Blanton’s brings a powerful and elite name for whiskey drinker’s to the table. Though the MSRP isn’t extreme, the whiskey itself generally isn’t widely available in retail outlets. While not impossible to find, it is generally much easier to procure on secondary markets where the price may be 3 or 4 times MSRP. Obviously, the demand for this product is high and continues to build on its popularity.

The distillery resides in Frankfurt, Kentucky, and is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. As such, the Sazerac Company produces it and ultimately markets it but does not retain ownership. That belongs to Age International, a sort of murky Japanese international holding company. Either way, beyond ownership other aspects such as mash bill also remain ensconced. The age also isn’t listed but rather determined by the master distiller on a case by case basis. Finally, one thing that is definite is the proof at 93 (46.5% ABV). Despite the mysterious background, I’ve been looking to review this one for quite some time. Now on to the Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon review!

Appearance

Blanton’s protrudes an oak coloring in the bottle accompanied with a burnt orange highlight. In the glass it retains the coloring, and demonstrates a noticeable thickness. Giving it a swirl allows for slow forming beads with varied timing on descent that leave very long legs. It portrays a classic bourbon look and coloring. The bottle itself heightens the allure with its shape and pattern, along with the classic font of the script. Finally, don’t forget to save the stopper on top. There are 8 in total each including a letter. The final and most elusive is the ‘S’ which means the race is finished victoriously.

Nose

Blanton’s introduces itself with a drying and pungent effect. Initially a distinct oak appears but fades into a broader wood profile in general. Immediately following this red cherries emerge mixed with hints of raspberry that adds a mild bitterness. Lurking within the middle sits a dull brown leather leads to a full Madagascar vanilla bean bloom. Deep within the melange a piercing tinge of peppermint shyly jabs the nose and then dissipates as the sharpness dulls out. Overall the nose is rather varied, layered, smooth and complex. Some surprises and interesting turns round out a classic yet intriguing profile.

Palate

This bourbon makes an astringent entrance into the mouth. Upfront a smoky cloud wafts through and reveals a fortified iron essence underneath. As the smoke and iron fade away, a slow yet strong molasses profile seeps in. Accompanying this is a mild spice that eventually gains prominence in the form of coriander mixed with black pepper corn. Hints of clover appear toward the end as does sweet corn. The palate meanders slowly but somewhat methodically through a wide range of flavors. It’s easy yet alert, calm but confident with the body of a seductive dancer.

Finish

Moving into the finish, the earlier mild spice begins a full on press. However, it tends toward a distinct ginger profile here. Beyond this it moves into butterscotch that at first dominates but then gently lingers. It’s this sweetness that it fades to finish with leaving a silky feeling. It’s an easy and lengthy finish that’s simple but satisfying leaving a good memory on the way out.

Drinkability

Drink Blanton’s on ice or neat. Adding ice or a splash of water unlocks a syrupy and decadent orange flavor. Interestingly, a citrus profile doesn’t accompany it making it more candied than fruity. Graham cracker also comes through adding rotundity. Drink Blanton’s while listening to slow jazz acoustic guitar and allow each note to resonate throughout the entire body.

Food Pairing

Anything going with Blanton’s should be classy and timeless yet equally as flavorful. Serve a glazed duck spread over with orange marmalade.

Facial Hair Rating

Blanton’s receives the Ducktail Facial Hair Rating. Classic and refined yet somewhat reclusive and mysterious. The Ducktail radiates the sense of a dusty historian with a murky, rumored background – perhaps a war hero or even a war criminal, maybe somewhere in between.

Overall

To conclude Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon review – thank you for the brief romance. Blanton’s holds a sort of mystique due to its quality but also due to the elusiveness. Perhaps the two qualities inflate the other, though it is difficult to say which ones leads. Nevertheless, when the opportunity to pick up a bottle of Blanton’s presents itself it is certainly worth it. Each aspect from the appearance through the finish produces a flirtatious classiness. The nose leads off some playful surprises leading to a standard but refined and sensual palate. The finish drags on forever allowing for deep contemplation. The body is very smooth and the flavors the pop out do so effectively and at times perfectly. Both gentle and calm yet aspects of brisk hurriedness, it’s enough to suit most occasions from reflective solitude to dinner parties with friends. If there were any complaints they would center on the lack of uniqueness found in the profile. However, that’s a problem easily resolved when it’s done this well.

Final Grade: A

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