Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Proof: 93
Age: NAS (6-8 years)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
BACKGROUND: Blanton's brand was launched in 1984 under the guidance of the distillery's master distiller Elmer T. Lee, as the first modern bourbon brand marketed as a single barrel bourbon. Each bottling batch is produced from the contents of only one particular aging barrel – not mixed with whiskey from any other. Each is dumped by hand without using machinery. It is aged in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace, which is the only metal-cladded warehouse at Buffalo Trace and was commissioned for construction by Albert B. Blanton, shortly after the end of the Prohibition era. Being metal, the warehouse transfers heat quicker than brick warehouses, which allows for more rapid aging.
NOSE: You’re greeted with a spicy citrus smell followed by strong scents of vanilla & cinnamon, very welcoming. (22/25)
PALATE: A warm caramel orange flavor immediately coats your entire mouth the second you take your first sip. The back end brings a vanilla spice that fades into a delicious sweet oak. (35/40)
FINISH: You are left with a delightful burnt vanilla with hints of caramel that fades away with medium heat common with most single barrel bourbons. (22/25)
VALUE: Blanton’s is not too overpriced if you can find it at it’s MSRP of $55 or find it at all. We would pay up to $65 (8/10)
Overall: 87/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: An absolute staple in the whiskey community and for good reason. You can’t go wrong with a bottle of Blantons.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: E. H. Taylor Single Barrel
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Henry McKenna 10 Year
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Jefferson’s Ocean Voyage 20
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away
