Blanton's Single Barrel 1988

Experience a remarkable piece of bourbon history with Blanton's Single Barrel 1988, an exquisite expression from Barrel No. 175. Hand-selected and bottled, this vintage offers unparalleled depth and complexity, a true connoisseur's delight. Savor the legacy of the world's first single-barrel bourbon, a testament to masterful distillation and meticulous aging.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A profound and complex aroma, immediately showcasing warm baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove. Rich caramel and butterscotch notes intertwine with dried dark fruits – fig and raisin – alongside a distinct orange peel zest. Underlying hints of seasoned oak, aged leather, and a whisper of tobacco leaf provide a sophisticated depth, promising a truly mature bourbon experience.

Palate: The palate opens with a luxurious, velvety texture that coats the mouth. Sweetness arrives first, featuring dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla bean, seamlessly transitioning into a burst of spiced fruit compote, heavy on cherry and apricot. The oak influence is beautifully integrated, providing a firm backbone of toasted cedar and polished antique wood, without being overly tannic. A delicate touch of roasted nuts and dark chocolate emerges mid-palate, adding further complexity. The 93 proof delivers a satisfying warmth without harshness, allowing the intricate flavors to shine.

Finish: Long, lingering, and exceptionally elegant. The finish slowly evolves with remnants of sweet oak and a persistent, dry spice profile of black pepper and ginger. Caramelized sugar and a faint ethereal floral note dance on the tongue, eventually fading into a pleasant, warm glow with a final whisper of dark cocoa and well-aged leather. A true testament to its thoughtful maturation.

About the Distillery

Blanton Distilling Company, though a specific entity for Blanton's, operates under the Buffalo Trace Distillery umbrella. Blanton's holds the distinction of being the original single-barrel bourbon, an innovation introduced by Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee in 1984. This method revolutionized bourbon production, allowing for the meticulous selection and bottling of individual barrels, ensuring unique character and exceptional quality in every bottle.