Whiskey Review/Tasting: Blanton's Special Reserve

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Blanton's Special Reserve is a single barrel whiskey from the Buffalo Trace Distillery located in Frankfurt, Kentucky.
Type: It is a typical bourbon.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in American white oak barrels. The exact mash bill is not specified, but Buffalo Trace Distillery's common mash bill includes 90% corn with the remainder being barley and possibly a bit of rye. However, different mash bills are used at the distillery, so the exact composition for Blanton's Special Reserve is uncertain.
Age Statement: Not specified in the transcript.
Physical Description: The whiskey is presented in a green bottle, which poses a challenge for visual presentation against a green screen. The bottle features a unique design with numbers and additional handwritten numbers, indicating it as a single barrel selection. Each bottle also has a horse and jockey stopper, with letters on the horse that spell out "Blanton's" in reference to the whiskey's name.

Aroma: The whiskey has a typical bourbon smell combined with a citric, possibly grapefruit, scent. It is described as rather fresh for a bourbon, with a notable absence of caramel on the nose but a presence of vanilla and honey.
Taste: Upon tasting, caramel and vanilla flavors are present, contradicting the initial absence of caramel in the aroma. There is a slight smoky bonfire note, a developing citric note, and a combination of bitterness and spiciness towards the back of the mouth.
Overall Impression: Despite being 40% ABV, the whiskey presents a stronger character than expected, leading to speculation that it might contain a higher proportion of rye in the mash bill than typical for a bourbon with 90% corn.

Bottle Design: Each bottle of Blanton's Special Reserve features a unique horse and jockey stopper, with different stages of a horse race represented across the stoppers. This design element pays homage to horse racing, a popular sport in Kentucky.
Distillery Insight: The host shares an anecdote about visiting the Buffalo Trace Distillery and witnessing the bottling process, possibly including Blanton's brand.

Kentucky Heritage: The whiskey embodies Kentucky's rich heritage in both bourbon production and horse racing. The design of the bottle stoppers and the storytelling around the distillery visit emphasize the cultural significance of these elements to the state.

"You have that typical bourbon smell but it's combined with a little citric smell. Even a little grapefruit. Rather fresh for a bourbon."
"It's a bit hefty for just 40% ABV. If I would have guessed, I would have put it at 46% ABV or 43%."

Blanton's Special Reserve is a single barrel bourbon from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, matured in American white oak.
The whiskey presents a fresh bourbon aroma with citric notes, and a flavor profile that includes caramel, vanilla, a slight smoky note, and a combination of bitterness and spiciness.
The bottle design features unique horse and jockey stoppers, celebrating Kentucky's horse racing culture.
Despite its 40% ABV, the whiskey has a stronger character, suggesting a possible higher rye content in the mash bill.

Bourbon Enthusiasts: Individuals with a deep appreciation for bourbon will enjoy the unique characteristics and story behind Blanton's Special Reserve.
Collectors: The unique bottle design and horse and jockey stoppers make this whiskey a desirable item for collectors.
Fans of Stronger Whiskeys: Despite its 40% ABV, the whiskey's robust flavor profile may appeal to those who prefer stronger-tasting bourbons.