Blanton's Straight from the Barrel | Single Barrel Bourbon Review
Company: Blanton's Distilling Company owned by The Sazerac Company
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Proof: 128.8 Proof (Cask Strength)
Mash bill: Buffalo Trace High Rye (12-15%) Mashbill #2, At least 51% corn, Malted Barley
Age: NAS but probably around 8-9 years old
MSRP: $120
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Fool Proof Rating and Summary of Tasting Notes
Color: Deep copper
Nose: Vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, black cherry, a little heat
Palate: Dark chocolate, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, black cherry.
Finish: Very nice long finish that ends with dark chocolate, vanilla and dry oak
Feel: High viscosity with a nice mouth coating
See below for an in-depth review.
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For all my tastings I use either the Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass or a traditional Glencairn glass. They both are great for nosing and help in discerning more subtle notes.
In-Depth Review of Blanton's Straight from the Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
In 1984, Elmer T. Lee revolutionized the bourbon world by creating a single-barrel version named after former distillery president Colonel Blanton, who would often handpick special barrels from Warehouse H to share with others. Fast-forward decades later and you have one of the most established award-winning bourbons on the market - Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbons.
Blanton's Straight from the Barrel is a single-barrel bourbon produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery. The secret lies in the proprietary sour Mash Bill #2 used in its production, which uses a high rye ratio (12%-15%). This same mash bill is used by Buffalo Trace for all of Blanton's products, Elmer T. Lee and Rock Hill Farms as well as a few others.
This particular mash bill gives the bourbon a distinct and slightly spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons. The Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for its attention to detail and craftsmanship, which is reflected in the quality of Blanton's Straight from the Barrel.
Blanton's Straight from the barrel takes everything that is good about the original Blanton's Bourbon and just makes it better! With a 128.8-proof rating, this limited-edition spirit is highly sought-after among connoisseurs everywhere for its robust flavor profile that definitely impressed me.
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is a solid choice for any bourbon drinker, but if you're looking for something truly special, the Straight from the Barrel is a must have. As someone who has tried the original and found it a bit lacking in terms of flavor and excitement, the Straight from the Barrel version is bold and packed with flavor.
The balance of flavors is remarkable, with tasting notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak all present in perfect harmony. While I'm not here to push you towards any particular brand, I would highly recommend giving this one a try if you're a fan of bourbon.
This bottle of Blantons Straight from the Barrel single barrel bourbon from the Buffalo Trace Distillery was taken from warehouse H, rick number 14, barrel number 67, and was dumbed 10-19-2020
Nose
The first step in experiencing Blanton's Straight from the Barrel is to indulge in the olfactory pleasure it provides. Upon nosing the whiskey, you are greeted with a strong presence of caramel, vanilla, and dark chocolate. The sweetness of the caramel and vanilla, along with the subtler notes of black cherry, is beautifully balanced with just a hint of heat that manages to cut through the sweetness without being overpowering.
Palate
Indulgence in flavor is where Blanton's Straight from the Barrel shines. The palate is greeted with a rich, complex symphony of dark chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, with a delightful spice from the cinnamon and a faint, beckoning smokiness from the toasted oak. The initial sip may feel a touch hot on the tongue, but the heat quickly subsides, leaving you to explore the layers of flavor in this big, bold whiskey.
Finish
The finish of a bourbon is an ode to its character, and Blanton's Straight from the Barrel delivers with a final act that echoes the notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and the tannic endnote of dry oak. The finish is long and languorous, deserving of the time and attention to fully appreciate as it lingers on the palate.
Feel
It has a highly viscous feel with a nice, warm mouth coating.
Overall
Blanton's Straight from the Barrel stands as a testament to the art of bourbon making, offering an experience that is as rich and complex as its flavor profile. From the initial aroma to the lingering finish, every sip invites you into a world of exquisite tastes and textures. Its warming embrace and intricate layers of flavor make it not just a drink, but an adventure for the senses. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of bourbon, this Blanton's expression is an exceptional choice that promises to deliver satisfaction in every drop. In sum, it encapsulates everything that makes bourbon beloved around the world: tradition, complexity, and a timeless quality that beckons you back for another taste.
Other Buffalo Trace bourbons that use the same proprietary sour mash bill #2 as Blantons Straight from the Barrel include Blanton's Single Barrel, Blanton's Gold Edition, Rock Hill Farms, and Elmer T. Lee.
I'm giving this a Fool-Proof Rating of 89%.
Check out my review of Blanton's Gold Edition
Check out my review of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel here.
Check out my review of Eagle Rare 17 Year here also from Buffalo Trace Distillery
Check out my review of Van Winkle 12 Year Lot B here also from Buffalo Trace Distillery
Use my exclusive Caskers.com discount code: WHISKEYFOOL10 to receive $10 off qualifying* orders. Copy and paste to use at checkout.
*$100 or more
I would love to hear from you! Drop me a comment below and let me know what you think of this whiskey.
Below are my favorite glasses for doing tastings. The Libbey Signature Kentucky Bourbon Trail Whiskey Glass is my favorite because it has a little more heft to it and feels better in my hand than the traditional Glencairn glass does.
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