Blanton's Straight From the Barrel

128.8 Proof Nose is very “Buffalo Trace” and by that I mean vanilla+fruit+oak, but in this case we have some additional complexity in the form of caramel, creamed corn, and a weird, earthy, musty rickhouse funk; yeasty and dank, I found the unique aspect quite enjoyable. Ethanol is pretty low given the proof. Palate matches the nose very well but let me try to elaborate a little; vanilla bean, red apple, berry, caramel flan, soft oak, caraway seed, orange peel, and that funk from the nose is also present here; it’s like a mix of shoe leather, wet paper, beet, and moss. While that doesn’t sound great, I actually liked it. Flavors are definitely punchy. Finish does take a bit of a downturn with a prickly and sharp turn into Spicetown. Cinnamon, pink peppercorn, ginger, allspice, and ghost pepper. Basically just a blast of heat and slightly sour, almost reminiscent of sweet and sour sauce. Oak turns disappointingly astringent. Mouthfeel is full but also manages to be grainy at the same time? (Not even sure how that’s possible, but here we are) Overall, while I enjoyed the nose and palate, there’s a lot of heat and sharpness in the finish for something that is often billed as world class. Still a quite good whiskey but falls short of greatness and thus, falls short of my expectations as well. At $199 I paid via mail order this is certainly not a rebuy but my ranking will reflect MSRP, even though none of us will ever find it at that price.

Nose: (after letting it breathe for about 45min) Strong notes of vanilla and caramel with an aggressive rye-type spice in the background. Floral notes mix around in the background as well. Compared to the regular pony offering, it’s much stronger and more complex. The aroma is very pleasant but does not hide its proof very well. Palate: Caramel and vanilla bomb up front followed by that spice that was present on the nose. It tastes exactly how you’d expect: a much more flavorful Blantons. As you keep sipping, that spice takes center stage and pushes the sweeter notes to the background. Near the end of my glass, I would have a hard time guessing this was Blantons at all. Finish: That spice remains prevalent and leaves your mouth dry, tongue tingling, and a pleasant Kentucky Hug in your chest. It’s begs for you to take another sip. Conclusion: it’s good, but doesn’t quite meet the legendary hype around it. I usually prefer higher-proof bottles, but I have to say I completely understand why BT waters Blantons down to 94p. I wouldn’t buy again, even at MSRP. Anyone desperate to taste this should buy a pour at a bar, and then decide if it’s worth the time and money to procure a bottle.

Nose- oak, cherry, vanilla Palate- cherry, vanilla, oak and a touch of cola. This is so much better than regular Blanton's. It is deep, rich, and really in your face. Finish- medium to long finish. Those deep cherry and oakier notes stay with you. This hugs and doesnt play around. Overall- Now this is what I want- a bourbon that matches the pretty bottle! SFTB is an excellent example of what a barrel-proof should be! Is it as elegant as Blanton's Gold? No, and gold seems to hit all the right places for me. Can you dial it up to be exactly what you want it to be? You get yourself a bottle, because all you have to do is tune it to your liking and see. Quality is in this one!

Yet another neck pour as I continue on with my birthday pours. Vanilla comes in strong on the nose, maybe a caramel behind it. Their is a clear nutty flavor that is the main focus. After breaking through that there is a subtle sweetness that is fleeting, it comes in almost like pineapple. The longer I sip the more spice starts to come through. On the finish it has some serious bite, the burn is sharp but fades after the first sip. The main flavor that comes back and lingers is that roasted nut flavor. Overall, not what I would normally go for. But it is a good pour and gladly drink it anytime.

Bottle 107, barrel #168, warehouse H, Rick No. 35, dumped on: 9/29/20 Cracking this baby open to try post shift, very excited to try! Tried neat. On the nares it’s sweet and nutty with notes of strong vanilla, brown sugar, caramel, cherry, wood, apricots, cream brûlée, and slight cinnamon. On the palate it’s initially spicy and hot and definitely more bold and hotter than original single barrel. Notes of cinnamon, red hots, spice, oak, black pepper, nuts, slight vanilla.

Barrel 145, warehouse H, rick 35, 128 proof. Nose: cinnamon, brown sugar, peanut brittle, maple Taste: reflects the nose. Very simple and typical bourbon flavors but extremely rich and deep. Very high quality whiskey and a must try for any bourbon enthusiast. This is definitely not a beginner whiskey this blows every other Blantons expression away.