Nelson Brothers Cognac Cask Whiskey Review

Distillery: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery—Nashville, TN

Proof: 96.7 (48.35% ABV)

Age: Undisclosed

Mashbill: 64% Corn, 27% Rye, 9% Malted Barley

MSRP: $75

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Well Meaning Attempt.  Lacks Depth.

Nelson Bros. continues to explore secondary finishing as a way to expand their bourbon range, and this Cognac Cask Finished expression is intriguing.  Bottled at 96.7 proof, the whiskey begins with a sourced bourbon base—rumored to be a wheated mash bill—that is then rested in former cognac barrels.  The finishing cask would predictably bring fruit-forward notes along with an elegant sweetness layered over the bourbon’s core profile.  At $75, it enters the premium finished bourbon category, where there are high expectations for distinction.  Let’s see how this one stacks up, in the glass….

Nelson Brothers Cognac Cask Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 3.75/5

Ripe stone fruit.  Toasted almond .  Cocoa puffs.
Strengths:   Pleasant fruit and nut character that reflects the cognac influence.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Nose is a bit muted at times.  Lacks the depth expected for the price point.
Rating Justification: Enjoyable, though not especially layered.

Palate – 3.5/5

Golden raisin.  Baked pear.  Vanilla cream.

Strengths:  Gentle fruit-forward profile with a soft sweetness that is easy to sip.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Mid-Palate thins out and doesn’t carry the complexity.  Perhaps higher proof might elevate it.
Rating Justification:  Balanced but somewhat subdued.

Finish – 3.5/5

Light oak.  Dried apricot.  Gentle spice.
Strengths:  A smooth and soft close that briefly lingers.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Falls well short on complexity.
Rating Justification:  Decent and forgettable.

Value – 3.25/5

At $75, this is priced in a competitive tier.  While the cognac finish provides some added character, the whiskey lacks the impact and staying power that other finished bourbons deliver at or below this price point.

Nelson Brothers Cognac Cask Whiskey Review: The Verdict

Nelson Bros Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon is pleasant enough with a soft layered pour that highlights fruit tones from the cognac barrels.  While the Finish adds a touch of distinction, the whiskey doesn’t quite rise to the level expected at its price point or proof.  Enthusiasts looking for depth and boldness may feel it leaves something on the table.

Verdict – 3.6/5

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