The Bourbon Mixology Experience at Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery near Nashville is something everyone should try, especially if you have a penchant for history.
My friends and I recently made the most of the experience when we were fortunate to be the lone foursome in the hour-long tasting and lesson.
We began with a nice stroll across the beautiful grounds of Belle Meade – a historic 19th-century thoroughbred horse farm.
The Bell Meade Winery now directly supports the preservation of the Belle Meade Historic Site, offering tours, wine tastings, and pairings that educate visitors on the property’s history. The winery draws inspiration from the site’s original agricultural roots.
Our leisurely walk took us to the refurbished, round ice house dating back to the 1820s.
Belle Meade bourbon expert Becky Yannayon led us into the unique facility where we all relaxed in the plush leather armchairs lining the stone walls.
We began our “Mixology Experience” with a tasting of the various Belle Meade bourbons as Yannayon shared the history and recipies that allowed us to better recognize the bold, smooth, and complex flavor notes.
Yannayon was excellent at involving us as she provided a personal education of the science of bourbon and distilling with ease and without pretense. She weaved in stories of the property, the horses, the barrels and the bourbon into one fascinating tale mixed with samples of the flagship Belle Meade Bourbon and the Belle Meade Reserve.
We were then invited to the center of the room where we could siphon some bourbon from the small barrel as Yannayon introduced us to a variety of flavors for us to access to create our own cocktails.
We made a variety of old fashions, mint juleps, and original cocktails from the vast assortment of combinations available to us.
My personal favorite was the Belle Meade Reserve Bourbon I tasted neat. It had strong notes of vanilla, brown sugar and oak combining with cherry and other fruity scents.
I’m a Makers Mark guy at heart, but found Belle Meade Reserve enjoyable. Even moreso, the mixology class was outstanding and one I would recommend to all.
