Originally intended to document my experience of DeLorean ownership, focus is often radical and strange, boring and obtuse.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

The holy hand-grenade of Blanton's.God must hate the prideful folks at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Why? Well, the bible says pride is bad. I think. So Buffalo Trace better get off their high horse before somebody smites them.

So what gives?

Buffalo Trace, which produces Blanton's single barrel bourbon, clearly makes a huge effort to show the world theirs is a truly exceptional bourbon. And rightly so.

First, as stated, this is a single barrel bourbon. The process is very difficult because the whiskey isn't blended with a group of barrels to mask small imperfections. Single barrels have to be perfect. And when it emerges all perfect-like, it's bottled in an amazing grenade of a bottle with a metal horse stopper.

Additionally, they've carried their bottle philosophy through to the lowly miniatures. And just when you thought they couldn't possibly care any more about their product, you open your mini and, Blanton's single barrel mini with REAL cork! for better or worse, a genuine cork shows up in your hand. THAT is how serious they are.

In April I spent a rather obscene amount of money at La Maison du Whisky, and picked out two minis as well, including a Blanton's single barrel for 11 Euros. As a thank-you, they gave me the two minis for free.

I was so excited about the Blanton's that I drank it in my hotel room (and brought the empty bottle home). It was strong on the nose but around the alcohol I detected sweet caramel and cherries.

In my mouth it was zingy, but the cherries were there again, dancing alongside almonds. The intensity grew in my mouth and it became spicy. It was sweet but strong.

The finish was a bit short, dry and nutty. Walnuts maybe.

A very limited supply of this showed up at the LCBO a few months ago and I kicked myself for not forking over the $75 before they all vanished. Luckily I got a second chance in Paris. Next time it shows up in the LCBO, it will not escape my clutches.

La Maison du Whisky: Free ($14 Cdn)
50 ml
46.5% (93 proof)

www.blantonsbourbon.com
www.buffalotrace.com

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8 Comments:

Blogger Lorbo said...

this even sounds good to me.

9:41:00 AM

 
Anonymous Dan said...

Haven't tried that many bourbons, and my last bottle was Woodford Reserve, which was ok, but it never really sparked with me. I used the last quarter of the bottle to make bbq sauce for pulled pork recipes...which turned out great, but on its own it was just ok - except for the nose, which was fabulous.

11:59:00 AM

 
Blogger Martini said...

A great idea to use it for pulled pork. I've had it a few times. First time was terribly disappointing. Apparently they had production problems which resulted in some bad batches. One I had this summer was fantastic.

10:25:00 AM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, I'm convinced that only certain people can really appreciate a good whiskey or bourbon. Those who have impeccable palates. How the hell do you taste cherries and almonds in a bourbon? All I taste is burning.
Love that bottle though!

6:50:00 AM

 
Blogger Martini said...

I think you're right. I can't taste food the way gourmet chefs intend for me to taste their exorbitant creations. I can't understand how certain wines pair well with food. I'm more of a hot dog kind of guy. Imagine THAT review: "I detect a hint of hoof followed by a whisper of snout."

2:34:00 PM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Martini: You are a Master in an area I know nothing about--fine spirits! I am amazed at your knowledge and your passion here too! :)

12:47:00 AM

 
Blogger Martini said...

Thanks Michael. I'm still learning. But it is very fun.

3:27:00 PM

 
Anonymous Bottle Broz said...

Learned a lot about blantons bourbon from your blog. hope you will continue like this.

6:04:00 AM

 

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