Not only one of the world's best bourbons, Blanton's Straight from the Barrel is one of the world's best whiskeys. Created for connoisseurs familiar with cask strength whiskeys, this enormous taste profile reaches depths of flavor found only in the rarest of spirits. On the nose we get notes of dark chocolate, caramel and butter with earthy undertones of walnut and hazelnut. The palate delivers intrepid notes of warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts and a rich spiciness with hints of butterscotch or honey. The high alcohol by volume is intense and powerful yet inviting. The deep and resonate finish on this bourbon is nothing short of legendary. Straight from the barrel is best served neat or with a splash of water. Un-filtered, un-cut, unbelievable.

The batch has a nice color coming from the time it rested in charred white oak barrels in our Kentucky climate. I sampled this batch on a rainy morning, and as usual, the first sip told me this was a batch that my Dad would be proud of. The aroma has vanilla and brown spice, and this sweetness continues when it first hits your tongue. Because of where Booker's is aged, the initial heat won't overwhelm you and leaves you with a balanced taste. The finish is long and warm, just the way Dad liked it. From the name of the batch that reflects the way he lived his life, to the bourbon in the bottle that tastes the way he enjoyed it, I know my Dad would be proud of this batch.