Blanton’s Special Reserve Green Label

Sep 16

Blanton’s Special Reserve Green Label

Blanton’s Green Label is an export-only expression usually found in Europe; its identical Japanese cousin - Blanton’s Black Label - has the same specs.

Buffalo Trace

40% ABV, 80 Proof

Mashbill 2

Cask 365, Rick 37, Bottle 11

DD: 3-27-2019

Eye: Burnished gold.

Nose: Mild, but definitely Blanton’s. Some kick from the rye behind a sweet, fruity nose.

Palate: Thinner than the original but just heavy enough to carry the flavors through. Not going to win any awards but it’s clearly a Blanton’s cousin. Thin mouthfeel that passes right over the tongue.

Finish: Tingle is short and fruity, as is the finish.

Overall: Blanton’s Special Reserve Green Label was better than I expected, but still fairly watery/thin. Ok for a mixer, but not carrying enough power for me neat.

Rating: 4.5

10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)

9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)

8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)

7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)

6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)

5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)

4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)

3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)

2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)

1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)