Blanton's opening -

[Clay34]

I purchased a few Blanton bottles when I came across them at a reason prices. I've had some of those bottles since the spring.  I wanted to have a reason to open it, not just pop it open on a Tuesday night while watching the news. 

 

I do have a pour of 4R Single barrel in a Glencarin on the desk as I'm typing but it's the first pour of the night and I haven't even had an ounce of it yet.  Take the following comments with that in mind.

 

What I thought would happen when I popped open the pony:

The door bell would ring and there would be a line of Swedish women calling my name.  I could get more detailed, but that's the G rated version of my thoughts.  I would have new job offers from people that I never heard of.  All my friends would bow to my great buying skills.

 

What happened:  MEH. 

 

Note:  I'm not even a huge 4R fan, but this single barrel I'm drinking right now is better. 

 

It's not terrible, but if it didn't have a pony on the top and it wasn't in a pretty bottle, I wouldn't buy again. 

 

I have another bottle in the collection that I expect the same out of:  Willett Pot Still - beautiful bottle - unopened - We'll see. 

 

Note:  I'm not even a huge 4R fan, but this single barrel I'm drinking right now is better. 

 

Mo money NO = better bourbon. 

 

Just one guy's opinion that's been chasin' bourbon for just a couple of years.

 

[soulsea]

I have to agree on the lack of spontaneous Scandinavian guests of any kind based on blantons ... it sometimes works with Linie but the Scandinavians that show up, although fun, are not the starting team I you get my herring.

 

As far as Blantons, the regular release is simply a good all around bourbon, nothing particularly special imho, certainly not worth the fuss.  I don't buy for myself but when I do find bottles I buy them because they make great gifts.  Not only it's a nice presentation in the box and a good bourbon, but people are usually more appreciative than they ought to because they know how hard it is to find so they assume it's special, so it makes them really happy.  Who am I to take that away from them? 

Edited December 11, 2020 by soulsea

[Paddy]

I hope that you’ve learned what many here will echo.  

Four Roses single barrel is very good Boubon!

 

That is all...

[flahute]

31 minutes ago, Paddy said:

I hope that you’ve learned what many here will echo.  

Four Roses single barrel is very good Boubon!

 

That is all...

#Lawrenceburgman

[Clay34]

I do have a bottle of 4R Small Batch Select that is still unopened.  I do look forward to opening that bottle after tonight. 

[Bourbon Boiler]

8-9 years ago, Blanton's was my favorite one-step-above-everyday drink of choice.  Then it was usually $45-$50, but findable at $35 if you found the right place at the right time.  Like many labels, the price tag has increased, the quality hasn't.  

[Clay34]

I've said this before on this board and often among friends:

 

When a bourbon gets wonderful reviews, it's usually a great value at X$$$ or at least that's the way I like to see reviews.   What many people misunderstand in my very humble opinion is this:  Just because a $30 bottle is a great value doesn't mean that the same bottle of bourbon at $60 is a great deal or a great value.  Hope that this doesn't get too close to home for some but Eagle Rare is a great bottle of bourbon at $28 / bottle but at $59 a bottle there might be better choices at that price point.  Note:  I have three unopend bottles of ER that I bought all at under $30/ bottle.  I'm not currently a buyer at today's prices.

 

I'm always trying to find the next great pour at a reasonable price before the taters take a value bourbon and turn it into an also ran, overpriced bottle. 

 

Fully disclosure:  I've been trying to find a McKenna BIB for close to 2 years.  I just never was at the right place at the right time.  I found a bottle two days ago at $44.95.  My brain said that was a stupid price, then a part of me said that I have wanted to try that for 2 years.  I bought it at that overpriced $$$ amount because I WANTED IT. 

 

I try not to judge, but that wasn't a smart move that was - I can afford it - buy it decision. 

 

The bourbon life is complicated. 

[Kepler]

If you wanted to know whether 4R single barrel was better than Blanton's, all you had to do was ask.  We'd have told you.  

[bayouredd]

Ahhh To Be Young...

I don't think the Swedish swim team would show up at my place; however the weight lifting team might show and take my bottle...

 

Think a bit smaller and you'll find Blanton's goes nicely while grilling and pair it with a bacon wrapped filet mignon.

[PaulO]

I think some brands fall into the category of OK juice in a fancy package.  There is just enough of it available that some people have tried it, and you'll eventually find one if you keep looking.  Taste wise, the product is inoffensive, not hard to drink neat.  That, combined with hype, makes this the object of desire for some folks.  Indeed, an easy to drink 90 proof Bourbon in a fancy bottle makes a nice gift.  For me (since I've already tried it) $50+ would be much better spent on other items.

[0895]

12 hours ago, Clay34 said:

 

I'm always trying to find the next great pour at a reasonable price before the taters take a value bourbon and turn it into an also ran, overpriced bottle. 

 

Fully disclosure:  I've been trying to find a McKenna BIB for close to 2 years.  I just never was at the right place at the right time.  I found a bottle two days ago at $44.95.  My brain said that was a stupid price, then a part of me said that I have wanted to try that for 2 years.  I bought it at that overpriced $$$ amount because I WANTED IT. 

 

I try not to judge, but that wasn't a smart move that was - I can afford it - buy it decision. 

 

The bourbon life is complicated. 

 

The "secret next great pour" ship has long since sailed.  There's a lot of recycling, rebranding, and price adjusting going on now due to the surge in demand.

It's ok to use reviews as gentle guidance, but reading reviews isn't much different that asking everyone you meet what they think of something.  Everyone's palate is different.  If you like something, don't let anyone tell you you're wrong.

 

Also, $45 isn't terrible for McKenna.  I've seen way worse.  Normal retail when it sat on shelves was $25-30.

A bar pour would probably cost you around $10.

Since you said you can afford it, don't beat yourself up over it.  You wanted to try it, so you did.  Treat yourself once in awhile, you deserve it.  

How much would you have to pay someone to drive around and search for a bottle for you at a lower price?  I bet more than $15.  What is your time worth?

[PhantomLamb]

Blanton's will always be a solid pour IMO, but nothing special.  It's good bourbon, but that's all.

 

While I'm not the biggest FR fan, the complexity and depth you get from their SiB, especially the different recipes is fantastic.  Just two different experiences entirely and the FR is usually much easier to find .

[BigSkyDrams]

Personally, I think the pendulum on Blanton’s perception has swung too far into overcorrection territory for many. When you see it fly off the shelves, and people acting like frenzied Black Friday shoppers fighting for the chance to pay $100+ for it, sure expectations are going to be really high. Then if one tastes it and doesn’t see what all the fuss is about, that would be a reasonable reaction.

Nevertheless, while it may not live up to ones expectations for all the hype that’s been built around it, it is still a really good bourbon in its own right. I suspect that if a lot of bourbon fans (including in this group) were given a pour completely blind, most would agree it is a great bourbon (indeed, all the demand would tend to confirm that). I also suspect almost no one would turn down a pour if offered gratis, or found a discounted bottle. Of course, if ones preferences tend to higher proof  offerings that may not be the case, but for me, 90-101 proof seems to be the sweet spot for most bottles. Plus, I am admittedly biased because I’m just an unapologetic fanboy of the BT house profile.

 

I’m not going to say Blanton’s is for everyone, but I also believe a lot of the “disappointment” with it has more to do with ones expectations going into it, and less to do with what’s actually in the glass — as @Clay34 sort of alluded to in the OP. What I differ on, is that you probably would not rate it as “meh” in a vacuum, but perhaps do so mostly in light of your preconceived notions for what it should be? Just my $0.02.

 

In any event, typing that out has made my mouth water for some Blanton’s, so I know what I’ll be pouring tonight.

 

p.s. 4RSiB is a great bourbon too.

[BigSkyDrams]

14 hours ago, Clay34 said:

I'm always trying to find the next great pour at a reasonable price before the taters take a value bourbon and turn it into an also ran, overpriced bottle. 

 

Fully disclosure:  I've been trying to find a McKenna BIB for close to 2 years.  I just never was at the right place at the right time.  I found a bottle two days ago at $44.95.  My brain said that was a stupid price, then a part of me said that I have wanted to try that for 2 years.  I bought it at that overpriced $$$ amount because I WANTED IT. 

On this point, I’d recommend trying the Evan Williams single barrel. I never really see it get any love here or elsewhere, but it is similar in profile to the McKenna and hasn’t experienced the same price creep as a lot of other brands. It, along with WT101, remains toward the top of the price:quality pyramid for products in the $30 range, IMO.

[Bourbon Boiler]

1 hour ago, BigSkyDrams said:

Personally, I think the pendulum on Blanton’s perception has swung too far into overcorrection territory for many. When you see it fly off the shelves, and people acting like frenzied Black Friday shoppers fighting for the chance to pay $100+ for it, sure expectations are going to be really high. Then if one tastes it and doesn’t see what all the fuss is about, that would be a reasonable reaction.

Nevertheless, while it may not live up to ones expectations for all the hype that’s been built around it, it is still a really good bourbon in its own right. I suspect that if a lot of bourbon fans (including in this group) were given a pour completely blind, most would agree it is a great bourbon (indeed, all the demand would tend to confirm that). I also suspect almost no one would turn down a pour if offered gratis, or found a discounted bottle. Of course, if ones preferences tend to higher proof  offerings that may not be the case, but for me, 90-101 proof seems to be the sweet spot for most bottles. Plus, I am admittedly biased because I’m just an unapologetic fanboy of the BT house profile.

 

I’m not going to say Blanton’s is for everyone, but I also believe a lot of the “disappointment” with it has more to do with ones expectations going into it, and less to do with what’s actually in the glass — as @Clay34 sort of alluded to in the OP. What I differ on, is that you probably would not rate it as “meh” in a vacuum, but perhaps do so mostly in light of your preconceived notions for what it should be? Just my $0.02.

 

In any event, typing that out has made my mouth water for some Blanton’s, so I know what I’ll be pouring tonight.

 

p.s. 4RSiB is a great bourbon too.

Very well said.  

[parksmart]

I typically like Blanton’s, but definitely not to where I’d want to pay current MSRP.  I’d bunkered more than a few bottles when the price was in the mid $30s to low $40s range.

 

That being said, quality can vary from barrel to barrel.  The current one I have open is just OK IMO,and I’d be righteously pissed if I’d paid $55 or $60 for it.

[Bob_Loblaw]

20 hours ago, Clay34 said:

What I thought would happen when I popped open the pony:

The door bell would ring and there would be a line of Swedish women calling my name. 

Well  I don't think any bourbon could have lived up to the expectations you had . . .  I'd say go drink around for a month or two then circle back and see what you think of the Blanton's then. 

[JCwhammie]

I agree with others that when bottles like Blanton's that have ridiculous hype have almost no way to live up to expectations. 

Blantons is a nice flavored delicate pour. Like other BT products it's made people lose their mind in order to track it down. I think it's really nice, but I like quite a few others better in that price range. Any day of the week I'd rather have RR SiB, KC12, and like you said 4R SiB. 

To each their own. 

Part of the whiskey journey for most of us includes ending up with bottles we're just not impressed with. A wonderful thing about Blanton's is it's always a nice bottle to share with people. 

[JoeTerp]

On 12/10/2020 at 8:31 PM, Clay34 said:

Note:  I'm not even a huge 4R fan

 

Found your mistake.  Now go out and try some of the Private Selects.

[CUfan99]

I've begrudgingly bought Blanton's at $60 because a particular store manager was excited he had one for me. My goodwill ran out when they reached $100. Some bridges are like a California forest; they just gotta burn at some point.

[Wlrogers]

It seems to me that Blanton's has hit the so cool its uncool phase.  Personally, I love Blantons and will buy all day at retail. 

[B.B. Babington]

You guys missing how single barrel works.  Like Field of Dreams, open enough Blantons, she will come.  When you hit the cherry barrel, door bell will ring to blonde, blue eyed, St Pauli girl.

[BigSkyDrams]

2 hours ago, Wlrogers said:

It seems to me that Blanton's has hit the so cool its uncool phase.  Personally, I love Blantons and will buy all day at retail. 

That is such a better and more succinct way to say what I attempted to in 3+ paragraphs. I agree completely. 

[Guss West]

Count me among those who think Blanton's is good; just not great.  

My local gets incredulous every year when I turn down my share of their barrel.  

 

I keep a few around for folks who've never had the chance to try it.  

I also find it a good entry bourbon, suitable for beginners or people with a heart condition!  (Simpsons did it!) 

[Kepler]

7 hours ago, Wlrogers said:

It seems to me that Blanton's has hit the so cool its uncool phase. 

Nailed it.  Next up is Weller 12