Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Proof: 93
Age: No Age Statement
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Price: $90 – $150
Company
Buffalo Trace is arguably the most well-known distillery on the planet. Its lineup includes the likes of Pappy. E.H. Taylor, Blanton’s, Elmer T. Lee, W.L. Weller, and more.
Production
According to their site, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is taken from center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H. It was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends.
Nose – 95/100
Creamy caramel and vanilla with hints of butterscotch.
Palate – 93/100
Immediate notes of brown sugar, honey, and caramel. The mouthfeel is a bit thinner than expected, but this is very easy to drink.
Finish – 92/100
Moderate finish with a slight heat and hints of vanilla, oak, leather, and spice.
Value – 90/100
If Blanton’s wasn’t allocated, I would happily pay around $60 for a bottle on a regular basis. It’s one of the most approachable and easy-to-drink bourbons I’ve ever had. But with it being highly allocated and $100+, the only reason I really buy it is due to the hype around it and the fact that it’s not readily available. There are several bourbons in the $50 range that are just as good. If you find a bottle and are okay with paying a premium just to try it, it’s worth it, but it’s not something worth buying over and over again at its current price.
Verdict – 92.5/100
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 95+
- Gold – 90 – 94
- Silver – 80 – 89
- Bronze – <80
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.