Tour de Bourbon Day 23: Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel

Day 23 is Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel, a “Bourbon Whiskey” that’s 65.7% alcohol.2015-12-29 Blanton's Straight From The barrel

https://www.blantonsbourbon.com/straight_from_the_barrel#

Ah, Blanton’s. I really like Blanton’s so I have high expectations. I guess it would be better if this was a blind taste test. C’est la vie.

The high alcohol content is immediately obvious in the nose, which has some cherry, and in the mouth, which is smooth and burns in a really nice way. Christina calls it “powerful but flavorful” and I think that’s a good way to describe it.

I’m struck by how smooth it is, despite the high alcohol content. There’s no bitterness at all. Instead there’s an almost honey quality, or maybe honeysuckle – a sweetness that’s right on the edge of detection.

It’s very drinkable, again in spite of the high alcohol content. I like it a lot. I don’t, however, like it as much as I liked the Gold Edition or even the Old Scout 7. That may be due in part to my high expectations. Even so, if I ever see this for sale, it’s coming home with me.

Three stars.

The updated rankings:

  1. Blanton’s Gold Edition
  2. Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7
  3. Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel
  4. Noah’s Mill
  5. Bulleit
  6. Elijah Craig
  7. Evan Williams
  8. Jefferson’s Reserve
  9. Four Roses Single Barrel
  10. Four Roses Small Batch
  11. FEW
  12. Booker’s 7 Year
  13. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2004
  14. Jefferson’s
  15. Four Roses
  16. Smooth Ambler Old Scout 9 Year Old Bourbon (Cask 1868) Single Barrel Release
  17. Michter’s
  18. Eagle Rare
  19. 1792 Ridgemont Reserve
  20. Roughstock Montana
  21. Hudson Baby Bourbon
  22. Old Forester
  23. Smooth Ambler Contradiction

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