In my search for new and unique whiskey experiences, I recently encountered Blanton’s Black Label, a Japanese exclusive variation of the well-known Blanton’s brand. This particular expression caught my attention, as it’s bottled at a lower 40% ABV compared to the 46.5% ABV in their Original Single Barrel Bourbon. I couldn’t wait to dive into this intriguing bottle and see how it held up against its higher-proof sibling.
Blanton’s Black Label is aged for at least 8 years, which is a couple of years longer than the standard 6-year aging process used for their stateside offering. This extra aging time, along with the lower proof and Japanese exclusivity, had me eager to experience the aroma, taste, and finish that this whiskey had to offer.
As I began my review, I found that Blanton’s Black delivered a balanced and rich experience. With notes of smoke, oak, and caraway seed, its aroma showed promise, especially for a whiskey with the lower 80 proof. In the next part of this article, I’ll dive deeper into the tasting experience and compare this unique expression to other Blanton offerings.
Table of Contents
Blanton’s Black Overview
The discussion on Blanton’s Black whisky often revolves around its unique characteristics, making it a popular choice among whisky enthusiasts. In this section, I will provide an overview of Blanton’s Black by delving into its product history and offering insight into its price range.
Product History
Blanton’s Black Bourbon is a part of Blanton’s brand, which was first introduced in 1984. It is produced by Buffalo Trace and has the same mash bill as other Blanton’s labels like Blanton’s Original and Blanton’s Red. The primary difference is that Blanton’s Black has a minimum age requirement of 8 years, making it older and more mature than its counterparts.
Originating as a Japanese market exclusive, Blanton’s Black is specially crafted to cater to Japanese palettes. With a slightly lower proof than the original – 40% ABV rather than 46.5% – it offers a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other Blanton labels.
Price Range
As an exclusive release, Blanton’s Black is not as widely available as other Blanton products, and hence it may command a slightly higher price. Although exact costs may vary depending on geographical location and availability, the general price range for Blanton’s Black lies somewhere between the original Blanton’s and other higher-end releases in the line.
For reference, the suggested price of Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon has increased from $45 to $65 in recent years, reflecting the current bourbon climate and aligning with other Buffalo Trace price adjustments. Given this, you can expect the price of Blanton’s Black Bourbon to hover around or above this price range.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
As I brought the glass to my nose, I immediately noticed the rich and sweet aromas emanating from Blanton’s Black. Hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak were quite apparent and inviting. There was a gentle undertone of smokiness as well, adding depth to the bouquet.
Flavor
Upon my first sip, I was delighted by the well-balanced and smooth flavors that this bourbon has to offer. It has a wonderful combination of sweetness from the caramel and vanilla notes, as well as some spiciness from the rye grain. The 8-year aging process has also given it a delightful oakiness that’s not overpowering but provides an enjoyable complexity to the overall taste.
Finish
Blanton’s Black left me with a satisfying finish. The flavors lingered nicely, gradually fading and leaving a delightful warmth in my mouth. Despite its lower proof, the finish was quite enjoyable, and I looked forward to taking another sip.
Rating
Given the impressive aroma, well-balanced flavors, and satisfying finish, I would give Blanton’s Black a rating of:
- Aroma: 8/10
- Flavor: 7.5/10
- Finish: 8/10
Overall, it’s a delightful bourbon that will appeal to those who appreciate a well-crafted and balanced dram.
Mixing and Pairing
When it comes to enjoying Blanton’s Black, there are different ways to mix and pair it to enhance its flavors and characteristics. In this section, I’ll discuss the best mixers, cocktail suggestions, and food pairings for this delightful bourbon.
Best Mixers
Blanton’s Black has a unique flavor profile that works well with various mixers. Here are a few mixers that I find to be the best:
- Sparkling water: Adds a slight effervescence without overwhelming the bourbon’s taste.
- Ginger ale: The spicy notes in ginger ale complement the bourbon’s flavors and add a refreshing twist.
- Cola: A classic choice that balances the sweetness and oakiness of Blanton’s Black.
Cocktail Suggestions
If you prefer your bourbon in a cocktail, Blanton’s Black can be used as the base spirit for some fantastic drinks. Here are a few suggestions:
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For an Old Fashioned Cocktail: Stir Blanton’s Black, sugar, and bitters with ice and strain over a large cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
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For Mint Julep: Muddle fresh mint, sugar, and a splash of water. Add Blanton’s Black and crushed ice, and stir. Top with more crushed ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.
photo source: Shutterstock.com
For Bourbon Sour: Shake Blanton’s Black with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Strain over ice and garnish with a cherry and orange slice.
Food Pairings
Blanton’s Black can be a great addition to your meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some food pairing suggestions that I found work well with this bourbon:
- Cheeses: Aged cheddar, blue cheese, and Gruyère complement the rich flavors of Blanton’s Black.
- Meats: Smoked meats, such as brisket and ribs, work well with the oakiness and earthiness of the bourbon.
- Desserts: Dark chocolate or a pecan pie are great options to accentuate the bourbon’s sweetness.
With these mixers, cocktails, and food pairings, you can elevate your Blanton’s Black experience to new heights and delight your senses.
Conclusion
In my experience with Blanton’s Black, I found the bourbon to have a delightful blend of sweet, herbal, earthy, and fruity flavors. The oakiness, toastiness, and smokiness in the background truly brought everything together harmoniously.
Comparing Blanton’s Black to the Original Single Barrel, I noticed that the consistency in quality is maintained throughout the different variations of Blanton’s. This is something I appreciate, as it showcases the brand’s commitment to crafting exceptional bourbon.
Although Blanton’s Black Label is a Japanese exclusive release with a lower ABV of 40%, I found it to be an enjoyable experience in its own right. The price point may be a bit steep for some, but it’s worth considering for those who have a particular affinity for Blanton’s or bourbon connoisseurs seeking a unique addition to their collection.
While I didn’t have the opportunity to compare Blanton’s Black directly with other releases such as Blanton’s SFTB, my overall impressions of Blanton’s Black have been positive. It is a whiskey worth seeking out for those who appreciate well-crafted bourbon and are interested in exploring the different expressions offered by Blanton’s.
