Rickhouse Blantons Vintage Te

Overview
Rickhouse Blanton's Vintage TE is a single-barrel selection from Blanton's pioneering lineup, distinguished by its specific warehouse origin and the collectible "TE" horse and jockey stoppers that complete the brand's full alphabet series. This expression embodies the distillery's commitment to barrel-by-barrel variation in Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Blanton's, produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, was the first commercially available single-barrel bourbon in the U.S., launched to showcase the potential of individual barrel character. The rickhouse notation indicates the aging warehouse (e.g., H, G, or others), influencing subtle climate-driven maturation differences, while "Vintage TE" refers to the rare terminal stoppers in the iconic series depicting eight horses in mid-race.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Layers of caramel, vanilla bean, and citrus zest, with hints of orchard fruit and subtle leather from warehouse maturation.
• Palate: Bold corn sweetness upfront, transitioning to rye spice, dried cherries, and toasted oak; medium body with integrated alcohol warmth.
• Finish: Lingering spice and caramel, moderate length with a clean, oaky fade.

Notable details

• Production: Hand-selected single barrels from Buffalo Trace rickhouses, bottled at full proof without chill-filtration or additives.
• Lineage: Buffalo Trace Distillery flagship single-barrel program, using Mashbill #2 for softer rye influence compared to high-rye peers.
• Comparison: Sets the standard for accessible single-barrel bourbons, akin to but more refined than entry-level barrel picks from Wild Turkey or Four Roses.
• Availability: Highly allocated worldwide, with specific rickhouse and stopper combos commanding premiums on secondary markets.

Closing
A collector's cornerstone and everyday sipper that highlights single-barrel nuance without excess.