As a bourbon enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting bottles to try. Blanton’s is a highly sought-after bourbon, known for its iconic horse and jockey bottle stoppers and smooth, complex flavor profile.

For those who may not be familiar, a store pick is a single barrel of whiskey that has been hand-selected by a retailer or group of retailers. These barrels are often chosen because they exhibit unique characteristics that set them apart from the standard release. Blanton’s store picks are particularly coveted among bourbon collectors and enthusiasts, as they offer a chance to taste a one-of-a-kind expression of this beloved brand.

In this review, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on a recent Blanton’s store pick that I had the pleasure of trying. So, if you’re a fan of Blanton’s or just curious about the world of store picks, read on for my full review.

Blanton’s Store Pick Overview

Product History

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is a popular and polarizing bourbon that set the standard for single barrel bourbons in 1984. The brand is known for its distinctive bottle shape and stopper, which features a horse and jockey. Blanton’s is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky and is part of their Mash Bill #2, which is said to be high rye compared to Mash Bill #1.

Blanton’s has gained a reputation for being hard to find and highly sought-after, with store picks being particularly popular among bourbon enthusiasts. Store picks are unique barrels of Blanton’s that have been hand-selected by a store or group and bottled exclusively for them. These picks can vary in flavor profile and quality, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing one.

Price Range

The price range for Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon varies depending on the location and availability. The standard bottle can range from $50 to $100, while store picks can be even more expensive. It’s important to keep in mind that the price of Blanton’s has been increasing in recent years due to its popularity, so it’s always a good idea to compare prices before making a purchase.

photo credit: www.blantonsbourbon.com

Tasting Notes

Aroma

I found the aroma of the Blanton’s Store Pick to be quite pleasant. It had a sweet smell, with notes of caramel and vanilla. There was also a hint of rye spice and oak, which added some complexity to the scent.

Flavor

The flavor of the Blanton’s Store Pick was equally enjoyable. It had a smooth, sweet taste with hints of caramel and honey. I also detected some notes of leather, charred oak, and rye spice, which added some depth to the flavor profile. The alcohol taste was mild and didn’t overpower the other flavors.

Finish

The finish of the Blanton’s Store Pick was decent but not particularly memorable. The sweetness and baking spice lingered for a bit, but the flavors dissipated a bit too quickly for my liking.

Rating

Overall, I would rate Blanton’s Store Pick a solid 7 out of 10. It was a good bourbon with a pleasant aroma and enjoyable flavor, but the finish could have been a bit stronger. The price point was reasonable, and the unique flavor profile made it worth trying.

Mixing and Pairing

Blanton’s Store Pick is a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed in cocktails. Here are some suggestions for mixing and pairing with this delicious bourbon.

photo credit: www.pexels.com

Best Mixers

Blanton’s Store Pick is a high-quality bourbon that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with a variety of mixers. Some of the best mixers for Blanton’s Store Pick include:

• Ginger beer
• Lemonade
• Cola
• Sweet vermouth
• Bitters

photo credit: www.pexels.co

Cocktail Suggestions

Blanton’s Store Pick is a great bourbon to use in cocktails. Here are some cocktail suggestions that are perfect for this bourbon:

• Old Fashioned: Mix Blanton’s Store Pick with sugar, bitters, and a splash of water. Garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
• Manhattan: Mix Blanton’s Store Pick with sweet vermouth and bitters. Garnish with a cherry.
• Kentucky Mule: Mix Blanton’s Store Pick with ginger beer and lime juice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

photo credit: www.pexels.com

Food Pairings

Blanton’s Store Pick is a versatile bourbon that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions:

• Steak: Blanton’s Store Pick pairs well with a juicy steak. The bold flavor of the bourbon complements the rich flavor of the meat.
• Chocolate: Blanton’s Store Pick pairs well with chocolate. The sweet and rich flavor of the chocolate is enhanced by the bold flavor of the bourbon.
• Cheese: Blanton’s Store Pick pairs well with a variety of cheeses. The complex flavor of the bourbon complements the rich and creamy flavor of the cheese.

Conclusion

After tasting the Blanton’s Store Pick, I can say that it’s a decent bourbon, but not necessarily worth the hype or price tag. Here are some key takeaways from my review:

• The flavor profile is relatively mild, with notes of vanilla, butter, and floral undertones.
• Some store picks may have a bitter quality that seems out of place, so it’s important to try before you buy.
• Blanton’s Store Pick is a single barrel bourbon, but the variation between barrels is not always significant.
• The price point for Blanton’s Store Pick can vary widely depending on where you purchase it, so it’s worth shopping around to find a good deal.

I would recommend the Blanton’s Store Pick to someone who is looking for a decent bourbon to add to their collection, but not necessarily to someone who is expecting an exceptional experience. It’s a solid choice for a casual drink, but there are other bourbons out there that offer more complexity and depth of flavor.

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