Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, New Charred Oak Cask, Cask #124, 46.5%

Vanilla and caramel give this a familiar sweet Bourbon core, while the citrus keeps it from reading as all dessert. The gentle spice and lingering toasted oak add a drier edge that I find appealing, especially alongside those softer notes. It sounds rounded rather than forceful, so anyone looking for a bolder, more assertive spice kick may want more intensity; the balance is the draw here.

Reviewed by bluehour.tram

Nose

Vanilla, Nuts, Caramel, Orange, Light chocolate

Palate

Sweet citrus, Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, Gentle spice

Finish

Lingering toasted oak, Caramel, Bourbon spice