Blanton's Gold Edition

10/19/17 Walter B Brussels, Belgium $97.40 (82.50 €)

A highly-rated Kentucky-made bourbon that can't even be purchased here in the States? Now you see why we had to try this rare (for an American) dram while in Paris. In some respects, this is going to be a familiar pour for someone who's had Blanton's Single Barrel. The additional ABV, however, reveals some surprising shifts in the Blanton's profile. I found the rye spice to be dialed down, and the woody, cedar notes to be amped up. The difference between 93 proof and 103 proof adds an extra level of intensity to this bourbon. It is a well-composed, well-balanced bourbon that captures the wide spectrum of bourbon flavors without any one of them being overstated. But the price difference between this and regular Blanton's is much higher than the price difference between this and Straight from the Barrel, which is a cask-strength bruiser. At $85, I would lean toward alternatives, or pony up the extra $10 for Straight from the Barrel.