Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

Hey guys! Just picked up one of Buffalo Traces best selling products and I'm happy to sit down and crack it open for a review today. Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbon is bottled at 93 proof, and  purchased for $49.

Color: Amber/Rose Gold

Nose: Dry vanilla, lots of rye spice, caramel, nutmeg. Seems hot given the proof. 

Taste: (Neat from a Glencarin Glass) I close my eyes and feel as though I’m walking through a corn field- cream of corn takes over my palate. Notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, rye, and oak follow. 

Finish: Medium finish. I’m left with notes of corn and nutmeg. Rye spice is dominate.

Conclusion: Blanton's has a great flavor profile. As with any single barrel,  the flavor profile will always vary slightly; there can be great bottles and there can be good bottles. If I had to describe one word for this bourbon, it would be Fun. It’s hard not to pick this up when the Kentucky Derby is on National Television. The bottle design is fantastic and who doesn't want to collect all of the bottle tops. Overall, its a nice seasonal sipper. The corn and nutmeg notes are tasty, however, for a $50 bottle, there are certainly better alternatives.

My Rating: B (Good)

Maker's Mark 46 Bourbon

*Waves*...
 Big bourbon fan here. I love Makers Mark, and I figured a great first bourbon review would be Makers Mark 46. MM46 is intriguing as it is aged slightly longer than the regular Maker's Mark. After the normal aging period, It is placed and aged inside barrels that contain seared French oak staves. The staves are said to create bold, complex flavors which eliminate the slight bitterness found in the very popular Marker's Mark. The number 46 is a reference to the recipe number of the staves. Maker's Mark 46 is bottled at 94 Proof. This 750ML bottle was purchased for $40.

Color: Maple Syrup

Nose: Sweet and gentle on the nose. Creamy butter floods the senses. Caramel, vanilla, and cherries collide then make way for waves of oak and leather.

Taste: Instantly met with vanilla bean and caramel. Butter. Clove with and a hint of cherry. Woody notes follow. 

Finish: Overwhelming creamy butter flavor. Finish is long and warm. Ends with oak, toffee and butter notes. After a few moments I taste a dark chocolate note which is very satisfying.

Conclusion: This is a very satisfying bourbon. I have heard it called "Marker's Mark on steroids" and I believe that is a fair assessment. It's a good bourbon and I'm sure I will buy it again. The nose was very good, the taste was good, and the finish was just ok. 

My Rating: B+ (Very Good)

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