Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel #196

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel is the no-compromise version of Blanton’s: no dilution, no shortcuts, just the barrel in its pure form. This bottle comes from barrel no. 196 and was dumped on 02-16-2021. It rested in warehouse H on rick no. 51, a warehouse that’s especially famous at Blanton’s because it’s made of metal, creating big temperature swings that often push extra intensity into the whiskey. At 65.15 percent, this is seriously powerful, but approached patiently it delivers an impressive amount of layers. Expect an explosive bourbon with caramelised sugar, vanilla and dark fruit, plenty of oak and spice, and a long, warming finish.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Intense and concentrated with vanilla, caramel and burnt sugar. Then come dark fruits like cherry and plum, along with cocoa, leather and firm oak. There’s also clear spice of cinnamon and pepper, plus a warm alcohol lift that benefits from a little time.

Palate

Full and powerful with toffee, vanilla and dark caramel candy at the core. Then toasted oak, cocoa and spicy notes of cinnamon, clove and black pepper build. With a few drops of water it becomes rounder and fruitier, showing more honey, orange peel and a creamier texture.

Finish

Very long and intense with lingering oak, spice and caramel sweetness. It closes warm and slightly dry with cocoa, pepper and a big bourbon glow.