Blanton’s Single Barrel (Store Pick)
Overall Score: 6/10
Overall Value: 2/5
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc., Blanton's Distilling Company
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 93
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Rye Mash 2
Color: Apple Cider
MSRP: $75 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Blanton's Single Barrel, a bourbon known for its iconic horse toppers and elusive availability, can definitely be divisive. Let’s cut through the tater crap with our no-BS review!
The nose started with honeysuckle and the unmistakable ambiance of the Buffalo Trace rick houses, accompanied by whispers of vanilla, nugget, and vibrant red fruits, reminiscent of oranges. Despite its modest 93 proof, it offers a surprising array of aromas.
While retaining the classic Blanton's profile, the palate on this Store Pick delivers unexpected twists. Initial impressions evoke a dry oakiness, swiftly transitioning to a sweet graininess akin to cereal, with hints of Honeycombs or Cheerios. Vanilla Tootsie Roll notes are also present with an unusual burst of blueberries, adding some nice layers of complexity. However, as you allow the palate to develop, a subtle bitterness akin to charred oak surfaces, slightly hurting the experience.
The journey concludes with a lingering embrace of oak, fading gradually. Yet, remnants of blueberry are still present, mingling with a faint alcohol profile reminiscent of rubbing alcohol, leaving a bittersweet aftertaste.
This Blanton's Single Barrel Store Pick will offer a polarizing experience for most bourbon drinkers. While fans of the brand typically enjoy the flavors and smooth finish, others find it lacking in justification, especially considering its lofty secondary price tag of around $150.
The bottle's grenade design, complete with whimsical horse toppers, adds to its allure, yet begs the question of whether the juice inside truly warrants the hype. Despite its undeniable appeal, discerning bourbon fans will probably prefer exploring more accessible alternatives within the Buffalo Trace portfolio — hint, it’s E.H. Taylor!
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 6.5/10
Value: 2/5
THE NOSE:
I immediately get a dry oakiness.
However, it does develop towards a sweet graininess that reminded me of cereal, like Honeycombs or Cheerios.
There are also some light strawberry notes.
THE TASTE:
The first notes are not overly sweet but reminded me of a vanilla Tootsie Roll, which is my favorite.
I also get blueberries! Which is so strange because that is hardly ever a flavor I get with any whiskey.
It’s like the cheap instant blueberry muffin mix you can buy at the store, but not quite as sweet. There is also an even presence of oak throughout. The mouthfeel was light but oily. This was the highlight of the pour for me.
THE FINISH:
The finish rounds out with mostly an oak flavor, and it doesn't last that long.
I still get a bit of blueberry here that lingered from the palate, and unfortunately, I do get a bit of that alcohol profile like getting a whiff of rubbing alcohol.
BUY OR PASS?
For me, the primary flavors in this pour were oak and blueberry. While it was certainly an interesting experience and the levels of oak were well-balanced, it’s hard for me to justify the collective that is Blanton’s.
It’s certainly not bad whiskey, and it’s easy to drink. As some would say “smooth”, but it seems like the bottle design with the gimmicky horse toppers has become more important to the whisky community than the juice inside. We are the reason it’s hard to obtain, but why?
Even within the same distiller, there are better options that are more available. For me, the price is too high for what it is, especially if you pay secondary for it.
The Hunter Says
Score: 5.5/10
Value: 2/5
THE NOSE:
It starts with lovely notes of honeysuckle and a strong reminder of the Buffalo Trace rick houses if you've had the chance to take a tour.
Plus, there's a hint of vanilla, some nugget, and vibrant red fruit vibes, with some orange. Surprising a lot of notes for something at just 93 proof!
THE TASTE:
The classic Blanton's flavor is in there, sure, but this particular store pick threw me for a loop.
It's like the bourbon took a wrong turn somewhere and got a bit sour. I catch traces of fruitiness, but mostly, it's like biting into charred, bitter oak. And the faster you sip, the worse it gets.
THE FINISH:
Sadly all that bitterness from the taste comes through here.
It's like a relentless assault of bitter oak that just camps out on your tongue, leaving your mouth as dry as a desert.
BUY OR PASS?
This store pick of Blanton's was a letdown for me. And honestly, Blanton's itself has never quite been my jam. Even when I've had a decent bottle, I’ve always felt like the $65 price tag is pushing it.
My advice? Stick to that MSRP and never pay more. Sure, having those fancy horse toppers looks cool on the shelf, but there are way better ways to spend your bourbon budget.
