Product Availability Its interesting to see what just a slight increase in proof can do to really bring out the flavor profile of the Blantons brand. Color: Pecan nuts. This was a really fun taste compari. The heat in the palate and finish may run rampant and would be served better if it was tamed, but if you like Blantons, youre in for a treat to experience it at barrel strength. . There are multiple different expressions of Blanton's, each being a different proof. Id be hesitant to say its a great deal. Its still not an earth shattering bourbon to me, but it is one I like to sip on and would pick one up again if I came across it while traveling. The Blantons Gold you see in this review is not available in the US market and is only sold overseas. Yeah, it's not my jam either. It was named after Albert B. Blanton, one of Buffalo Trace Distillerys early leaders. We were going to declare a winner. Ive only seen Blantons in HK, Singapore and Japan. So if youre eying a bottle on the secondary, which one should you choose? That said, I know that this is a bourbon that is on many individuals list to try, and I do highly suggest seeking it out to experience it. It was 3 1/2 years ago, so Im not positive exactly why that was. Because of this strange nature, the only Blantons available within the US is the original 93 proof version. As I mentioned, I tossed this one in solely as a comparison to the Blantons Gold, just to see if it was in any way comparable. The Burn: The consensus was very little burn on this one and a quick finish. Adding a few drops of water helps slightly reduce the heat and really pulls out the flavors in the palate. That being said, a single barrel, barrel proof bourbon is still the exception to the norm. We could give you many reasons to join, but we think our members say it best. My bottle was dumped 6/6/13. Now its either just bar, bottle or bust or 0-5 stars. Unlike Westworlds season two this did not disappoint. Do you think the bourbon has stayed the same over the years? COLLECTION Blanton's Single Barrel Blanton's Gold Blanton's Straight from the Barrel TASTING NOTES Share With: People who really like Blantons and want to try the Buffalo Trace Mashbill #2 at a higher proof. What is the difference between Blantons black label and green label? Since blended whiskies make use of the addition of different blends and flavors of whiskies, folks can reach the desired flavor profile every single time. Oak. Appearance A shade or two darker than the gold, but not as dark as I expected from the barrel proof. While this isnt perfect, you cant go wrong with this bourbon. If you enjoy Blantons Original Single Barrel, this is one of two opportunities to try a higher proofed version from the distillery, the other being Blantons Straight from the Barrel. That being said, Blantons SFTB consistently sells for the same price one could snag two bottles of original Blantons for, with change left over. Ever so dry, the palate brings through a rich, heavy dose of oak along with vanilla, light honey, butterscotch, and plump juicy raisins. The nose is the best part to me, but it just cant make up for the lack of flavor. Basically, I find it to be a pretty good $25-30 bourbon that they're asking $50 for. Please log in again. i have only had regular blanton's a few times and don't remember being blown away. A lingering spice defines this bold finish. I think a more lofty goal is opening bottles with friends and telling each other som good stories. The smaller size means you get a little less bourbon for the buck but the higher 103 proof means you get a little more bang. Straight From the Barrel Not only one of the world's best bourbons, Blanton's Straight from the Barrel is one of the world's best whiskeys. An apple pie note creeps up at the end. For one thing, the alcohol content surpasses an impressive 60%, and this alcohol kick is not masked by the other flavors. At 78 years old in 1959, he passed away, but not before he hired Elmer T. Lee in 1949, who would later become the Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace bourbon. This cask strength bourbon is beloved amongst connoisseurs. John, nice reviews. I have revisited it several times since, and always the same conclusion. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. A bit of a nutty smell, like pecan pie perhaps. Warm caramel. That being said Im not sure how many would go back for a second bottle due to the fact that while its slightly better, Id be willing to bet many would be hard pressed to pick one bottle of Gold over almost two bottles of Blantons Original Single Barrel, Bardstown Bourbon Company Origin Series Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Bernheim Barrel Proof Original Wheat Whiskey (Batch A223), Lifting the shroud on malted corn bourbon with Frey Ranch's Co-Founder Colby Frey, The definitive guide on how to drink bourbon. Episode 312. We dont want to sell advertising. The login page will open in a new tab. Most single barrel bourbons normally cost a lot more than blended whiskies. Produced by Buffalo Trace, Blanton's Straight from the Barrel is a single barrel aged in Warehouse H like all Blanton's products, bottled at cask strength after aging between 6-8 years (though it is non-age-stated). The Blanton's brand was launched in 1984 when Elmer T. Lee introduced the world to Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon a year before he retired. I havent seen much of it get ordered bars. At the price point of between $50 and $60, this is a great buy. The rare Blanton's Gold has become beloved by connoisseurs and collectors world wide. Barware Dont drink ever, was his final note on it. But can you buy Blantons at Costco? Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Manager for Drinkhacker. We tasted all four bourbons in the order listed below and took notes before discussing them with each other. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. This applies vice versa as well. It is aged for ten years and bottled at an ABV of 55 percent. Raisins, dried fruit, citrus, and fresh hay shine through. Really hoping to get a full wooden flavor out of it. Andy guessed it might be a rye but predicted a sweet flavor when he tasted it. and includes other international releases like the cask strength Straight From the Barrel and the 80 proof Blanton's Special Reserve Green Label. There is also a hint of orange zest somewhere in the aroma. The high alcohol by volume is intense and powerful, yet inviting. He wondered if this one was wheated and guessed it was aged longer than ten years. I have read and agree to theTerms of Use andPrivacy Policy. The final bottling should be no less than 80 proof. It is the first of its kind to be marketed as a single-barrel whiskey, with plenty of positive reviews and a collection of accolades. Blantons Gold Edition This bourbon is unexpectedly gentle on the nose with aromas of cinnamon and ripe peach. This barrel of Blantons Gold Edition was dumped on 11-12-12 from Barrel No. Contact Us The difference lies in the market itself. Named after former distillery president Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who always had very special supply of bourbon - his private reserve - handpicked and stored in legendary famous Warehouse H. The Blantons brand was launched in 1984 when Elmer T. Lee introduced the world to Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon a year before he retired. Join our mailing list to receive blog post updates, breaking news, special offers, and entry into our bourbon-themed giveaways. He guessed it was a higher rye Four Roses. I generally think of two American whiskey brands when I watch Westworld. 13.5/15, Taste Cinnamon. The heat slightly off balances the palate and finish, and when the price difference is taken into account, Id personally rather have a bottle of Blantons Gold to enjoy with money left over in my pocket. What happen if I have all the letters from Blantons do I get a free bottles?? Described as not only one of the world's best bourbons, but also as one of world's best whiskeys, Blanton's Straight from the Barrel is created for the connoisseur familiar with cask strength whiskey. Some Blantons brands are pricier than others, and this is because the other brands are aged longer in the distillery and have higher proofs. I recently obtained the gold and am looking forward to trying it- although Im pretty sure Ill never be able to complete a collection of stoppers. Some of the big whisky websites are funded by corporate groups. A pleasant slow burn engulfs your mouth and builds up heat as it slowly travels down your throat with each sip. Blantons is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. Simply put, its a boring drinking experience. If your bottle has the classic Blantons taste profile, you can definitely share it with anyone from a beginner to an enthusiast. Copyright 2023 Bourbon & Banter, LLC. Blanton's Gold Edition - This bourbon is unexpectedly gentle on the nose with aromas of cinnamon and ripe peach. But the different horse top designs just remind me of the stationary galloping horse in season ones opening credits. 12/15, Taste Spicier than the original. Muddle the strawberries and basil leaves at the bottom of a large cocktail glass. Quick View. Thats not entirely Buffalo Traces fault because Age International (former owner of Buffalo Trace Distillery) still owns the Blantons brand. 11/15, Taste Light oak, a bit of spice. It was stored in Warehouse H on Rick No. 130.9 proof. Andy and I both got honey. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Read Brett's full profile. We dont want to partner with brands. 7. The ultimate single barrel bourbon and founder of the category, Blanton's has become one of the most asked for and hardest to obtain bourbons on the market today. Legs roll much more slowly down the glass. Due to only being available in the international marketplace, fluctuation in price based on foreign currency exchange rates is normal.This bourbon was bottled specially for sale in the U.K. and is only sold in 700ml bottles. The regular Green label and the high proof Gold. Their 12-year-old bourbon whiskey has prices starting at roughly $60 per bottle. Theres cherry jolly ranchers, red delicious apples, Tupelo Honey, a decent amount of candied orange peel as well. Thanks, Taylor. Presence is felt on direct contact, but as swirled around on the tongue, it has little lingering ability. Blantons Gold Edition is only sold to select non-U.S. markets. 7. The Blantons Single Barrel I opened for this tasting was dumped in 2015 and was a private barrel pick. All of that plus the name earned it a spot in the lineup. Many viewers felt season two fell short. In 1984, Lee launched the now-legendary Blantons Single Barrel Bourbon by following the blueprint of its namesake. Both Andy and Brad detected the smell of nuts. It may not reach the greatness of the William Larue Weller, but its also a quarter of the aftermarket price. On the nose: Sweet and floral on the nose and not so much heat. At a $10 premium to Blantons Original, and lower scores than a solid bottle of Blantons, none of us can recommend a bottle purchase, but its definitely worth a glass at a bar. Great review. In doing so, he revolutionized the industry with the world's first single barrel bourbon. While I wouldnt let the price tag discourage someone from buying a bottle, I would have to think long and hard before buying another bottle. Citrus, and always the same conclusion for one thing, the only Blantons available within the US is original... Normally cost a lot more than blended whiskies sold overseas masked by other! Heat and really pulls out the flavors in the US is the difference between black... 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