Experience a rare piece of bourbon history with Blanton's The Original Single Barrel from 1999, a testament to the distillery's enduring legacy. Hand-selected from Warehouse H, Rick No. 45, this exquisite single barrel bourbon offers unparalleled depth and complexity. Discover layers of delightful flavors in a truly remarkable and collectible expression.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A sophisticated and inviting bouquet, opening with classic bourbon sweetness of caramel and vanilla bean, subtly intertwined with dried apricot, orange zest, and a hint of toasted oak. Underlying notes of baking spice – cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of clove – emerge, alongside a delicate floral quality and perhaps a faint whisper of leather or tobacco leaf, indicative of its age and barrel influence.

Palate: The entry is smooth and rich, delivering on the promise of the nose. A robust core of sweet caramel and buttery toffee quickly blossoms into complex dark fruit flavors like dried cherry and plum. Mid-palate, a wave of warm spices – black pepper, allspice, and a gentle rye kick – provides a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness. Hints of roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and a pleasant char develop, showcasing the barrel's impact without being overpowering. The 93 proof provides a satisfying warmth without harshness.

Finish: Long, gracefully lingering, and beautifully balanced. The sweet and spicy elements slowly fade, leaving behind a persistent echo of vanilla, oak, and a pleasing earthiness. A touch of leathery tobacco and a final kiss of dark fruit round out the experience, inviting another sip. The overall impression is one of elegance and depth, characteristic of a well-aged single barrel.

About the Distillery

Blanton's, produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, is renowned for pioneering the modern single barrel bourbon concept in 1984 under the guidance of Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee. Each bottle exemplifies the unique character of an individual barrel, hand-selected to meet exacting standards and often bearing a collectible horse and jockey stopper.