Blanton’s Single Barrel

It doesn’t appear to be significantly aged, but Blanton’s boasts that “the finest bourbon in the world comes from a single barrel.” Great. All my wife cares about is that Blanton’s cork/bottle top is a metal horsey. Yes, this is another bottle chosen by Patti based on looks. It’s a selection process that has been successful in the past, so why mess with a good thing? Plus, this was the last bottle of Blanton’s on the shelf, and I was afraid that this would be my last chance to experience the best that Rick #39 had to offer (see notes below).

The bottle looks a bit like a large grenade. It’s round and octagonal. The metal horsey would make an excellent Monopoly piece.

BOTTLE SPECIFICATIONS

CLASSIFICATION: Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
AGE: N/A
A.B.V.: 46.5% (93 proof U.S.
)SIZE: 750 mL
PRICE: Retails for $47.99
NOTES: “Dumped on 11-16-07  from Barrel #292, stored in Warehouse #4 on Rick #39.” I knew by looking at the bottle that the contents were stored at Rick #39. Some people try to say that my bottle of Blanton’s looks more like Rick #38, but I knew better.
Purchased on February 15, 2008. Opened the same night.

FIRST DRINK OF THE BOTTLE: The smell is intoxicating and sweet, like caramel (how cliche). A great combination of body and flavor. I enjoy it immensely. Blanton’s has a nice bite to it, especially after it’s gone down. Rich and sunny. This is a party bourbon, not an it’s-raining-outside bourbon. Somebody get my friends over here, stat!

LAST DRINK OF THE BOTTLE: It’s been a long while since I’ve tasted Blanton’s. Due to weird party timing, a bottle of Maker’s Mark found its way into the mix. Sadly, Blanton’s got pushed to the side (sorry, respectable bourbon maker). So here I go. Last drink of the bottle.

It’s all coming back to me. Tastes golden, like a natural wheat flavor. Very smooth. Definitely one of my favorites. Great balance of bite and flavor. What’s the word I’m looking for? pH? Let’s just say pH. The pH is awesome! Well-rounded and no bitterness. It’s so satisfying that it makes me appreciate my life. I wish this dewy blend was always at my disposal. That’s the word I was looking for: dew! Man, Blanton’s is good. More, more, more! — No more. Boo!

Bottle #19 finished on March 17, 2008.