Giddy-Up!

Ever since I started sipping whiskey, I've always been drawn to beautiful bottle designs. Marketing plays a huge role in sales for so many companies and I will admit, I was completely drawn in to the gorgeous design of Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon. From the round design to the horse stopper resting on top of the cork, these bottles just scream elegance. The juice inside is delicious as well. As I started collecting and drinking Blanton's more and more, I began researching all the different expressions they had to offer. Most were only found in Europe, Japan and Duty Free shops around the world. Slowly, I began to locate bottles. The first bunch came via an auction based in the UK. I think I won around 13 bottles. These ranged from Gold, Green and of course the regular Single Barrel. This wasn't very cost effective as the shipping and the auction fees almost totaled the retail price of each bottle. I later found another online site that had much better prices and best of all, I didn't have to bid against anyone. Shipping was a breeze, so I continued to use this service. Fast forward to current, and approximately 45 bottles later, I'm now sipping on one of my favorites, the Straight From The Barrel. The addition of many of these bottles made it easy for me to trade for other bottles to help build the rest of my collection, so clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way about the horsey.

Very Old Barton - Review

Stats

Very Old Barton

Kentuck Straight Bourbon Whiskey

No Age Statement (NAS) - Aged at least 36 Months

80 Proof

Barton Distilling Company - Frankfort, Kentucky

Retail Price: $14

Poured Neat in a Glencarin

Color: Amber

Nose: Caramel Corn right off the bat! You know that feeling when you push in the side of the cardboard of a box of Cracker Jack's? That's the initial smell I pick up. Once the liquid is swirled, I pick up a slight citrus and Granny-Smith apples and a hint of baking spices.

Palate: So, the first sip actually packs a punch. Don't get on me about this only being 80 Proof and there's no punch to be had. Hear me out. The punch isn't because of the proof. This is a very flavorful dram. Toffee and vanilla keep the sweetness pretty well rounded. There isn't as much spice as I expected based on the nose, but still plenty of flavor.

Finish: Thin. A slight linger and very light coating.

Overall: A very good budget bourbon if that is what you are searching for. I'd love to see this age stated, especially with the title "Very Old". The lower proof really doesn't bother me as the flavors are still very evident. If you are on a tight budget and looking for some full flavor, this is one to "check-out" and still have a few bucks left over for a bite to eat.

Library Rating: 7.4 / 10

Nashville Barrel Company Straight Rye - Review

Stats

Nashville Barrel Company

Straight Rye Whiskey

Rare Release

Single Barrel Selected by Bourbon Finds

Barrel 155

Aged 8 Years

117.12 Proof

Distilled in Indiana

Retail Price: $100

Poured Neat in a Glencarin

Color: Dark Amber

Nose: As soon as I poured this, a scent of spearmint filled the Glen. After resting for about 30 seconds and a slight swirl, I started to sniff out some caramel, vanilla bean and heavy oak tones. The mint takes a back seat the longer it sits but still a pleasant aroma, nonetheless.

Palate: First sip hits me with a very inviting sweetness. A sweetness which can only be described as a creamy vanilla frosting. The sweetness starts to morph into a dark cherry cordial and plenty of hints of spicy oak.

Finish: Sweet, spicy and a long, warm and oily coating.

Overall: The journey this review took me on was something I wasn't expecting. All these flavors and scents work really well on their own, but I would have never thought they would work so well together. I was quite pleased with this particular barrel selection. This was also my first taste of any offering from Nashville Barrel Company.

Library Rating: 8.6 / 10