Whisk[e]y Review/ Blanton's Original Single Barrel

 Blanton’s. A whiskey sought after by many whiskey lovers and hated by others.

I say that because, although Blanton’s is one of the hardest to find whiskey’s, it is also one of the easiest. Some people regard Blanton’s as one of the best Bourbon’s on the market today. And, though I can’t dictate what people think of a whiskey, I can give you, my opinion. 

Before I give my tasting notes on Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon, let me tell you who Blanton’s is. 

The Distillery was founded in 1787 and known as the O.F.C Distillery (eventually Buffalo Trace Distillery), but the Blanton’s name did not become used until 1984. In 1984, Elmer T.Lee was given the task to create one the highest quality bourbons during that time. In doing so he looked in the history books of the Buffalo Trace Distillery and took a trick out of the Colonel Blanton’s old book. 

He recalled that one of the Distilleries Master Distillers used to pull select barrels from Warehouse H, from the middle ricks of the of the barrel house and create single bottling’s for when he had any special guests over to his home or the Distillery. Using that technique Elmer T.Lee created a new space in the bourbon industry as every other distillery at the time was not singling out barrels for bottles, but blending different casks together to create their special bourbons. 

In doing so, Elmer T.Lee created what we know now as Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon, the first Single Barrel Bourbon.

Here are the details from the Blanton’s bottle I will be drinking for this review:

Barrel #: 271

Bottle #: 136

Rick #: 2

Warehouse: H

Proof: 93

ABV%: 45.6

Tasting Notes:

On the Nose:

As I pull the glass to my nose, the first thing that comes out to me is a very sweet orange zest. Going back a few more times and moving the glass around my nose, I find dark antique wood and coconut. 

The Taste:

At first, I am kind of taken back at the boldness from the Blanton’s, the orange zest comes through strong with the sweetness, almost like a strong Old Fashioned.  The finish is not short, but kind of dissipates before you even have time to realize it is gone. Going back for a second sip, the fruitiness is bold, and the wood tannins strong. 

Overall, I think Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is good, but I don’t know that it lives up to all the hype. If you are in any sort of whiskey group, then you know that Blanton’s has become a “unicorn” in some cases, although it can be found sometimes at Costco in the US. I think, if you like bourbon, then you will likely enjoy it but for me, it still won’t take over the top spot on my favourites list.