Enjoying rare whiskies and bourbons and being able to chat with likeminded enthusiasts sometimes surfaces some less than favorable aspects of our hobby. What's with people's notion that the only good whiskies worth drinking are cask strength? Just because a whiskey or bourbon is lower proof doesn't make it inferior. Approaching every taste without preconceived notions makes for a much more fun experience in trying whiskey and bourbons from all over the world. This proof snobbery has led to very excellent bourbons like Blanton's Special Reserve becoming the black sheep of the line up. And it's a damn shame. That said, I think Blanton's Special Reserve is a delightful, sweet and delicious selection from Blanton's line up. The nose swims with milky caramel, vanilla, some sandalwood and a little citrus zing. The mouth feel is thin, expected of the proof. Caramel and Vanilla pour on the sweetness on the front of the taste. Some sweet and tart fruit forward notes creep through mid taste, mixed with a slight bitterness. Reminds me orange peels, but if they were mixed with simple syrup. The finish is shorter than Original Single Barrel, but still remarkably satisfying for a lower proof. Creamy caramel returns through that veil of citrusy sweetness and spreads from mid tongue out but then a surprising tannic quality reminiscent of a good Rye takes a bow as the curtain closes. This one is special indeed. If you have the opportunity to give it a try, I'd certainly recommend it.