Tastes

This reminds me of the early Angel’s Envy that was more rich and sweet. This dram definitely picks up the wine notes in a strong fashion. My wife loved it for this reason. I see why the reviews are so polarizing. I do think it is overpriced but is a very good finished bourbon if that is your mood. This is best served as a dessert/after dinner bourbon.

It’s unique and works for my palate. I have drank a lot of wine and can say that I don’t like most Chardonnay’s. But knowing Chardonnay’s, I was intrigued by this possible paring. The casking is most notable in the nose and the finish. The taste takes you on a journey from light, airy, and crisp in the beginning to your traditional bourbon middle and then abruptly to Chardonnay finish. This finish can be described from going sweet with a hint of cinnamon to apricot to a dry white wine oak lingering finish. I would have to agree that the casking does not enhance the traditional sweet richness of a bourbon like a port finish (think angel’s envy), but creates a nice new animal that is pleasant and satisfying. Further, to bring out more of the bourbon sweetness in the taste and finish, add a little water or let it dilute on a rock. Regardless, this is a flavor journey that has a welcome home in my cabinet.

So I ran the gauntlet at a tasting from the special reserve thru the straight from the barrel. My favorite was the gold edition. The special reserve I tasted was frankly disappointing. The sweet nose tries to blind you from the harsh abv initial taste. In subsequent tastes I did enjoy the vanilla and traditional Blanton’s flavor profile. To be honest, I was disappointed with this taste and definitely would have been mad paying secondary for this bottle

I ran the gauntlet at a Blanton’s tasting. This bottle is my proverbial sweet spot. It is pre-softened as compared to barrel proof. My bottle had a sweet nose and a taste that was smooth with hints of vanilla and citrus. I enjoyed it. Whether it is worth secondary or the hunt, I will let you decide

So I did one of those Blanton’s and food tastings. I noted that there was a distinct abv nose from the straight from the barrel (abv 128 proof). One the taste I noted more vanilla which melded well and softened the oaky notes. This was a good dram but admittedly I did soften it with a little water on subsequent tastes. I enjoyed the softer version more ( I don’t traditionally like barrel proof neat). This taste was good but I would gravitate towards the gold reserve or the Kentucky watered down single barrel versions for my money. If you hit a barrel that suits your flavor profile you can’t go wrong. Blanton’s is still what I compare all other bourbons too

So I was invited to one of those elaborate Blanton’s and food tasting so I got to taste the full line for at least that day. My tasting notes are as follows: I did detect the increased abv as compared to the reserve, but the complexity was also magnified. The nose had a honey characteristic and I noted an oakiness on the front end. Thru the taste I got honey with a refined leather. The finish was smooth as I experienced with all Blanton’s. This bottle was distinctly better than then traditional reserve. It frankly had a more complex flavor profile for which my description did not do justice

Bold and peppery with a nice finish. When I want a strong rye (not overly alcoholic) this is my choice. It may lack a settle refinement over the entire flavor profile but it is a good rye without any astringent or funk. I do like to soften this with some rocks or a small splash of water depending on my mood. If you want a strong Canadian whisky or rye, give this a try.

I always feared that this was an overhyped rye. Unfortunately I believe I was right. Whether you call it rye funk or a strong atringent flavor, I did not like it. I was hoping a smooth finish maybe a hint of sweet pepper. At the very least I thought there would be some more complexity. Give me Three Fingers High over this any day and I will save a little money

My bottle is of the 46.7 abv variety. I really enjoyed it. This bottle has a muted burn commensurate with the abv which quickly fades. The nose is pleasing but not overly intense as to confuse my senses. I was pleased with the hint of a cinnamon type sweetness that that merges with the dickel mineral finish. I have read some other reviews on this bottle. If you want a oaky or leathery finish this not your bottle. This bottle has a fun complexity on the finish that is not wheated sweet or peppery.