B.R. Distilling Company has released the third annual edition of its Blue Note Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-release blend finished in nine different casks. The Memphis-based distillery bottled approximately 2,100 bottles of the expression at 119 proof (59.5% ABV), now available online and in select U.S. states at a suggested retail price of $149.99 per 750ml bottle.
The blend draws from Kentucky and Tennessee casks ranging in age from five to 19 years with varying mashbills. The nine finishing casks include cognac, madeira, sherry, port, vino de Naranja, vanilla cognac, apricot brandy, cognac, and winter bock.
Official tasting notes from the brand describe a nose of light molasses layered over dry cedar and gentle clove spice. The palate is rich and savory, led by cedar and warming spice, unfolding into dried apricot, allspice, peanut, and vanilla, before a soft finish that lingers warmly.
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READ THE STORY“Each year, we evaluate a wide range of variants before selecting the blend that best showcases how the barrels have evolved and the distinct character each cask contributes,” said Logan Welk, president and COO of B.R. Distilling Company.
“Every release is crafted to explore the outer limits of blending, while ensuring the integrity of our high-quality bourbon base remains at the forefront—complementing, rather than overpowering, the nuanced influence of each cask,” Welk added.
The Special Reserve joins a growing roster of limited-release offerings from Blue Note Bourbon, including Premium Small Batch, Single Barrel Reserve, a 17-year expression, and a recent Honey Rye and Honey Bourbon Cask.
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Blue Note’s whiskey is distilled in Kentucky and aged north of downtown Memphis, where the Mississippi and Wolf Rivers converge. The company says the city’s long, hot summers and cooler evenings force the whiskey deep into the oak.
Founded in 2014, B.R. Distilling Company is the oldest licensed distillery in Memphis. Its flagship portfolio includes Juke Joint ($34.99), Crossroads ($44.99), Uncut ($49.99), and Straight Rye Whiskey ($34.99).
The brand’s flagship range has earned significant competition recognition. At the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, both Juke Joint and Crossroads received Platinum medals, an honor awarded to expressions that achieve Double Gold medals for three consecutive years.
Bottles of the 2026 Special Reserve are available for purchase at BlueNoteBourbon.com and across more than 20 U.S. states where the brand is distributed.
