This batch is named in honor of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club. I recently got the honor of getting to roll alongside some of the Blue Knights in a funeral procession for a member that was close in the family. I decided to finally get this open and think about some interesting lives other than my own for a little. This pour is for Carl.
Company on Label: James B. Beam
Whiskey Type: Bourbon
Mash Bill Percentages: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Barley
Proof: 127.4°
Age: 6 years
Further identification: 2017-02 Blue Knights Batch comes bearing a light green label in a wooden box with a batch information card; I believe this was the first year they started including a batch information card, but someone feel free to chime in and correct me if I'm wrong!
Nose: Lovely citrus and a floral bouquet. Smells like a warm summer day in a sun soaked grassy field. Blood orange sweetness and a wisdom-filled oak join me. A weathered and worn leather can be found floating on a light breeze. Lovely fruit mingle with a dusty old wood plank… prunes and lemon meringue pie with a thick, flaky crust. Completely turned a page into a beautiful vanilla aroma as I get towards the bottom of the glass. Empty glass has a rich fresh leather aroma with a hint of chocolate.
Palate: Yow! Big proofy punch like taking a shot with that warm chest hug that always follows. Mellows into a pool of caramel and a linger of pepper. Another sip is more of that rich orange sweetness from the nose, layered into smooth vanilla bean. With cloves leading at times, it's zesty and powerful. This one brings quite the party. All throughout after a little oxidation is infinite layers of sweet crème brûlée. The linger is impossibly long. A bold and unforgettable pour.
Rating: 4/5
