Blue Note Straight Rye Whiskey Review

Distillery: Undisclosed Kentucky Distillery

Proof: 93.0 (46.5% ABV)

Age: Minimum of Three Years

Mashbill: 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley

MSRP: $35

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A Mild-Mannered Rye with Everyday Appeal

Blue Note Straight Rye Whiskey, an accessible and value-minded craft whiskey.  Produced from a high-rye mashbill (95% rye, 5% malted barley) and distilled at an undisclosed Kentucky distillery, the whiskey is then aged and bottled in Memphis, Tennessee by B.R. Distilling.  Known for its growing portfolio of sourced and finished expressions, Blue Note has built a reputation for offering approachable value conscious whiskeys.

This straight rye carries no age statement but is believed to be over three years old.  Bottled at 93 proof, it reflects a softer, more rounded profile than some more brass and bold rye expressions in the same price bracket.  While many 95/5 ryes lean into a sharp citrus and aggressive spice, Blue Note seems to rely on restraint not intensity.  The approach may turn off purists seeking a punchier rye.

Blue Note Straight Rye Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4/5

The Nose opens with herbal tea and sweet spearmint, quickly joined by fresh dill and honey notes.  A touch of oak helps give it a somewhat soft and welcoming profile.

Palate – 3.6/5

On the Palate, it leans toward mildly sweet mint, white pepper, and dried citrus.  Mid-palate has light caramel notes along with green apple tartness.  A touch thin in mouthfeel, but overall pleasantly drinkable.

Finish – 3.6/5

The Finish is clean and herbal, with licorice and black tea on the exit. There’s a lingering grassy sweetness as the Finish fades more quickly than expected.

Value – 4.2/5

At an MSRP of $35, Blue Note Straight Rye delivers an everyday value in the high-rye category.  While it doesn’t offer the depth or proof of some, it brings a consistent and mellow profile that makes it an easy sipper and an excellent candidate for cocktails.  For those exploring rye for the first time, this expression provides a friendly on-ramp.

Blue Note Straight Rye Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Approachable, herbal, and well-positioned, Blue Note Straight Rye meet expectations.  If you’re seeking a bold rye experience, this will leave you wanting more.  But for a midproof, modestly aged rye with solid character and exceptional value, it’s a smart value and addition to any shelf. Shop now.

Verdict – 3.9/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3