Blue Note Honey Showdown: Bourbon vs. Rye
Honey whiskey is taking over the shelves in 2025. Blue Note is leading the way with two big releases. They have a Honey Bourbon and a Honey Rye. Many people wonder which bottle is worth their money. Both bottles use high quality whiskey and local honey. This makes for a very sweet and smooth drink. But there are big differences between the two. One is warm and soft while the other is spicy and bold. Choosing the right one depends on what you like to taste in your glass.
The Story Behind Blue Note Honey Whiskey
Blue Note is known for making great whiskey in Memphis. They like to try new things with their finishes. Honey finishing is a slow process. They take empty barrels and coat them with honey. The whiskey sits in these barrels for a long time. It picks up the sweetness from the honey. It also keeps the strong flavors of the charred wood. This creates a drink that is much better than a cheap flavored liqueur.
In 2025, the brand decided to give fans two choices. They kept the classic bourbon base but added a rye option. Rye whiskey has a very different personality than bourbon. This showdown helps you decide which path to take. Both bottles look great on a bar. They have the classic Blue Note label with a golden touch.
Breaking Down the Honey Bourbon
The Blue Note Honey Bourbon is the classic choice. Bourbon is made mostly from corn. This makes the base whiskey naturally sweet. When you add honey to bourbon, it doubles down on those sugary notes. It is a very friendly drink. New whiskey drinkers often find this bottle easy to enjoy. It does not have a harsh burn.
What the Honey Bourbon Tastes Like
When you smell the bourbon, you get a lot of vanilla. It smells like a fresh dessert. There is a hint of toasted oak underneath the sugar. The honey comes through right away on the first sip. It feels thick and oily on the tongue.
Flavor Profile for Honey Bourbon:
- Main Notes: Vanilla, caramel, and wildflower honey.
- Background: Light oak and a touch of corn sweetness.
- Texture: Smooth and very coating.
The finish is short and sweet. It does not linger too long with heat. Instead, it leaves a taste of honey candy. This makes it a great choice for sipping neat after dinner. It also works well if you want a sweet drink without adding mixers.
Shifting Gears to the Honey Rye
The Blue Note Honey Rye is the more daring choice. Rye whiskey is made from rye grain. This gives the whiskey a spicy and peppery kick. Many people think rye is too bold. However, the honey changes the game. The sweetness of the honey fights the spice of the rye. They balance each other out in a way that the bourbon does not.
Why Rye Works with Honey
Rye can sometimes be dry or sharp. The honey finish rounds off those sharp edges. It makes the rye feel much more approachable. If you find the bourbon too sweet, the rye might be your favorite. It has more depth. You get the sugar from the honey, but you also get the heat from the grain.
Flavor Profile for Honey Rye:
- Main Notes: Black pepper, cinnamon, and dark honey.
- Background: Mint, dill, and charred wood.
- Texture: Crisp but balanced with a velvety finish.
The rye smells different too. It has a herbal scent. You might smell mint or even a little bit of pine. These smells mix with the honey to create something complex. It is not just a sugar bomb. It is a well rounded spirit.
Side by Side Comparison
It helps to see how these two stack up against each other. They both come from the same brand. They both use the same honey process. But they are for two different types of drinkers.
| Feature | Honey Bourbon | Honey Rye |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Grain | Corn | Rye |
| Sweetness Level | Very High | Moderate |
| Spice Level | Low | High |
| Best For | Beginners / Dessert lovers | Experienced drinkers / Cocktail fans |
| Mouthfeel | Syrupy and thick | Bold and tingly |
How to Enjoy Your Blue Note Honey
There are many ways to drink these bottles. You do not have to just pour them in a glass. Because they are so sweet, they act like a built-in syrup. This makes them very fun to use in the kitchen or at the bar.
Drinking It Neat or on Ice
Most fans will drink these neat. This means drinking it at room temperature with no ice. This lets you taste every bit of the honey. If the bourbon feels too sweet, add a large ice cube. The cold water will cut the sugar. It also opens up the oak flavors. The rye is excellent on ice because the cold calms the pepper notes.
Making Better Cocktails
These bottles make easy cocktails. You can make an Old Fashioned without adding extra sugar. Just add a few dashes of bitters and an orange peel. The honey in the whiskey does the rest of the work.
- The Bourbon Old Fashioned: Use the honey bourbon for a very rich drink.
- The Rye Manhattan: Use the honey rye for a spicy and complex drink.
- Honey Ginger Highball: Mix either bottle with ginger ale and lime.
The honey rye is especially good with ginger. The spice of the ginger matches the spice of the rye grain. It makes a very refreshing drink for a hot day.
Which One Wins the Showdown?
The "better" bottle is a matter of your own taste. There is no single winner for everyone. In 2025, whiskey fans are looking for unique flavors. Both of these bottles provide that.
The Honey Bourbon is the winner for people who love sweets. If you like rum or sweet wine, you will love this. It is easy to drink and very relaxing. It feels like a treat at the end of a long day. It is the safe bet if you are buying a gift for someone.
The Honey Rye is the winner for people who want a challenge. It is for the person who likes a lot of flavor. It is not just sweet. It is spicy, herbal, and woody. It has more "whiskey" character than the bourbon version. If you usually drink your whiskey neat and like a bit of a burn, pick the rye.
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Releases
Blue Note did a great job with these two bottles. They did not just make one honey whiskey and stop. They gave drinkers a choice between two different grains. This shows that they care about the craft of whiskey making.
The honey trend is not going away. Using real honey barrels makes a big difference in quality. You can taste the hard work in every sip. Whether you pick the bourbon or the rye, you are getting a top-tier spirit.
If you can find both, try them side by side. It is a fun way to learn about how grains affect flavor. You might be surprised by which one you like more. The rye often wins over people who think they only like bourbon.
Which bottle would you rather have on your shelf? Both offer a unique take on a classic flavor. Grab a bottle, pour a glass, and enjoy the sweet side of Memphis whiskey. Be sure to share your favorite with friends and see which one they pick in their own honey showdown.