Blanton’s M&P Wine and Spirits Festival 2017 Special Edition

Blanton’s Whiskey M&P Wine and Spirits Festival 2017 Special Edition

In the world of American Kentucky whiskey, few names command the reverence and excitement of Blanton’s Single Barrel. Often hailed as the original single barrel bourbon, it is a bottle that signifies a milestone for any spirits enthusiast. Its distinctive bottle, topped with a iconic horse and jockey stopper, is a symbol of quality, heritage, and unparalleled craftsmanship.

For collectors and connoisseurs at events like the M&P Wine and Spirits Festival 2017, stumbling upon a special edition of Blanton’s bourbon was akin to finding liquid gold. At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we understand this passion. This guide is your ultimate resource, exploring the rich history of the brand, providing detailed tasting notes, and answering the most pressing questions about finding and enjoying this legendary straight bourbon whiskey.

The Story of Blanton’s – The Original Single Barrel

To understand the hype, one must first appreciate the history. The story of Blanton’s Bourbon is inextricably linked to the very history of Blanton’s Whiskey itself.

In 1984, Elmer T. Lee, the Master Distiller at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery, had a revolutionary idea. While most bourbon whiskey brands at the time were creating consistent blends from hundreds of barrels, Lee wanted to showcase the unique character that could come from one exceptional barrel. He named this pioneering concept after Colonel Albert B. Blanton, the former president of the distillery who, in the early 20th century, would reserve whiskey from a special “honey spot” in Warehouse H for dignitaries and VIPs.

Thus, Blanton’s The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was born. It was the first single barrel bourbon ever to be marketed commercially, setting a new standard for premium American whiskey.

Key Historical Points:

• The Honey Spot: Warehouse H, a metal-clad warehouse, is where all Blanton’s bourbon barrels are aged. Its unique construction allows for more extreme temperature variations, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the oak.

• Elmer T. Lee’s Legacy: His vision created an entire category of premium small batch bourbon and single barrel expressions.

• A Global Icon: Blanton’s Single Barrel quickly became a global phenomenon, a status it firmly holds today.

Bourbon Tasting Notes – Blanton’s M&P Wine and Spirits Festival 2017 Special Edition

Acquiring a special edition or store pick of Blanton’s Single Barrel is a unique event. Each barrel is hand-selected, meaning no two bottles are exactly alike. The M&P Wine and Spirits Festival 2017 Special Edition would have been one such barrel, chosen for its exceptional profile. While we cannot taste that exact barrel today, we can provide a classic and detailed tasting note profile that represents the quintessential Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon experience that festival-goers would have enjoyed.

Blantons bourbon the original single – Tasting Profile

• Proof: 93 (46.5% ABV)

• Age: Typically aged for 6-8 years.

• Mash Bill: #2 (Buffalo Trace’s higher-rye mash bill, believed to be around 12-15% rye).

Nose (The Aroma):
The first encounter is a masterclass in balance. Sweet aromas of caramel and vanilla burst forth, followed by the rich, deep scent of oak and honey. A distinct fruitiness reminiscent of dried apricot, orange zest, and a hint of pear provides a bright counterpoint. Underneath it all lies a gentle, spicy warmth from the rye grain, with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The nose is inviting and complex, promising a rich tasting experience.

Palate (The Taste):
On the palate, Blanton’s Bourbon Whiskey is remarkably smooth and full-bodied. The initial sweetness from the nose translates beautifully into flavors of toffee, brown sugar, and a touch of maple syrup. The rye spice then makes its presence known, not with aggression, but with a refined peppery kick that complements the sweetness. The fruit notes from the nose evolve into a medley of baked apple, dark cherry, and a continued citrus brightness. The charred oak provides a sturdy backbone, offering flavors of dark chocolate and a slight leathery character that adds immense depth.

Finish (The Aftertaste):
The finish is long, warm, and satisfying. The spice gently fades, leaving behind a lingering sweetness of vanilla and caramel, a touch of peppermint, and the enduring, pleasant dryness of oak. It’s a clean and memorable conclusion that begs for another sip.

What Made the 2017 Festival Edition Special?
A special edition like the one featured at the M&P Festival would have been a “single barrel pick.” This means a panel of experts from the festival or our team at Rare Finds would have sampled multiple barrels and selected one that exemplified an extraordinary profile—perhaps it was exceptionally fruity, extra spicy, or had a uniquely long finish. This hunt for the “honey barrel” is what makes original single barrel bourbon whiskey Blantons  a perpetual adventure.

Exploring the Blanton’s lineup

While the original Blanton’s single barrel  is the flagship, the brand offers other highly sought-after expressions for the discerning collector. These are much rarer and often command a higher Blanton’s bourbon price.

1. Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel (SFTB):

   • This is Blanton’s Bourbon Whiskey in its most powerful, unadulterated form. Bottled straight from the cask without any water added, it typically ranges from 120 to 140 proof. The flavor is intensely concentrated, with amplified notes of caramel, spice, and oak. The Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel MSRP is a point of discussion among collectors due to its limited availability.

2. Blanton’s Gold Edition:

   • A mid-point between the original and the SFTB, the Gold Edition is bottled at 103 proof. It offers a perfect balance of the original’s complexity with the added robustness of a higher proof. It’s known for its rich, deep flavor profile and exceptionally smooth character for its strength.

3. Blanton’s Special Reserve:

   • Often found in international markets, this expression is bottled at 80 proof. It’s a softer, more approachable version of the original, making it an excellent introductory pour to the Blanton’s profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Blanton’s Bourbon Whiskey

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we field countless questions about this iconic brand. Here are the answers to the most common queries.

Q1: What is the difference between bourbon and Blanton’s?
A: Bourbon is a type of American whiskey with strict legal requirements (made in the USA, at least 51% corn, aged in new charred oak barrels, etc.). Blanton’s is a specific brand of bourbon that falls within this category. It is particularly renowned for being the first single-barrel bourbon, meaning each bottle comes from one individual barrel, not a blend of many.

Q2: Why is Blanton’s so hard to find and expensive?
A: The high demand for Blanton’s Bourbon Whiskey far outweighs its limited supply. As a single barrel product, the yield is inherently smaller than batched bourbons. Its iconic status, fueled by pop culture and word-of-mouth, has created a phenomenon where bottles are quickly snapped up. The Blanton’s bourbon cost reflects this scarcity and its premium positioning.

Q3: Where can I buy Blanton bourbon near me?
A: Finding Blanton’s bourbon near you can be a challenge. As a premier online retailer, Rare Finds Liquor Store strives to secure allocations of Blanton’s Single Barrel and other rare expressions. While we may not always have it in stock due to its rarity, we are a key destination for enthusiasts looking to buy Blanton’s bourbon nearby. We recommend checking our website regularly and signing up for our newsletter to be notified of new arrivals. Use search terms like “Blanton’s bourbon near me in stock” or “where to buy Blanton bourbon near me” to find local retailers, but be prepared for limited availability.

Q4: What is a good Blanton’s bourbon price?
A: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the original Blanton’s Single Barrel is typically between $60 and $70. However, due to its rarity, the actual price of Blanton’s single barrel bourbon can vary significantly in the secondary market, often reaching well over $100. For expressions like Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel, the MSRP is higher, and the market price can be substantially so. Always check with authorized retailers like Rare Finds for the most accurate pricing.

Q5: What do the letters on the horse stopper mean?
A: Each bottle of Blanton’s features a stopper with a horse and jockey in different stages of a race. There are eight different stoppers, each marked with a letter. When collected and placed in order, the letters spell out B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S. This collectible aspect adds to the brand’s charm and mystique.

Q6: How should I drink Blanton’s?
A: Blanton’s Single Barrel is smooth and complex enough to be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the aromas. A large ice cube in a rocks glass is also an excellent way to enjoy it as it slowly dilutes. While it makes an incredible Old Fashioned, we recommend trying it neat first to fully appreciate its intricate flavor profile.

The Hunt for Bourbon at Rare Finds Liquor Store

The quest for a bottle of Blanton’s is part of its legend. It’s not just another bourbon for sale; it’s a trophy, a story, and a testament to your passion for fine spirits. At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we live for this hunt. We are dedicated to scouring the market to bring our customers the most sought-after rare bourbon and American whiskey Kentucky has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for the classic Blanton’s Single Barrel, the formidable Blanton’s SFTB, or any other small batch bourbon, consider us your partner in discovery. We make it possible to buy bourbon online from a trusted source, ensuring authenticity and quality.

Conclusion: A Bourbon Worth the Pursuit

From its historic roots in Colonel Blanton’s private stash to its status as a modern-day icon, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon remains a benchmark for quality and craftsmanship. The M&P Wine and Spirits Festival 2017 Special Edition was a testament to the unique character that each barrel can possess. Its complex tasting notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and fruit, combined with its smooth, satisfying finish, justify its legendary status.

While finding a bottle requires patience and a bit of luck, the reward is an unforgettable tasting experience. Keep your eyes on Rare Finds Liquor Store, your premier destination for Blanton’s bourbon whiskey and other exceptional spirits. The pursuit is part of the pleasure, and the first sip makes it all worthwhile.

Ready to explore the world of premium bourbon? Browse our extensive collection at Rare Finds Liquor Store today. From Blanton’s Whiskey to other incredible bourbon whiskey brands, we are your trusted source to buy bourbon whiskey online. Sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive updates on rare releases and special offers .