I've been flirting with a bottle of the Reserve that's been on my grocery store's shelf for a while. The price point has made me hesitate, however... not really knowing a lot about these. I read that these Nelson Brothers are replacing the Belle Meade that I, too, enjoyed last year and would have bought again. So I am glad I watched your review, because - as you pointed out - there are so many other more established brands that I am interested in, at the moment, that give me the full story. So I will put these on-hold for now.
The classic is not available anywhere in Maryland, that I've seen. The reserve seems to be available almost everywhere, prices range from $54 to $74. Nice stuff, could use some refinement.
Thanks for another informative and honest review! I typically shy away from sourced or NDP bourbon/whiskey. There are just too many good choices out there that are typically less money.
The Greenbrier is surprisingly good, great flavors and quality. I've been stocking up. Here in Maryland it was 28.99 but area wide prices now at 34.99. Its a super whiskey at either price.
Thanks for the information and video Jason… Bu the way way off topic but…. Try the Lost Monarch Cask Strength again… Damn it has opened up and is freaking delicious!!!
Excellent review. Spot on about both bottles! I agree! I am a big fan of cask strength and high proof, but I like the Classic better than the reserve, so that really tells you the Reserve isn't very good for a higher proof. The Classic had more good flavor even though it has more water. Reserve was too oaky.
Jason! First of all, don't apologize for how you pronounce caramel. Both are correct. Just go with what you feel. Second - I totally agree about Nelson Bros. Belle Meade Reserve is absolutely killer and I think this is a step in the wrong direction. But even at $35-40 for a bourbon of unknown origin, I'd much rather have some thing like Wild Turkey 101 at $25. And if we're rolling the dice on whiskeys of unknown origin, I'd go with Bradshaw Bourbon at 104 proof and only $37 every day. It's totally underrated and in the world of "craft" whiskeys (let alone overpriced so-called "celebrity" whiskeys) it's really hard to beat. I'd put it up there with Remus picks from MGP at around the same proof, but those are closer to $50-60.
Had a chance to do the distillery tour in December. Great tour, great people. Bought a couple of bottles of the Reserve. Actually preferred it over the Bellmeade.
Was disappointed with these and much prefer the Belle Meade options as well. Although that is a bit apples to oranges since it's MGP vs some other source /blend. As I understand the Nelson lines have some of their own distillate blended in. Thankfully I'm in middle Tennessee so I can find the Belle Meade in any liquor store.
Had the classic for 29 turtle hairs not bad thought it was solid but thought it should be around 25 but still think 101 and wheel horse beet beats it for the price
Nelson Bros Reserve is decent, but considering its replacing Belle Meade AND its still sourced it just begs the question as to why they are discontinuing Belle Meade and not just adding Nelson Bros to the lineup.
I was wondering!! When is Jason C going to dive back into the delicious scotch world?? I still say you NEED to try the Higland Cask Strength. They're all amazing 😮
Looking forward to your head to head against Belle Meade. Sad to see a long term favorite get cancelled like Belle Meade was. Going from the national stage to just the distillery is almost a death sentence for the brand. But to take BM away and replace it with inferior product is ridiculous
Belle Meade juice is much better . I don't care so much about the source as long as the juice is tasty etc. I live here in Nashville, and not a fan of Nelson products . I may buy up some BM to store ,it's never been a staple for me because there are better bourbons out there.
