BLANTON'S Single Barrel #882 Edition 2018 The Chronicles

Nose : full yet delicate. Wavering between black fruit (brambly, blueberry) and exotic fruit (mango, coconut), the initial nose has lots of presence. Allowed to breathe, oak brings us eloquently to the heart of the Buffalo Trace warehouses. Every atom of the aromatic palette is extremely warm. At the climax, rhubarb, candied lemon and cocoa powder accompany delicious notes of popcorn.

Palate : with incredible balance and freshness, the chocolatey attack is characterized by quince jelly and juicy mango flavours. The mid-palate takes on darker tones (liquorice, tar, pipe tobacco). Next, its spicy register looks back at what has come before (clove, nutmeg, black pepper).

Overall : long, smooth. Whether fresh, candied or dried, the fruits revealed on the finish are as varied as they are seductive, evoking apricot, white peach, guava, pecan nuts and passion fruit. The retronasal olfaction drinks in their sweet, tangy juices right to the very last drop. The empty glass restores the aromas of cocoa powder, coriander and pine resin.