Tastes

This is what I call "campfire bourbon" which isn't a bad thing when put in the right frame of mind. Appearance is yellow-gold, and a bit thin but not runny. Nose is marshmallow and pastry with vanilla. This carries consistently into the palate. The finish is quick, with a burst of warming heat but then kind of gets astringent. A tiny bit of water takes care of that without killing flavors. All and all I would give it 3.5 stars. It is a sit around the fire sipper on a fall night kind of whiskey. Straightforward and old fashioned with no tricks. Not bad for what I paid at 13.99/bottle.

Appearance: Darker red/amber. Clings nicely to the glass, looks rich and glistens. Nose: Ethanol is strong, but follows with chocolate and dark brown sugar. Palate: Dark sugar, and fruits with a bit of smoke prevail. Chocolate is definately there and develops more on the finish. Mouth feel is thicker and coating but pleasantly so. Finish: Smooth with finish consistent with the palate. Small amount of charcoal comes in. Heat is warming but not intense. Opinion: I think the pro rater might have missed the mark on this one. This is a very interesting higher proof bourbon. Price point might be slightly high though too at average of 52.00/bottle. If you can get in low 40's it is worth it. I think it will come down some.

**updated on 9/2/2020. This is 1/14/20 dump from rick 35 and of course the fabled rickhouse H. Bottle is #84. Appearance: Golden and translucent with amber hues. A bit thin on the glass. But perhaps the best looking bourbon bottle there is! Nose: Some honey, citrus, and sweet tea dominate a straightforward nose. . Palate: Crisp and citrusy. A bit of leather and tea. Straightforward.. Finish: Leather and oak with a bit of vanilla. The honey on the nose stays true to the end. A Quicker, but pleasant finish. I will not say "smooth" simply because the word doesn't describe anything to me but lacking in heat, but a new to bourbon drinker might call it that as it is warming without lingering heat. Overall: Blanton's is solidly good bourbon time and time again. The question is- is Blanton's worth the trouble most people go to in order to get it? At 69.99/bottle and then twice that if your only pathway to it is through the secondary market because of its allocation, is it worth the hunt and the price? My conclusion is no. To me Blanton's is a really good $35-$40 bourbon slightly better than shelf Buffalo Trace that is trapped inside a $75.00 display bottle. In fact, I have enjoyed some BT store picks more for less than half the retail of Blanton's. Perhaps I am just partial to mashbill #1 over #2. That said I always try to have one on hand for friends and family to try. I enjoy the cool bottle, and love explaining the story about how it likely is the very first commercially available single barrel whiskey of its time, and that it may have helped to usher in a bourbon re-birth (my opinion is the high price of scotch may have also had a lot to do with a bourbon renaissance too, but different debate) Do I crave it? No. There is so much better out there readily available for less. Do I want most bourbon to be like it-yes

a fantastic small batch! Sweet with butterscotch and toffee. Wonderful bourbon for the price. It is a winner

Apearance: Red and amber hues. A bit thin on the glass for its hefty proof but acceptable. Nose: Very sweet with definate cherries and maybe plumb or dark fruit. Palate: Vanilla and brown sugar are the stars here with a hint of baking spice and apples. Finish: Nice smooth medium to long finish. Burn is gradual and warming. Overall: Beautiful bourbon. Hard to find by me but well worth it. Got 2 bottles at MSRP (25.00) but have heard others paying twice that or more. I wont trade it.

Appearance: Reds and ambers. Clings nice to the glass with some good legs. Seems to sparkle in a glen cairn glass. Excellent Appearance. Nose: Alcohol is upfront with some vanilla and citrus Palate: Butterscotch, caramel, and toffee. Alcohol on the nose gives way to sweetness. Some sugar cookie as well. Finish: Finish is long and chewey. Burn builds slow but never overpowers. Get more caramel and some charcoal This was an excellent bourbon priced far below its quality. Most bourbons in this $ range dont even have an age statement and are not near as good.

can't say enough how good this is. price aside this is a quality pour everytime. had to buy a second bottle

Simply a wonderful bourbon. One of my favorites. Hints of green apple, caramel, vanilla. A bit of water opens up some oakiness and tobacco.

Appearance: Rich amber, thicker, clings nicely to glass. Nose: Brown sugar, carmel, and vanilla. Sweet and fuller body Palate: Brown sugar and a bit of molasses out front give way to caramel oak, and a bit of spice. Excellent mouth feel. Wonderful neat. Needs no water or ice. Finish: Smooth with pleasant burn lingering on the tongue. The caramel and vanilla are true throughout and then gives way to brown sugar and spice. Super dessert bourbon!

Appearance: Darker bronze, thicker, clings nicely to glass. Nose: Forward with alcohol, some smokiness and oak. Cherries and dark fruit. Nose seems like it will have a lot of burn but it really doesnt Palate: Oaky and some dark fruit like plumbs. Less alcohol on the taste then the nose. Some charcoal amd vanilla. Finish: Spicy, and woody with a bit of lemongrass. Burn is slow and builds but not overpowering. Value: Better can be had for less. Weller Special Reserve or Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage for half the price comes immediately to mind. Overall I give 3.5/5