Blue Note 17
Overall Score: 8/10
Overall Value: 3.25/5
Distillery: Unspecified
Classification: Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Blue River Distilling
Release Date: Fall 2022
Proof: 98.3
Age: 17 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Amber
MSRP: $150
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Blue Note 17 Straight Bourbon Whiskey presents an excellent variety of flavors that pull you in from the first nosing to the final sip. The nose is a great blend of deep red fruits and subtle oak, bringing to mind memories of Snickers bars and Sugar Baby's candy. There are also notes of caramel, chocolate, and butterscotch pie.
On the palate, you’ll get flavors that remind you of a Milky Way, with caramel and chocolate alongside bright red fruits, while the oak remains surprisingly restrained for its 17 years of aging. The mouthfeel is excellent, and the changing flavors are reminiscent of the rich aromas found in the rickhouse of a whiskey distillery. As you take additional sips, hints of cherry vanilla Dr Pepper, and eggnog add seasonal warmth and depth.
However, after all this complexity, the finish leaves you wishing for more — though there are some lingering notes of caramel and vanilla.
Blue Note 17 Bourbon is a testament to craftsmanship, deserving of its place on the shelf for those celebratory moments. Though its availability may be scarce, the pursuit is worthwhile for its quality and character.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 8.5/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Red fruit and maple syrup.
The oak note is not as strong as you'd expect for a bourbon aged 17 years.
Sweet goodness!
THE TASTE:
The oak is the first flavor to make an appearance, but it is super sweet and there is a lot of flavor.
The mouthfeel is also quite good. It has some really strong rickhouse notes if you’ve ever taken a tour of a whiskey distillery and been able to smell where they keep the barrels.
Towards the end, I get cherry vanilla Dr Pepper, along with eggnog around Christmas time.
THE FINISH:
The eggnog flavor continues to build, but the oak notes return along with some vanilla.
I would like the finish to be longer, but the flavor is great!
BUY OR PASS?
The oak is present through all aspects of this pour, BUT, it's not dry and the sweetness is the priority.
There is tons of flavor for the proof. Blue Note 17 is a bourbon you’d be proud to have on the shelf and break out only for special occasions.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
You’ll know this is a special pour from the nose. I initially got a whiff of deep red fruits mingling with the subtle oakiness – but not overpowered considering the 17 years of aging.
Another nose brought to mind the creamy center of a Snickers bar, with just a hint of peanut, nothing too overwhelming (thankfully!).
And as I kept nosing I got notes of sugar baby's candy, caramel, chocolate, and even a touch of butterscotch pie.
The best part of the pour for sure, and be patient — take time to experience all there is to offer!
THE TASTE:
Imagine biting into a Milky Way, that perfect blend of caramel and chocolate, with a sprinkle of cinnamon for good measure.
And those bright red fruits carry through in a great way.
To my surprise, I didn’t get much oak at all — which gives this pour higher marks from me!
THE FINISH:
Definite notes of caramel, but darn it, it's gone too soon! That's the only downside of this pour — not much complexity.
The finish is a bit of a letdown after the amazing nose and taste.
BUY OR PASS?
Blue Note 17 Bourbon is for sure special. It drinks high-end and it’s the kind of pour you break out for those extra-special occasions.
Just a heads up though – finding this gem might be tougher than you’d like. But if you do stumble upon it or can snag a pour at a bar, trust me, it's worth it. You won't be disappointed!
