Newest Bourbon Review: Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

The date is 9-24-2011 and this bottle has been shared with one of my most trusted and loyal friends, my father. There is a long story that takes us back to the summer that he and I traveled around KY visiting a number of Bourbon distilleries (i.e. The Bourbon Trail) but, perhaps we can leave that for another time. Blanton’s Single Barrel has been dubbed one of the finest bourbons; and so it should. Being created by one of the best and creative bourbon masters, Elmer T. Lee, say enough about this bourbon even before the bottle is opened.

To the bourbon:

93 Proof Single Barrel

Aged 10 years

Price $45.00

Bottle statements:

Barrel No. – 66

Bottled on – 8-5-10

Aged in Barrel House “H”

Rested in Rick No. 48

Horse letter – N

First notes:

The first thing I noticed is probably the same thing most everyone notices when they look at a Blanton’s bottle, the cork topper. There is a figure on a horse on top of every bottle. There are eight (8) different horses that make it on top of the bottles. There’s one (1) different style of horse for every letter of its bourbons name. Each horse is in a different pose, from walking into the starting gate, to crossing the finish line at the end of the race.

Color:

This bourbon is not filtered as much as others are. The color of it is rich and dark amber with a hint of particulate from the lack of profuse filtering. Bourbons that are not filtered or “chill” filtered are not as clear but, have amazing little bits of yumminess.

First nose:

This is a bourbon that has a nose that makes your mouth water. Hint of char with caramel-vanilla loveliness.

Nose in a glass:

There is a little nose of corn with cinnamon and wheat.

Taste:

There is a nice pop of rye on your tongue and cheeks and then slowly the flavor flows down your throat even after you have swallowed. The ending is very nice with notes on vanilla and oats. Deeper are the charred staves in which this bourbon longs to be a part of once more. There is just a hint of corn sweetness and orange rind. The rye comes on heavy with an added spot of spring water.

Finial:

This is a bourbon that is on the complex side of things but, not overly so. If you are looking for bourbon that will linger in your mouth, then Blanton’s is for you. This is truly so when you add a bit of ice or a spot of water. The slight intensity on your pallet is nudged further with that addition as well. I have mostly enjoyed this bourbon in front of a camp fire in the freezing winter with snow all-round. Share this one with your best friend and make some memories in front of the fire.

Outsider review:

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon has a rich, spicy aroma with dried citrus and orange peel and a hint of caramel and vanilla. The palate is full and soft, marked by a mix of burnt sugar, caramel, orange and clove.

There will be a new review about every week. Stay tuned in for future reviews. Please write if you have a specific bourbon you would like a review on next!