Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

I decided to give a classic bourbon a try this weekend: Blanton's single barrel bourbon. I haven't tried it in awhile and it's enjoyable.

It is made by Buffalo Trace Distillery from their higher rye mash bill (12-15% rye) and is the cleaner, more approachable cousin of Elmer T Lee and Rock Hill Farms ( both made with the same mash bill).


 It is amber in color.

The nose (which was a bit surprising ) is huge, with cherries, maraschino cherries and caramel syrup.

The palate is medium weight with apparent alcohol, more cherry, caramel syrup and a bit of oak. It's fresh, without a lot of earthiness.

The finish is medium length, with a bit of heat, caramel syrup and a light woodiness.


I do like this bourbon. It's smooth, easy to drink and really enjoyable. The bright cherry/fruit influence is fun, but there isn't a ton of complexity.

If you can find a bottle of Elmer T Lee in the mid $ 30's, snatch it up. If you like a more earthy flavor, with some dustiness and dried grain husk flavor, grab a Rock Hill Farms. It should be about $ 5-10 less than Blanton's.

This is a nice bourbon, with a good flavor and great packaging. The stopper is a metal race horse and there is a letter (spelling out Blanton's) on each.  Collect them all!  If the price is right for you, I'd definitely give it a try.