30 a 750-ml., William Wolf is made with American whiskey which is then infused with pecan distillate in Holland. Unlike your typical whiskey, William Wolf is bottled at 60-proof, which appeals to the first time whiskey sippers with its sweet taste or the after-dinner drinkers.


Neat Sipping Notes:



William Wolf Pecan Bourbon/Whiskey is a unique pecan flavored whiskey.  At first sip, there is a strong indication of pecans fused with the bourbon.  There are very sweet notes of nectar, honey and even almonds.  It lacks the smoothness of straight whiskey but fills your mouth with their signature pecan flavor.

I've found that a lot of honey flavored whiskeys on the market tend to be overbearing with sweetness from the infused flavor, which for me, takes away the experience and complexity of the spirit. However, with William Wolf, it was smooth to the taste with just the right amount of sweetness from the settled pecans, which created great balance.

This is a great introductory whiskey and could be a strong competitor to other "honey and maple" flavored whiskeys on the market. You can try it in the delicious Apple cocktail created specially by the Emerson or simply, as I prefer, served neat.

- See more at: http://network.details.com/post/gents-among-men-presents-served-neat-william-wolf-whiskey#sthash.TqCWdTKK.dpuf

With our Kentucky pallet, we felt this bourbon was better suited for cocktails and mixed drinks. With that being said, the Four Barrels found it to be a great potion ingredient and had the opportunity to share our idea with the local fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazine - Mour.  This May, Mour Magazine is celebrating their one-year anniversary on the newsstands and what better way to celebrate such an occasion then with a delicious adult drink?  Our personal cocktail specialist created an excellent beverage for such a special occasion.  
 

                                                             The Birthday Surprise Shot

The Birthday Surprise:
Made with:
1/2 ounce - Dark Rum
1/2 ounce - William Wolf Pecan Bourbon
Spritz of Lime
Mix together ingredients and pour into shot glass


Top with 1 tablespoon of whipped sweetened coconut milk (to give it that icing-on-the-cake look)


This unique sophisticated shot will win anyone over


 

William Wolf has an excellent social media following.  If you want to follow and support them, here is where you can find them.

William Wolf Boubon Website

Facebook Page



Learn more about Mour at:  http://mourmagazine.com/ and follow them on facebook.

I've found that a lot of honey flavored whiskeys on the market tend to be overbearing with sweetness from the infused flavor, which for me, takes away the experience and complexity of the spirit. However, with William Wolf, it was smooth to the taste with just the right amount of sweetness from the settled pecans, which created great balance.

This is a great introductory whiskey and could be a strong competitor to other "honey and maple" flavored whiskeys on the market. You can try it in the delicious Apple cocktail created specially by the Emerson or simply, as I prefer, served neat.

- See more at: http://network.details.com/post/gents-among-men-presents-served-neat-william-wolf-whiskey#sthash.TqCWdTKK.dpuf