Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 Special Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Blanton’s Bourbon Whiskey Honey Barrel 2021 Special Release: A Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Welcome to Rare Finds Liquor Store, your premier destination for the world’s most elusive and exceptional spirits. In the world of American Kentucky whiskey, where the pursuit of rare and unique expressions is a passion, few bottles have achieved the mythical status of the Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 Special Release. This isn’t just another Blanton’s bourbon whiskey; it is a specific, highly limited bottling that represents a pinnacle of selection and craftsmanship from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.

This definitive guide is your complete resource for everything about the Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021. We will explore its fascinating backstory, provide an expert-led Blanton’s Honey Barrel review with detailed tasting notes, and answer all the critical questions about acquiring this liquid gold for your collection.

The Blanton’s Legacy: The Original Single Barrel Pioneer

To comprehend the significance of the Blanton’s Honey Barrel, one must first appreciate the revolutionary history of the brand. The story begins with Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who managed the Buffalo Trace Distillery (then the George T. Stagg Distillery) through Prohibition. He was known for reserving the finest barrels from the prime “center cut” of the legendary Warehouse H for his most esteemed guests.

In 1984, Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee honored his mentor by creating Blanton’s The Original Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first commercially available single barrel bourbon. This meant every bottle was the pure, unblended product of one individual cask, offering a unique snapshot of that barrel’s character. This heritage of selecting exceptional individual barrels is the very foundation that made a release like the Honey Barrel possible.

Bourbon Whiskey 101: The Foundation of a Great Spirit

Before we delve into the honeyed details, let’s establish what defines bourbon whiskey. To be legally labeled a straight bourbon whiskey, the spirit must adhere to strict U.S. regulations:

• Grain Mashbill: The grain mixture must be at least 51% corn.

• New Charred Oak Barrels: It must be aged exclusively in new, charred oak barrels.

• Distillation and Proof: Distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof.

• No Additives: It must contain no added color, flavor, or other spirits.

• Aging: It must be aged for a minimum of two years.

Blanton’s is a quintessential Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, meaning it is produced and aged in Kentucky. The single barrel designation is what makes releases like the Honey Barrel so special, as they showcase the peak potential of a single, extraordinary cask.

Unveiling a Legend: The Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 Special Release

The Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 Special Release is not a standard expression with added flavor. Instead, the “honey” in the name is a term used by distillers and blenders to describe a barrel that has matured to perfection, exhibiting an exceptionally rich, sweet, and complex profile that stands out even among other excellent barrels.

This release was a very limited offering, hand-selected by the Buffalo Trace tasting panel from Warehouse H. These specific barrels were identified as having an unusually pronounced and delicious honey-like character, making them worthy of a special, standalone release.

Key Characteristics of the Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021:

• Proof: This release was bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), the same as the Blanton’s Original Single Barrel. This proof allows the delicate, sweet flavors to shine without being overshadowed by alcohol heat.

• The “Honey” Concept: The term “Blanton’s Honey Barrel” refers to the natural flavors derived from an optimal interaction between the distillate, the oak, and the unique aging environment of Warehouse H. It is a testament to the art of barrel selection.

• Rarity: As a special release with a specific flavor profile, the Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 was produced in extremely limited quantities, making it one of the most sought-after Blanton’s bourbon whiskey expressions in recent years.

• Packaging: It features the iconic Blanton’s bourbon whiskey bottle with special labeling denoting it as a “Special Release” and is typically found in a 700ml size.

Tasting Notes: A Sensory Journey of the Blanton’s Honey Barrel

A genuine Blanton’s Honey Barrel review must focus on the unique sensory experience that earned this bourbon its name. Here is a detailed breakdown of what sets this expression apart:

Nose: The aroma is instantly captivating and distinctly different. The signature Blanton’s bourbon whiskey caramel and vanilla are present but are joined by an profound, dominant note of rich, raw honey. This is complemented by layers of baked apple, warm pie crust, and a delicate floral undertone. The oak is soft and integrated, serving as a backdrop rather than a leading player.

Palate: The mouthfeel is remarkably smooth and silky. The entry is a burst of liquid honey, butterscotch, and sweet vanilla that coats the palate. Unlike some higher-rye Blanton’s bourbon whiskey 750ml expressions, the spice is exceptionally muted, presenting as a gentle, warm cinnamon rather than black pepper. Notes of apricot, peach, and honey-drizzled oatmeal unfold, creating a lush, decadent, and incredibly balanced tasting experience.

Finish: The finish is long, warm, and incredibly sweet without being cloying. The honeyed character persists for an impressively long time, slowly fading alongside notes of vanilla and a touch of soft, seasoned oak. It leaves a memorable, dessert-like impression that is both satisfying and elegant.

The Family Portrait: Where the Honey Barrel Fits

Understanding the Blanton’s Honey Barrel requires seeing it in the context of the broader Blanton’s portfolio. It occupies a unique space:

• Blanton’s Original Single Barrel (93 proof): The balanced, flagship bourbon with a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and oaky notes.

• Blanton’s Gold Edition (103 proof): A more intense, higher-proof version that amplifies the spice and richness.

• Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel (Cask Strength): The powerful, uncut expression for those who seek maximum flavor intensity.

• Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 (93 proof): A unique, profile-driven release focused exclusively on extreme sweetness, honeyed character, and a soft, approachable palate. It is less about power and more about a specific, luxurious flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Blanton’s Honey Barrel

Q1: What does “Honey Barrel” mean? Does it contain honey?
A: No, it does not contain honey. “Honey Barrel” is an industry term for a barrel that has matured to produce an exceptionally sweet, rich, and smooth profile, often with distinct honey-like notes. The Blanton’s Honey Barrel is a natural straight bourbon whiskey that achieves this character through the aging process alone.

Q2: What was the original MSRP for the Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021?
A: The original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (Blanton’s Honey Barrel MSRP) was approximately $150-$170. However, due to its extreme rarity and legendary status, the current market value is significantly higher. The Blanton’s Honey Barrel price reflects its position as a collector’s item.

Q3: Is the Blanton’s Honey Barrel a single barrel bourbon?
A: While the standard Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is from one cask, special releases like the Honey Barrel are often small batches. This means a select number of barrels that all exhibited the desired “honey” profile were blended to create a consistent batch for the release.

Q4: Will there be a Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2022 or 2023 release?
A: The Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 was a specific, limited-time special release. While Buffalo Trace may release other honey-barrel selections in the future, there has not been an official “Whisky bourbon Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2022” release. Each year’s special releases are unique, making the 2021 edition a distinct and fixed chapter in the brand’s history.

Q5: Where can I buy a bottle of Blanton’s Honey Barrel?
A: As a highly limited release from 2021, finding this bottle at a standard liquor store is impossible. Your only realistic opportunity is with specialized secondary market retailers and curated collections like those at Rare Finds Liquor Store. We specialize in sourcing these legendary bottles for serious collectors.

Q6: How does it compare to Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel?
A: They are opposites in many ways. Blanton’s SFTB is about raw, cask-strength power and intensity. The Blanton’s Honey Barrel is about finesse, sweetness, and a soft, approachable profile. They showcase two different extremes of the Blanton’s mash bill.

Your Premier Source for Legendary Bourbon: Rare Finds Liquor Store

The hunt for a bottle like the Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 Special Release is the core mission of Rare Finds Liquor Store. We go far beyond the typical “where to buy Blanton’s bourbon near me” search by providing a curated, authoritative source for the world’s most legendary and allocated spirits. Our expertise is in connecting serious collectors with the bottles that define a collection.

Whether you are seeking the mythical Whisky bourbon Blanton’s​ Honey Barrel, the formidable Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel, or any other rare bourbon, our collection is meticulously assembled for those who appreciate whiskey history and pinnacle achievements in distillation.

Acquire a Piece of Bourbon History

Do not leave your chance to own the Whisky bourbon Blanton’s Honey Barrel 2021 to chance. This is a legendary release that represents a perfect moment in time for the Blanton’s brand.

Visit Rare Finds Liquor Store today to inquire about the availability of this and other legendary bottles in our curated collection. Contact us directly for current opportunities to acquire this masterpiece of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.