Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon Review: A Memphis-Inspired Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Blue Note Bourbon has quickly gained recognition for delivering a smooth, bold whiskey with a deep connection to Memphis’ iconic music scene. The Blue Note Juke Joint is their flagship bourbon, offering a well-rounded experience that honors both the city’s cultural heritage and the traditions of bourbon-making. In this detailed review, we dive deep into the flavor, aroma, and overall drinking experience of Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon.
Bottle Details:
- Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 46.5% (93 proof)
- Mash Bill: 70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley
- Age: At least 3 years
- Distillation: Distilled in partnership with Green River Distilling and Bardstown Bourbon Company
- Price: $34.99
Awards:
- 2024 Platinum Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- 2022, 2023, and 2024 Double Gold Medals, Wine Enthusiast (93 pts)
- Blue Note Uncut ranked #7 on Whisky Advocate’s list of top whiskeys in 2022
Full Disclosure: This bottle was sent to me for review. Of course, all opinions are honest, transparent, and unbiased.
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
The nose of Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon immediately greets you with sweet, familiar notes of caramel and vanilla, layered over a subtle touch of oak. There’s a delicate spice from the rye that offers complexity without being over powering, making it a welcoming and inviting aroma. Slight youthful grain and astringency are present, but dissipates after a few minutes in the glen.
Taste:
On the palate, Blue Note Juke Joint delivers a smooth yet bold experience. The sweetness of caramel and vanilla takes the lead, followed by a rich, oak-forward flavor that provides depth. The rye spice adds a bit of warmth and bite, making each sip more engaging. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, smooth, and balanced, with just the right amount of warmth from the 93-proof to provide a satisfying depth. After a couple minutes, more fruity citrus and bubble gum notes become present. The unfiltered nature of this is adding to the mouthfeel and coating on the palate.
Finish:
The finish is medium-long, with lingering notes of oak and a gentle rye spice that leaves a clean, pleasant aftertaste. There is a slight youthful oak and astringency coming through on the backend of the palate. It is not off-putting by any means, can just tell it is a youthful bourbon. Overall, the finish is smooth and encourages the next sip.
How Much Would I Pay for Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon?
At $34.99, Blue Note Juke Joint offers excellent value for an entry-level bourbon. Considering its solid flavor profile and enjoyable drinking experience, it holds its own among similarly priced competitors.
💸 Max Price I Would Pay: $40 💸
While the suggested retail price is $34.99, I feel that Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon is worth up to $40 due to its overall value, flavor profile, and drinking experience. If you find it priced in this range, it offers solid value for your money.
⭐ Star Rating (Out of 5):
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5/5 – Solid Whiskey with Room for Improvement
Blue Note Juke Joint offers a well-balanced flavor profile, making it a solid whiskey choice, but it doesn’t quite reach the complexity or memorability of top-tier bourbons. It’s enjoyable and smooth but falls just short of being extraordinary.
🥃 Experience Scale:
🙂 Decent but Unremarkable – Drinkable, but not particularly memorable. While enjoyable, Blue Note Juke Joint lacks standout qualities that would make it a must-have for bourbon enthusiasts looking for something unique.
Should You Buy Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon?
👀 Try Before You Buy – Blue Note Juke Joint is a bourbon that’s worth sampling if you’re a fan of smooth, well-balanced whiskeys. It’s a great entry-level option, but it may not be a must-buy for those seeking a more complex or daring bourbon experience.
Is Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon Worth It?
Blue Note Juke Joint Bourbon is a solid offering for those looking for a dependable, smooth pour at a reasonable price. Its Memphis-inspired heritage adds a unique touch, but it doesn’t quite elevate itself above other bourbons in the same price range. While it’s not the most complex or memorable whiskey out there, it’s still an excellent choice for casual sipping or for those new to the bourbon world.
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