Blanton’s Special Reserve

Blanton’s Special Reserve

Introduction

This is the entry level, 80 proof Blanton’s bottled presumably to introduce international drinkers to the world of bourbon. Blanton’s Special Reserve, recognized by its green label, is only available by import from countries outside of the United States. Like all Blanton’s products, this is Mash Bill #2, otherwise known as the “high rye” mash bill, though in reality, it’s only medium rye. The green version is aged for the same amount of time as the original Blanton’s. There is also a Takara Black version, only available in Japan, which is aged for the same amount of time as the Takara Red version. It’s named after Col. Albert B. Blanton, who was the one time president of what became the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Since Blanton’s Special Reserve is 2 years younger, we should expect less flavor extraction from the wood. It’s allocated and new bottles will cost up to $300 on the secondary market.

Discussion

Blanton’s was the world’s first single barrel bourbon. For years, the original version was the only expression available. Then, several different expressions were released for sale outside of the United States. They were only available by import. One of those was an entry level 80 proof version, recognized by its green label. Another was the Takara Black, which was aged for 2 years longer but also bottled at 80 proof. Does the lower proof affect the quality of the bourbon? Do the extra 2 years of aging give Takara Black an edge over the green version? To answer the second question, keep reading. To answer the first question, what do you expect? The answer is yes. 80 proof is just too low for a bourbon. Blanton’s Special Reserve doesn’t have many interesting notes, apart from some lemon zest on the nose. This bourbon is far too weak. The flavors don’t last. The finish is too short with almost no burn. However, it’s better than the Takara Black. Its simplicity is actually enjoyable. I keep tasting corn flakes with sugar in a wooden bowl. I guess that’s the same as Frosted Flakes and oak. The extra two years of aging didn’t improve the bourbon. The Takara Black is more interesting, but the Special Reserve is more pleasant to drink. It’s the drink for bourbon newbies, but experienced drinkers should skip the Special Reserve altogether. Thus, I recommend pairing it with Easy Livin’ by Fastway.