Our Bourbon for today’s tasting, Nelson Brother’s Reserve, comes by way of our friend Dave, who, while a lover of Bourbon and tequila, did not want to be part of the tasting. Thanks, Dave!!
Surprisingly, up to this time, Talking Bourbon had not heard of Nelson Brothers, nor of the Tennessee-based Nelson Green Briar Distillery. from their website “Andy and Charlie Nelson are of one mind about the whiskey that bears their name.” They launched Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery to offer modern whiskey lovers a line of products that reveres the standards of quality and integrity established by their great-great-great grandfather Charles Nelson, who founded the family distillery in 1860.” Never heard of him either.
Nelson Brothers Reserve comes in an average-looking corked bottle, sells for around $60 for the 750ml, is available at most liquor stores, and is bottled at 107.8 proof. We could not find an age statement on the bottle, on the website, or on the internet. But it states on the bottle that it is a blend of straight Bourbon whiskeys, so it has to be at least 4 years in the barrel.
As a rule, we are a little skeptical of newbies jumping into the market, especially if we have never heard of the distillery. But we promised Dave to keep an open mind, so without further ado.
NOSE
Todd: Apple, wood, and chocolate come first with some mint, smoke, and grain bringing up the secondary aromas. With ice, I get some caramel.
Matt: A strong caramel aroma jumps out, behind that is oak, pepper, plum, and leather. Also, get a hint of a fruity earthiness. Ice didn’t really change anything for me.
TASTE
Todd: I know this is a thing now with these high-proof offerings, but call me a wuss, or weak or whatever, but this is just way too hot and harsh neat. I really couldn’t taste anything over the heat. However, once a couple of cubes had almost completely melted, I did get a nice blend of rye, chocolate, fruit, and nuts.
Matt: Even though it was very hot neat, I was able to get a good spice taste upfront followed by corn, grain, and chocolate. Definitely better with some ice or water.
FINISH
Todd: Long and hot with a little spiciness.
Matt: Medium long, and yes, hot. Not much else.
OVERALL
Todd: While it did get better with some water and had a decent nose, I didn’t find it that compelling. There were just not enough flavors to justify the price.
Matt: I agree, not very complex. Actually, kind of boring.
Nose 4.25 out of 5
Taste 7 out of 10
Finish 3.75 out of 5
Total score 15 out of 20 barrels
Well, our skepticism for new offerings from distillers we have not heard of was rewarded. It seems that the main thing going for Nelson Brother’s Reserve Bourbon is its heat. It is not that it is bad by any means, but we feel there are quite a few Bourbons and ryes out there that are just as good if not a lot better at a lower price point.
Final verdict, not a very exciting Bourbon and probably not worth the price tag. Having said that, it is not like $60 in today’s Bourbon world is that extravagant. If you like your drink to be on the hot side, or if you like pairing it with a strong mixer, think Coke, you should give it a try. In the end, though, Nelson Brother’s Reserve was just not our cup of tea, or Bourbon for that matter.