The 2025 edition of Blue Note Special Reserve is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys crafted from 10 unique casks ranging in age from 4 to 19 years. Bottled at 116.3 proof and unfiltered, the blend includes bourbons aged in casks previously used for cognac, madeira, sherry, port, triple sec, apricot brandy, amontillado, vanilla cognac and vino de naranja. Mashbills vary, with most components using a 70% corn, 21% rye and 9% malted barley recipe, alongside others with an 84/8/8 blend. The whiskeys originate from Kentucky and Tennessee.
I’m excited to see if the Blue Note team will continue to hone the blend. This is a good whiskey that implies something really great just a percentage point or two away.
This was a whiskey you want multiple glasses of, but should probably curtail yourself before you run out. There is something for almost every whiskey drinker, and it makes it easy to enjoy. If nothing else it’s a great whiskey to learn what you can pick up. With this many finishing casks you’ll surely identify notes many others don’t find.
