Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release

Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release: Where to Buy Blanton’s Bourbon

In the world of American Kentucky whiskey, few names command the reverence of Blanton’s. From the iconic Original Single Barrel to the formidable Straight From The Barrel, the brand has built a legacy on consistency and quality. But every so often, the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection unleashes a whiskey that defies convention and redefines the brand’s potential. The Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release is one such bottle—a dramatic, bold, and unforgettable expression that places the barrel itself at the very center of the stage.

This is not just another Blanton’s bourbon; it is a thesis on the impact of oak. The “Char No. 4” in its name is not a mere detail—it is the entire philosophy. This release takes the foundational Blanton’s character and subjects it to an intense, high-char barrel regimen, resulting in a profile that is darker, smokier, and more robust than any standard offering. For the collector, it is a trophy of immense rarity, and understanding where to buy Blanton’s bourbon of this caliber is the first step to ownership. For the connoisseur, it is a masterclass in how barrel char can shape and transform a spirit. At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are privileged to offer such singular masterpieces. This guide is your definitive resource for understanding the Blanton’s Char No. 4, from the science behind its creation to the profound tasting experience it delivers.

The Foundation – The Blanton’s Single Barrel Revolution

To comprehend the radical nature of the Char No. 4 release, one must first appreciate the revolutionary legacy it both honors and subverts. The story of Blanton’s Bourbon is a cornerstone of modern straight bourbon whiskey.

In 1984, Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee changed the spirits landscape forever. He revived a tradition from the era of Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who would select exceptional whiskey from the “honey spot” of Warehouse H for his most distinguished guests. Lee’s visionary idea was to bottle the contents of one single, perfect barrel, without blending or batching. This act of faith in the individual cask created Blanton’s The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the first commercially available single-barrel bourbon.

This philosophy of celebrating the unique character of each barrel is the DNA of the brand. The Char No. 4 release takes this philosophy to its logical extreme by focusing on one specific, exaggerated variable: the char level of the oak, demonstrating a profound commitment to exploring the very fundamentals of bourbon making. This pursuit of excellence is why so many enthusiasts are constantly researching where to buy Blanton’s bourbon in all its forms.

Decoding the Special Release – What is Char No. 4?

The Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release is a limited-edition expression that is part of Buffalo Trace’s prestigious annual Special Release collection. Its name refers directly to the level of charring inside the American white oak barrels used for aging.

Understanding the Char Scale:
Bourbon barrels are charred on the inside to release compounds like vanillin and lactones from the wood, which contribute to the whiskey’s color, flavor, and smoothness. The char level is typically measured on a scale of 1 to 4.

• Char #1: 15 seconds of fire. A light char.

• Char #2: 30 seconds of fire. A medium char.

• Char #3: 35 seconds of fire. A standard, all-purpose char used for most bourbons, including the standard Blanton’s Single Barrel.

• Char #4: 55 seconds of fire. This is a “alligator char” because the interior wood cracks, resembling alligator skin. It is the deepest char commercially used.

Key Specifications of Blanton’s Char No. 4:

• Name: Blanton’s Char No. 4 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Proof: 108 Proof (54% ABV)

• Style: Single Barrel Bourbon (Special Release)

• Mash Bill: #2 (The same higher-rye mash bill used for all Blanton’s Single Barrel expressions).

• Char Level: #4 “Alligator Char”

• Release Year: 2022

By using a #4 char barrel, the distillers dramatically increased the interaction between the whiskey and the caramelized wood sugars. This results in a bourbon that is intensely rich, with amplified notes of smoke, dark chocolate, and spice, while still retaining the core fruit and honey notes that define the Blanton’s profile. For those wondering where to buy Blanton’s bourbon with such a unique character, the answer lies with specialized retailers.

Tasting Notes & Review – An Inferno in a Bottle

Tasting the Blanton’s Char No. 4 is a journey into the heart of a barrel. The 108-proof bottling strength provides a robust platform, but it’s the deep char that truly defines this unforgettable experience. Our Blanton’s Char No. 4 review finds it to be one of the most unique and boldest expressions ever to bear the Blanton’s name.

Tasting Profile for Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release

Nose (The Aroma):
The nose is a powerful and complex overture. It immediately announces its character with deep, rich aromas of dark chocolate, smoldering oak, and toasted coconut. Beneath this smoky veil lies the classic Blanton’s fruitiness, but it’s transformed into black cherry, roasted pear, and fig compote. The vanilla is present but reads as vanilla extract rather than bean, and it’s joined by a distinct note of baking spices—cinnamon, clove, and a hint of anise. There’s an almost earthy, leathery undertone that speaks directly to the intense char, creating a nose that is both familiar and thrillingly different.

Palate (The Taste):
The palate is where the Char No. 4 truly justifies its legendary status. The mouthfeel is thick, viscous, and coating. The entry is a wave of burnt caramel, espresso bean, and dark toffee, immediately showcasing the impact of the deep char. The mid-palate unfolds with a sophisticated dance between sweet and savory. Flavors of charred orange peel, dark raisin, and a distinct note of roasted nuts emerge. The rye spice is amplified and beautifully integrated, offering a robust backbone of black pepper and allspice that cuts through the sweetness. The oak is profound but not astringent, contributing flavors of dark chocolate, leather, and a subtle, campfire-like smokiness that is the hallmark of this release.

Finish (The Aftertaste):
The finish is epic in length and complexity. It is long, warm, and dry, with the charred oak and spice notes lingering for what seems like an eternity. The initial intensity slowly recedes, leaving behind a resonant tapestry of dark cocoa, peppermint, and a final, clean note of toasted oak. The higher proof ensures a satisfying warmth that persists, a comforting reminder of the whiskey’s power and depth. This is a finish that demands contemplation and solidifies the whiskey’s status as a world-class spirit.

Overall Review:
The Blanton’s Char 4 is a masterful execution of a bold concept. It is not a subtle whiskey, but it is a brilliantly balanced one. The distillers have successfully harnessed the aggressive qualities of a #4 char without allowing them to overwhelm the delicate, fruity core of the Blanton’s mash bill. It is a must-try for anyone interested in the profound impact of oak on bourbon, and a bottle that clarifies the question of where to buy blantons bourbon whiskey online for the serious collector.

The Collector’s Perspective – Rarity and Investment

The Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release exists at the absolute apex of the collector’s market. Its desirability is driven by a powerful combination of factors that make it a blue-chip asset.

Why This Bottle is a Coveted Grail:

1. Extreme Rarity: As an annual Special Release, its production is incredibly limited. The 2022 edition is now a closed chapter, with every opened bottle increasing the scarcity of those that remain sealed.

2. Unique Profile: Its bold, barrel-forward character sets it apart from every other Blanton’s expression, making it an essential for vertical collectors.

3. Provenance: Being part of the official Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Special Release series gives it instant credibility and prestige.

4. Investment Potential: The combination of the Blanton’s name, its unique production, and its limited availability has created a highly stable and appreciating asset. The Blanton’s Char No. 4 MSRP was quickly eclipsed in the secondary market, and its value has only grown since.

Understanding where to buy Blanton’s bourbon of this rarity is crucial, as it rarely appears on open shelves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does “Char No. 4” mean?
A: “Char No. 4” refers to the highest level of barrel charring used in the bourbon industry. The insides of the white oak barrels are burned for 55 seconds, creating a deep, alligator-skin-like layer of char. This process caramelizes the wood sugars more intensely, leading to a bourbon with richer, smokier, and more robust flavors.

Q2: How is this different from the standard Blanton’s Single Barrel?
A: The standard original single barrel bourbon whiskey Blantons uses a #3 char barrel, which is the industry standard. The Char No. 4 uses a more intense #4 char, which pulls significantly more flavor from the wood. This results in a darker, richer, and more oak-driven whiskey compared to the brighter, more fruit-forward profile of the original.

Q3: What is the Blanton’s Char No. 4 MSRP and current price?
A: The original Blanton’s Char No. 4 MSRP was around $150. However, as a highly limited Special Release from 2022, it is no longer available at retail. Its current value is determined by the secondary market and specialty retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store, where it commands a significant premium reflective of its rarity and status. This is a key consideration when determining where to buy Blanton’s bourbon of this caliber.

Q4: Where can I buy Blanton’s Char 4?
A: You will not find this bottle by searching for “Blanton’s bourbon near me in stock”. As a limited 2022 release, it is exclusively available through specialized spirits auctions and premium retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store, who specialize in sourcing the world’s most elusive bourbons for sale. Knowing where to buy Blantons bourbon the original single like this requires connecting with a trusted, specialized source.

Q5: Is the Char No. 4 worth the high price?
A: For the collector or the enthusiast seeking a truly unique and profound bourbon experience, absolutely. It represents a rare opportunity to taste a classic mash bill pushed to its limits by an extreme aging variable. Its complexity, depth, and rarity justify the investment for those who seek the pinnacle of the Blanton’s portfolio.

Q6: How should I enjoy this bourbon?
A: To appreciate its full complexity, it is best enjoyed neat in a Glencairn glass. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes to let the aromas open up. A few drops of pure water can be added to release additional layers of flavor and slightly temper the oak intensity, but it is highly recommended to taste it neat first to experience the full, unadulterated impact of the char.

Rare Finds Liquor Store – Your Source for the Extraordinary

The pursuit of a bottle like the Blanton’s Char 4 2022 Special Release is the core mission of Rare Finds Liquor Store. We transcend the role of a typical online retailer; we are curators and hunters, dedicated to connecting serious collectors with the world’s most exceptional and limited spirits.

We understand that the search for “Blanton’s bourbon nearby within 5 mi” will yield results for the standard offering. For the legendary Special Releases, the single-digit production experiments, and the distillery’s most ambitious projects, you need a partner with a global network and a discerning eye for quality and provenance. We provide a trusted, authenticated channel for acquiring these liquid masterpieces, answering the ultimate question of where to buy Blanton’s bourbon for the discerning collector.

A Testament to Bold Experimentation

The Blanton’s Char 4 2022 Special Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more than a rare spirit; it is a landmark. It represents the perfect marriage of the classic Blanton’s distillate with an extreme barrel-aging technique, resulting in a whiskey that is both intellectually fascinating and hedonistically satisfying. From its smoky, complex nose to its rich, powerful palate and endlessly evolving finish, it is a bottle that commands attention and rewards deep exploration.

It stands as a brilliant testament to the fact that even for an iconic brand like Blanton’s, there are always new frontiers to explore and new depths of flavor to discover.

Your collection deserves the distinction that only the world’s most limited releases can provide. Let Rare Finds Liquor Store be your guide to this elevated tier of spirits and your definitive answer for where to buy Blanton’s bourbon at its rarest.

Explore our meticulously curated selection of rare, allocated, and special release bourbons today. While the Blanton’s Char 4 2022 is a pinnacle offering, our inventory is constantly refreshed with other remarkable finds from the Blanton’s family and other top-tier bourbon whiskey brands.

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