Blanton's Straight From the Barrel

The aroma is very characteristic of Buffalo Trace, presenting vanilla, fruit, and oak, with added complexity from caramel, creamed corn, and an unusual, earthy, musty rickhouse scent; it's yeasty and dank, and I found this unique quality quite pleasing. The ethanol presence is quite low for the proof. The taste closely resembles the aroma, but to elaborate: vanilla bean, red apple, berry, caramel flan, gentle oak, caraway seed, orange peel, and that distinct funk from the nose are also present; it's a blend of leather, damp paper, beet, and moss. While this might not sound appealing, I actually enjoyed it. The flavors are certainly bold. The finish is somewhat disappointing, taking a sharp and tingly turn towards spices. Cinnamon, pink peppercorn, ginger, allspice, and ghost pepper dominate, creating a strong heat and a slightly sour sensation, almost like sweet and sour sauce. The oak becomes regrettably astringent. The mouthfeel is full yet also feels grainy simultaneously? (It's hard to explain, but that's how it felt). Overall, despite enjoying the nose and palate, there's considerable heat and sharpness in the finish for a whiskey often lauded as world-class. It remains a very good whiskey but falls short of greatness and, consequently, my expectations. At the $199 I paid via mail order, it's certainly not a repeat purchase, but my rating will reflect the manufacturer's suggested retail price, even though finding it at that price is nearly impossible.

Aroma: (after about 45 minutes of breathing) Strong vanilla and caramel scents with a robust rye-like spice in the background. Floral notes are also present subtly. Compared to the standard version, it's significantly more potent and complex. The scent is very pleasing but doesn't conceal its alcohol content well. Taste: A wave of caramel and vanilla hits first, followed by the spice noted in the aroma. It tastes precisely as anticipated: a much more flavorful version of the regular bottling. As you continue to sip, the spice becomes dominant, pushing the sweeter elements aside. Towards the end of the glass, it would be challenging to identify this as the same bourbon. Finish: The spice persists, leaving the mouth dry, the tongue tingling, and a pleasant warmth in the chest. It compels another sip. Conclusion: It's good, but doesn't quite live up to its immense reputation. While I typically favor higher-proof spirits, I now fully understand why the distillery dilutes its standard offering to 94 proof. I would not purchase this again, even at its suggested retail price. Anyone eager to experience it should try a serving at a bar first to determine if it's worth the investment to acquire a bottle.

Nose - oak, cherry, vanilla Palate - cherry, vanilla, oak, and a hint of cola. This is vastly superior to the standard bottling. It's deep, rich, and very assertive. Finish - medium to long. The deep cherry and oak notes linger. It provides a substantial warmth without being overwhelming. Overall - This is precisely what I seek - a bourbon that lives up to its attractive packaging! This particular expression is an excellent example of what a barrel-proof should be! Is it as refined as a certain gold edition? No, and that gold version appeals to me more. Can you tailor it to your exact preferences? Acquire a bottle, because you can adjust it to your liking and discover its potential. The quality is evident!

Another initial pour as I continue my birthday tastings. Vanilla is prominent on the nose, perhaps with caramel following. There's a distinct nutty flavor as the primary characteristic. Beneath that lies a subtle, fleeting sweetness, almost like pineapple. As I sip longer, more spice emerges. On the finish, there's a significant kick; the burn is sharp but subsides after the first taste. The dominant flavor that returns and lingers is that roasted nut taste. Overall, it's not my usual preference. However, it's a commendable drink that I would happily enjoy anytime.

Bottle 107, barrel #168, warehouse H, Rick No. 35, released on: 9/29/20 Opening this up to try after my shift, very eager to taste! Sampled neat. On the nose, it's sweet and nutty with pronounced notes of vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, cherry, wood, apricots, crème brûlée, and a touch of cinnamon. On the palate, it's initially spicy and hot, certainly bolder and hotter than the original single barrel. Flavors include cinnamon, red hots, spice, oak, black pepper, nuts, and a hint of vanilla.

Nose: cinnamon, brown sugar, peanut brittle, maple Taste: Mirrors the aroma. Very straightforward and classic bourbon characteristics, but exceptionally rich and profound. A top-tier whiskey and essential for any bourbon devotee. This is certainly not for novices; it surpasses all other Blanton's expressions.