Blanton's Special Reserve Bourbon

Blanton's Special Reserve is one of the many export only bourbons offered by Buffalo Trace. Luckily, it is easily found overseas; whenever I've been on a cruise ship or in an international airport, I see these in duty free shops collecting dust. Similar to the other Blanton's products, Special Reserve is a single barrel bourbon with no age statement. Bottled at 80 proof, it's considered to be the low end of the Blanton's product line. 

Details:

-Proof: 80

-Age: NAS

-Price: $49

Nose: Fluffy vanilla, apples, and caramel. Slight spice and a fair amount of oak.  

Taste: Watery mouthfeel. The oak cuts heavy into the palate and lingers from start to finish. The other flavors are less distinguishable, I taste vanilla jelly beans, caramel apples, and a hint of rye spice. That being said, it's surprisingly flavorful for an 80 proof bourbon.

 

Finish: Quick and dry with a fading wood note.
 

Conclusion: Blanton's Special Reserve is one of, if not the best, 80 proof bourbons I've ever had. It's fairly balanced and boasts deep oak notes usually found in older bourbons. It's still my least favorite of the Blanton's bunch, but not by much! 

Rating: B (Good)

Follow @Blundon_Bourbon