Blanton's Straight From The Barrel, Bourbon Cask, Cask #85, 2020, 62.8%

This reads as a rich, weighty bourbon rather than a lighter, easygoing style. The creamy palate brings brown butter, toasted nuts and warm oak spice together, while dark chocolate fudge and caramel give the nose a deep sweetness. I like that the finish keeps the oak and spice in view, with lingering fruit adding a softer edge. There’s plenty of character here, and the description makes the richness feel balanced rather than one-note.

Reviewed by saltairkoi

Nose

Dark chocolate fudge, Pipe tobacco, Vanilla, Caramel

Palate

Brown butter, Warm oak spice, Toasted nuts, Honey

Finish

Charred oak, Rich spice, Lingering fruit