Blue Note Rye Whiskey Review: A Bold and Balanced Take on Tennessee Rye
Bottle Details:
- Type: Straight Rye Whiskey (Unfiltered)
- ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 46.5% (93 proof)
- Mash Bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
- Age: Minimum 3 years
- Distillation: Distilled in Kentucky, aged and bottled by B.R. Distilling Co. in Memphis, TN
- Price: $34.99
- Awards:
- 2023 Gold – New York International Spirits Competition
- 2024 – 90 Points, Whiskey Advocate
Full Disclosure: This bottle was sent to me for review. As always, all opinions are honest, transparent, and unbiased.
Tasting Notes:
Nose:
The nose opens with a sweet burst of vanilla and cinnamon, followed by a green, slightly herbal rye spice. Hints of crisp apple and citrus peel lift through the top, offering a fresh brightness. As it sits in the glass, light floral notes begin to emerge, paired with a touch of dill and faint pine. It’s not overly bold, but it’s well-composed and inviting—especially for a younger rye.
Taste:
On the palate, Blue Note Rye is approachable yet lively. It leads with a light peppery zing and earthy rye grain, quickly giving way to flavors of caramel apple, cinnamon stick, and clove. A flash of spearmint gum comes through in the mid-palate—fresh, cooling, and slightly sweet—adding a playful twist that complements the rye spice. There’s also a bit of raw oak that hints at its youthful age, but it doesn’t overwhelm. Vanilla and herbal notes round things out nicely, especially with a bit of air time.
Finish:
The finish is medium in length and leans dry, with lingering herbal spice, cracked black pepper, and a faint echo of citrus zest. Thanks to its unfiltered character, the mouthfeel carries a subtle weight and richness that gives the whiskey a more tactile presence on the tongue. Despite this added body, it’s never overpowering—the 93 proof keeps the warmth dialed in, offering a smooth, approachable finish without sacrificing flavor or structure. That cooling spearmint note from the palate gently lingers as everything fades.
How Much Would I Pay for Blue Note Rye Whiskey?
At $34.99, Blue Note Rye hits a sweet spot for a small-batch, unfiltered rye with solid structure and character. It drinks above its age, and while it’s not trying to reinvent the category, it does what it sets out to do—and does it well.
💸 Max Price I Would Pay: $45 💸
If you see it under $45, it’s a solid pickup—especially for fans of spearmint-forward ryes or those looking for something sippable but still spicy.
⭐ Star Rating (Out of 5):
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.5/5 – Youthful Yet Enjoyable
Blue Note Rye brings flavor, freshness, and a minty kick without blowing out the palate. It’s not overly complex, but it offers enough to keep both casual rye drinkers and seasoned sippers interested.
🥃 Experience Scale:
🙂 Decent but Unremarkable – Drinkable, but not particularly memorable.
Blue Note Rye delivers a classic rye profile with a smooth finish, but it doesn’t push any boundaries or leave a lasting impression. It’s the kind of bottle you won’t regret buying—but also one you might forget about once it’s gone.
Should You Buy Blue Note Rye Whiskey?
Try Before You Buy – Solid whiskey, but might not be for everyone
If you enjoy herbal, minty rye with a lighter proof and some youthful character, Blue Note Rye is worth checking out. It’s unfiltered, adds some texture, and at this price, you can sip it neat or mix without regret.
Is Blue Note Rye Whiskey Worth It?
Yes—Blue Note Rye is a well-executed, no-frills rye that brings approachability and flavor to the table. While it doesn’t compete with older or higher-proof offerings, it doesn’t need to. This is a fresh, fun pour that showcases rye grain in a way that’s both accessible and enjoyable. Whether you’re just getting into rye or looking for a solid daily sipper, it’s a bottle worth having around.
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