Why does Blanton's Black get so much hate? Its an 80 proof bourbon.... you have to go into the taste knowing you aren't going to get a full bodied, cask strength stunner. If the flavors are there albeit soft and a bit muted and this bourbon is easy drinking, does that not reach the end goal? The nose on Blanton's Black is dominated by sweet caramel. Almost smells as sweet as a dessert. A hint of underlying vanilla is there and the end of the nose is punctuated by a quick and decisive hit of cinnamon. Brown sugar and caramel melt slowly on your tongue as they dance with a touch of vanilla and sweet baking spices. The taste is very sweet, almost cloying. As the finish starts, a kiss of rye spice and again the cinnamon from the nose carry all that sweetness away. You're left with a bit of salted caramel hitting at mid tongue as the finish fades into the distance. Blanton's Black isn't as oily or long lasting as the other bottlings but for obvious reasons: this one is bottled at 80 proof. But its sweet, delicious and an easy drinker. If you have friends who are asking you about bourbon who don't yet drink whiskey or bourbon, this would make a great gateway bourbon for them ( well... if it wasn't so damned rare in the states that is ). Almost every bad review I've seen about Blanton's Black compares it directly with Single Barrel. My review is based on the merits of the bourbon alone, not when compared to its more complex brethren. And by that measure: this is a fantastic, sweet and agreeable bourbon. Delicious.