A solid store pick from someone I trust to select great barrels. It really hits the mark and demonstrates why Blantons is so desirable. However, I found one at a big box store for $54 and bought it. Just an off the shelf blantons....3 to 3.5 at best. I was shocked at how different they were. I understand single barrel variance, but I would not have guessed they were the same proof or even both from BT. The regular store blantons was ethanol heavy on the nose and had a very bitter aftertaste. I let it open up for a few weeks and tried again. The aftertaste was much improved but all the flavors were turned pretty far down, even considering the proof.