After going through several bottles of regular Blanton’s, I have been envious of those able to get their hands on the Straight From The Barrel version, which is not sold within the U.S. But after tracking one down online, I’m finally able to see what a barrel proofed version of this infamous bourbon is like. This one is bottled at 129.6 proof. The nose has an explosion of cooked red apples, cotton candy sweetness, baking spices, oak, and freshly baked bread. The palate is sweet and oily with fresh apples, leather, oak, sweet caramel, baking spices, corn and brown sugar. It’s also fairly drying on the palate, which is common with higher proof bourbons. The finish tingles down your jawline, and the top of the throat for a long finish with lingering vanilla, fruit and spices. Man, this is so delicious. Even though it’s not a fair comparison to regular old Blanton’s at a modest 93 proof, I had to compare. And the Straight From The Barrel is just insanely better, to be expected. If you have the opportunity to get ahold of one of these under $200, go for it!