Name: Blanton’s Bourbon
Color: Brown
Nose: Corn, vanilla, dark fruit, wood
Taste: Corn, white pepper, vanilla, oak, dark cherry
Review:
Blanton’s Bourbon is produced by Buffalo Trace in Frankfort, KY. It is named after Albert B. Blanton who started at the distillery in 1897 and held numerous jobs over his lifetime of employment. This bourbon was released in 1984 as single barrel, aged six years, and bottled at 46.5% abv. The trade mark stopper comes in eight styles and will spell B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S if you collect them all. Over the last few years, the price of this whiskey has skyrocketed, and it is very hard to find a bottle at a reasonable price.
Due the recent popularity I wanted to re-introduce myself and see if it was as good as I remembered. After visiting six stores in various locations in New York, New Jersey, and Florida I had no success in finding a bottle on the shelf. One store manager told me, “Ya, we got it in the back, but we save it for our preferred clients.” I responded in my head, “Ya, you should go fuck yourself”. I decided to leave and search the local bars. I found a it at $13 for 2 ounces in Hoboken. After my first sip, I realized that this bourbon is good, but not amazing. It is absolutely not worth the current market price.
Blanton’s is a little hotter tasting than I remembered, with a medium body, and some good Kentucky chew. A few drops of water opens it up nicely and it should not be used in cocktails. The biggest take away I had was, it is not as good as I remembered, nor does it deserve to be priced over $60-70 per bottle. If you have paid over $100 for this bourbon, you are a sucker.
For the trifecta of cost vs. taste vs. availability, I feel Blade & Bow or New Riff Single Barrel is much better for taste and cost per bottle. These two bourbons have a different flavor profile, but when comparing these three factors they are better. They also should not be put in cocktails.
I have seen prices as high as $120 a bottle, but it should be around $50-$65. If are currently mad at your money, go overpay and drink up.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
