Blanton's vs Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare: Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:55 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Blanton’s Single Barrel vs Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare Bourbon and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Blanton’s vs. Woodford: A Tale of Two Bourbons

Blanton’s Single Barrel: This honeyed journey offers creamy vanilla, baking spice, and a long, sweet finish. Smooth, balanced, and complex, it’s a must-try for bourbon enthusiasts.

Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare: A well-rounded masterpiece with baking spice, dark chocolate, and toasty oak notes. Lush and effortlessly smooth, it exceeds expectations with its exceptional balance and refinement.

Verdict: “Both are high-quality bourbons, but cater to different preferences. Choose Blanton’s for its creamy sweetness and unique finish, Woodford for its complex spice and luxurious mouthfeel. Remember, price might sway your decision too!”, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Key differences:

Single Barrel vs. Blend: Blanton’s comes from a single barrel, offering unique character each bottle. Woodford is a blend for consistent quality.
Flavor Profile: Blanton’s leans towards honey and vanilla, Woodford towards spice and dark chocolate.
Price: Blanton’s is slightly more expensive.

Ultimately, the “best” bourbon comes down to your personal taste. Sample both and discover your favorite!

Related: Top Bourbons under $200

Blanton’s Single Barrel: A Honeyed Journey into Bourbon Bliss

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak, old leather
Palate: Creamy vanilla, honeyed, baking spice, oak
Finish: Long, honey, brown sugar, caramel
Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: John J. Bowman Single Barrel

Aroma Like a Dream: Imagine this: honey drizzled over warm caramel, hints of aged leather, and a touch of oaky magic in the air. Breathe deeply, Blanton’s beckons!

Creamy & Rich on the Palate: Butterscotch and vanilla dance with peppery rye spice, creating a rich, smooth experience that coats your tongue with pure bourbon joy. This ain’t your average pour, it’s a symphony of flavor.

Perfectly Balanced Bliss: Forget harshness, forget imbalance. Blanton’s strikes a sweet harmony between oak and honey, offering complexity without overwhelming your senses. Each sip is an exploration of pure bourbon mastery.

Long & Sweet with a Twist: The finish lingers like a pleasant memory, sweet and oaky, with a unique touch reminiscent of NyQuil (but in the best way possible!). It’s a surprise that adds to the intrigue, making you crave another sip.

Is it Good? Come on, really? This doesn’t just taste good, it delivers the essence of good bourbon. Smooth, balanced, creamy, complex – it has it all. No wonder it lives up to its reputation!

A Must-Try for All: The reasonable price and wide availability make this a bourbon adventure everyone should embark on. Enjoy it neat, savor it slowly, and discover why Blanton’s is truly something special.

Bonus Facts: Made with a touch of rye (rumored to be 15%), aged for 6-8 years, and boasting awards like Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “liquid gold” praise from Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. What are you waiting for? Try Blanton’s Single Barrel and experience bourbon magic!

A Toast to Harmony: Unveiling Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare

Nose: Caramel, dried fruit, vanilla, toasted oak
Palate: Baking spice, caramel, dark chocolate, raisins, almond
Finish: Baking spice, dark chocolate, oak spice
Alcohol Content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Spice & Leather Duet? The nose opens with a captivating dance of baking spices – imagine cinnamon, nutmeg, clove – intertwined with notes of tobacco, aged leather, and toasty oak. A complex introduction hinting at depth and nuance.

Creamy & Well-Rounded: The palate rewards with a luxurious, creamy texture. Oak and ripe fruit tango at first, then gracefully surrender to vanilla and honey, all balanced by a gentle kiss of oak and barrel spice. This is harmony in a glass.

Long & Lingering: The finish stretches out like a leisurely evening, leaving echoes of toasty oak, fruit, and a hint of brown sugar. Each sip is an invitation to savor and explore.

Beyond Smooth Sailing: This isn’t just smooth, it’s effortlessly so. No harshness, no heat, just pure sipping pleasure. Forget water or chasers, this bourbon needs no embellishments.

Exceeding Expectations: Very Fine Rare isn’t just good, it’s exceptional. The extended aging hasn’t overstepped its bounds – the oak is present but plays a supporting role, allowing the other flavors to shine. It’s a masterclass in balance and refinement.

Bonus Facts: Crafted from a blend of whiskeys aged 3-4 years, with 2 years of additional finishing in American Brandy casks. The mash bill features 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. It joins the Brown-Forman family alongside Jack Daniel’s and Old Forester.

Ready for a truly remarkable sipping experience? Look no further than Woodford Reserve Very Fine Rare.