Blantons Straight From The Cask

from a purchased sample. Warehouse H, Rich 13, bar #3

I loved another incarnation of this expression and was curious to see how it went from bottle to bottle.

Nose: Rich rye bourbony goodness. Vanilla, rye spice, and a molasses like syrup or caramel dominates. Wood is there, but completely in check. Cherry liqueuer and apples. Cinnamon and concentrated spice rum. I may use this as an aphrodisiac. (with water) Like the Blanton's at 46.5, but much richer and more vibrant. Buttery honey and toffee, rye and rye candy. Sweet nose. Rich vanilla extract. Heaven is supposed to smell like this.

Palate: Thick and syrupy, not surprising given the nose and proof. Initial burst of wood, rye, caramel-honey, and baking spices. Much less fruit. Drop of orange liqueur and burned spice cake. Gives way somewhat to dry bourbony dark chocolate. (with water) still rich and thick. Honey, rye goodness. Lots of goodness in this one. Just a perfect amount of wood. The rye is typical of the sweet and spice. Hard to fault, so I won't.

Finish: Neat, it trends to the darker, and is a little short with water. This is fabulous neat. This is fabulous with water. Basically, if you like alcohol/bourbon/spirits, get two bottles. If you don't, get two bottles and give them to me. Consistently great expressions from this label. People should stop fighting for Pappy and the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and should spend their time lobbying to have this available in the US. Your only regret will be that you didn't have this earlier. I may pick up a third bottle. A-/A (closer to the latter)

Find where to buy Blanton's whisky