Distillery: Bluegrass Distillers
Proof: 125
Age: At least 2 years
Mashbill: 75% blue corn, 21% wheat, 4% malted barley
BACKGROUND: Bluegrass distillery was first established in 2012, where the Kentucky natives went to work and brought a new standard of grain to glass, hand mashing each ounce of grain by hand. In 2015 the distillery opened their doors to the public releasing the first few expressions after 3 long years. The mash bill for the blue corn bourbon started as an experiment, when interns from the University of Kentucky worked to create something different from the rest. The distillery decided to go with the blue corn mash because of the subtle taste and floral notes that came from the un-aged spirit. Bluegrass Distillers continued to grow, joining the Kentucky Distillers Organization in 2014 & were added to the Craft Bourbon Trail just a short year ago.
NOSE: Bluegrass Blue Corn whiskey opens up with a very bold yet welcoming nose. The blue corn immediately fills your senses mixed with notes of brown sugar, toffee, and molasses. As the warm and sweet flavors mingle, a strong wave of ethanol closes it out, reminding you of the of the 125 proof. (21/25)
PALATE: As you take the first sip, the creamy dram coats your mouth with an intense corn spice that immediately makes your mouth tingle as if you were chewing on black pepper. As the spice settles down smokey flavors of tobacco, charred oak, burnt cinnamon, and earthy grains. (33/40)
FINISH: As the dark flavors mellow a roasted barley flavor comes to the forefront, lined with flavors of tobacco, charred oak, corn , with a delightful undertone of cinnamon spice. (22/25)
VALUE: For $60 this is a great buy if you are a fan of smokey whiskey or scotch, loaded with flavor, but lined with a terrific bite. (7/10)
Overall: 83/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Bluegrass Blue Corn whiskey is a delicious whiskey that is quite unique. The flavor ranges from dark spice and heavy smoke, but not in an overpowering way, compared to the sweeter notes that show from start to finish.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Larceny Barrel Proof C920
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Oceanside Cask Strength Bourbon
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Maker's Mark Cask Strength
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away
