In honor of the Kentucky Derby from this past weekend, I decided to get into my Blanton’s. Nose: Wood spice jumps out, and there’s almost an earthy quality (soil, forest-like). The missus said she got fresh-cut grass in there. After that initial burst, I get citrus zest, almaretto, syrup, and cherry at the end. After it opens up, the rye spice is prominent. Taste: Sweetness of vanilla, but then the bitter wood notes set in quickly, and they’re strong. Elements of thin icing, caramel and some cherry cola. Yeah, it’s sweet along with the wood spices. Finish: It sticks with you. Spicy and sweet with a substantial Kentucky Hug given the proof (93). This is probably the most pleasant part of the drink. Overall: It’s a darn good bourbon. I don’t get the mass appeal admittedly, and find other Buffalo Trace products to be more complex and just tastier. But this is cohesive and distinct, and it becomes more enjoyable as it opens up. If you can find it for SRP, go for it. But I definitely overpaid to get the recognizable brand.