Maker: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA (Age International)
Style: High corn straight bourbon
Age: NAS
Barrel 66, Rick 15
Proof: 93 (46.5% ABV)
Michigan state minimum: $60
Appearance: Light orange with long, thick legs.
Nose: Alcohol, oak, potpourri, burnt caramel, lavender, tarragon, dried orange peel.
Palate: Medium dry and full bodied. Creamy caramel, alcohol, bitter oak, orange push pop.
Finish: Raspberry chews, alcohol, roasted corn on the cob.
Parting words: Holiday Market in downtown Royal Oak Michigan (two miles or so north of the Detroit city limits) is a relative newcomer to the barrel selection business. This is the first one I’ve reviewed. It’s a part of my new project of reviewing retailer selections to build up a list of who does it well and who doesn’t.
I have really enjoyed this one. The last Blanton’s I reviewed, way back in the halcyon days of 2011, was very leathery. There’s not nearly as much leather here (the Khloe legs are still present), just simple oak. This bottle has fruit that that Kahn’s bottle lacked, though. The result is a more balanced bourbon that is a pleasure to drink after dinner with some dark chocolate. At $60, Blanton’s is at the top of the AI/BT single barrel line. This barrel is worth the money, though. Blanton’s Single Barrel, Holiday Market selection is recommended.
Sipology 