Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 02:11 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 Widow Jane 10 Year in this in-depth comparison 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 Single Barrel vs Widow Jane 10 Year: Comparison
Blanton’s Single Barrel: A traditional bourbon that wows with vanilla, caramel, and oak on the nose, creamy vanilla and honey on the palate, and a long, sweet finish of honey and caramel. At 93 proof, it offers a smooth, rich experience.
Widow Jane 10 Year: Showcases caramel and oak on the nose, with a palate of oak, honey, and caramel, finished with cherry and oak. This 91 proof bourbon brings bold flavors and a unique twist.
Verdict: Blanton’s Single Barrel and Widow Jane 10 Year each offer distinct bourbon experiences. Blanton’s delights with its smoothness, balanced flavors, and creamy body, making it a premium yet accessible choice. Widow Jane, with its bold, unexpected twists and 10-year maturity, caters to those seeking adventure in their bourbon journey, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Blanton’s Top Alternatives
Blanton’s Single Barrel: A Smooth Sip of Tradition with a Hint of Mystery
- 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: Four Roses Single Barrel
Intriguing Aroma: Dive into a warm embrace of honey, caramel, and aged leather, with a whisper of oak hinting at the years spent maturing. This aroma sets the stage for a complex and rewarding tasting experience.
Rich & Creamy Palate: Blanton’s elevates the classic bourbon profile with a luxurious twist. Expect familiar notes of butterscotch and vanilla, enhanced by a touch of rye spice and a richer, creamier mouthfeel compared to its peers. Each Single Barrel expression is unique, reflecting the subtle nuances of its individual cask journey.
Perfectly Balanced Finish: The long, sweet, and warming finish delivers a final layer of delight. A medicinal hint might appear – unexpected, yet somehow intriguing and adding to the conversation-starting character of this bourbon.
Is it Good? Beyond good, Blanton’s lives up to the hype. Here’s why:
- Super Smooth: Prepare for an exceptionally smooth experience that glides effortlessly across your palate.
- Perfectly Balanced: Each sip strikes a harmonious chord between sweetness, oak, and spice, creating a captivating complexity.
- Creamy Body: Indulge in a luxurious mouthfeel that sets it apart from the average bourbon.
- Reasonably Priced: While considered premium, it remains accessible compared to other Single Barrel offerings.
- Widely Available: Find it at most liquor stores, eliminating the frustration of limited-edition hunts.
Enjoyment Tip: Savor Blanton’s neat, allowing its full flavor profile to shine without dilution.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Facts:
- Mash bill shrouded in mystery, rumored to contain around 15% rye.
- Aged for 6 to 8 years, without an official age statement.
- Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012.
- Dubbed “liquid gold” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
So, is Blanton’s Single Barrel for you? If you seek a smooth, balanced, and richly flavored bourbon experience, look no further. Its approachable price and wide availability make it a worthy addition to any whiskey enthusiast’s collection. Remember, the best bourbon is the one you personally enjoy most, so raise a glass and explore!
Widow Jane 10 Year: A Bold Bourbon with Unexpected Twists
- Nose: Caramel, oak
- Palate: Oak, honey, caramel, cherry
- Finish: Oak, cherry
- Alcohol content: 91 proof (45.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Angel’s Envy
Sweet & Oaky Nose: Dive into a swirl of caramel and toasted oak, with a hint of cough syrup adding an intriguing twist. This aroma hints at a bold and unique flavor journey.
Smooth & Toasty Palate: Enjoy a decent body with prominent notes of toasted oak. Honey and caramel sweetness emerge, balanced by a hint of medicinal cherry.
Lingering Dr. Pepper Finish: The finish is long and warming, dominated by oak and leaving a surprising Dr. Pepper aftertaste. This unexpected element sparks conversation and divides opinions.
Is it Good? Here’s the honest lowdown:
- Unique & Polarizing: The cough syrup and Dr. Pepper notes make it stand out, but might not be for everyone. Expect love or hate reactions.
- Smooth & Enjoyable: Beyond the unique notes, it offers a smooth mouthfeel, upfront oak character, and a pleasant heat level.
- Fair Price: While initially seeming high, it’s reasonable for a 10-year non-chill filtered bourbon.
So, who’s it for?
- Adventurous Bourbon Explorers: Craving something beyond the ordinary? This whiskey offers a bold flavor profile with intriguing twists.
- Sipping Enthusiasts: If you enjoy neat bourbons with character, the smooth mouthfeel and oaky base might appeal to you.
- Budget-Conscious Connoisseurs: Considering its age and non-chill filtration, the price tag lands within the expected range for this category.
Remember: Bourbon preferences are subjective. Embrace the unexpected, explore different expressions, and discover what YOU truly enjoy!
Bonus Facts:
- Widow Jane sources from various locations, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana.
- Their limestone water aging process adds a unique mineral character.
- Founded by an aerospace engineer with deep family ties to the cacao industry – quite a unique journey!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Blanton’s Single Barrel | $130 |
| Widow Jane | $77 |