For its third annual release, Memphis‑based Blue Note has crafted a bourbon that reads like a love letter to cask finishing. The Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey is built on a base of Blue Note’s flagship liquid, aged in new oak for at least five years.

That whiskey is then finished in nine different casks—cognac, madeira, sherry, port, sauternes, muscat and other fortified wines—drawing out layers of flavor that wouldn’t develop in a single barrel. The result is bottled at 119 proof (59.5 percent ABV), giving the blend enough weight to carry its rich finish.

Flavor notes lean toward molasses, cedar and clove on the nose, with dried apricot and fig on the palate. A hint of peanut and vanilla shows the spirit’s bourbon core, while allspice and honey linger on the finish. Only 2,100 bottles will be released this year at $149.99 for a 750 ml bottle, emphasizing the rarity of the expression.

According to Blue Note, each annual release experiments with different finishing regimes while maintaining the integrity of its base whiskey. This year’s nine‑cask blend is designed to appeal to enthusiasts of fortified‑wine‑finished spirits without overwhelming the whiskey’s inherent character. The bottles will be available for purchase through select retailers and via the brand’s website.

Enthusiasts who appreciate a cognac cask finish, a touch of madeira or the spice of sherry will find that Blue Note’s Special Reserve captures the best of each while standing firmly as a 119‑proof bourbon.