Tastes

Pleasant, light whiskey with sweet peat, honey, vanilla, hay and brine notes.

I really wanted to like this whiskey. I’ve held off longer than usual to give a review because when I previously tasted this, it burned my esophagus and upset my stomach, every time. But, I just never gave up hope! This bottle has about 1/4 left. Uncertain how long open, perhaps about 1 year. It’s still pretty rough, not refined by any stretch of the imagination, but it does have a little charm. Nose: Dried and fresh red fruit, malt and caramel notes are strong, plus some nuts and a little ethanol. Palate: A little bite on entry, it’s viscous and a bit creamy with more fruit, malt and caramel, plus a little baking spices. Finish: Long, spicy and slightly bitter.

Nose: Floral notes, fresh orange, green tea, dried fruit, malt and honey. Palate: Malty and viscous, maybe a bit velvety, with honey, dried fruit, caramel, baking spices, cocoa powder and vanilla, Finish: Medium length and slightly warming with malt, dried fruit and baking spices.

Creamy and full with toffee, honey and vanilla notes. There are some fruit, oak, baking spices, smoke and sherry notes in the background. It’s well made and balanced.

It has been nearly 4 and 1/2 years since I first reviewed Blanton’s single barrel. In between then and now, I finished my first bottle, which was fabulous and finished a second bottle which was middling. Unfortunately, I did not note the rick house location of that first bottle. The second bottle was from a lower rick house and just middling. Just now opened a bottle dumped 1-29-24, barrel 1921, rick no. 24 and it is just as fabulous as my first bottle. Nose: Orange marmalade and baking spices. Palate: Semisweet, slick, coating, baking spices, orange slices, and cherry notes. Finish: Medium length with baking spices, orange and cherry. It’s straight forward and uncomplicated, but oh so good!