Review #: 185
Description: Blanton’s Single Barrel (Blind)
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: I previously reviewed Blanton’s back on review #30. It is a single barrel product though so always a chance for a different experience. This was also provided blind from a friend so another good test for a review. The bottle was labeled “baba yaga” which after I learned is in reference to the John Wick movies where he drinks Blanton’s. I hadn’t seen the movies so the reference went right over my head. This comes from Warehouse H (like all Blanton’s), Rick #49, and Barrel #649.
Distillery – Buffalo Trace
Bottler – Buffalo Trace
Brand – Blanton’s
Selection – N/A
ABV – 46.5%
Age – NAS
Nose – Sweet cornbread, bright cherry, raspberry, sourdough, rye spice
Taste – Sweet fruit juice: grape, apple, berry. Light caramel sweetness
Finish – Barrel and rye spices, hot cinnamon, tobacco, black pepper, cooked apples, toasted bread.
Guess: Bourbon, maybe 4-6 years, 50-55%?
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? Yes, at MSRP
Thoughts:
This came off as a pretty solid bourbon, with maybe a solid rye percentage. The taste was straight fruit juice which was a nice departure from the norm while also being tasty. Lots of spice and warmth on the finish without being overwhelming.
Post Reveal: Ah, looking back, my previous review had lots of fruit notes and I did hit having a decent amount of rye. It was tasty and I stand by Blanton’s being solid as much as it’s hyped up to be. Just don’t pay over retail.