Blanton’s Char No. 4 2022 Special Release

A special release from Blanton's highlighting the impact of char level on bourbon character — the Char No. 4 uses barrels charred to the deepest standard level, producing a more intensely oak-influenced expression than the standard Blanton's Original program.

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon was created in 1984 by Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee as the world's first commercially marketed single barrel bourbon. All Blanton's expressions age in Warehouse H — the only metal-clad warehouse at Buffalo Trace, identified by Colonel Albert Blanton as producing the finest bourbon on the property. The Char No. 4 Special Release specifically highlights the highest standard char level applied to these Warehouse H barrels.

Char level refers to the degree of fire applied to the inside of a new American oak barrel before filling. The standard levels range from #1 (light) to #4 (heavy) — #4, sometimes called "alligator char" for the pattern of the carbonized wood surface, produces the most rapid and intense extraction of vanilla, caramel, and oak compounds. At Warehouse H's unique metal-clad environment, which amplifies temperature swings compared to standard rickhouses, #4 char barrels develop a particularly distinctive profile over their aging period.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with the rich color that heavy char extraction produces.
• Nose: Honey, rye, dried fruits, vanilla, and a deeper toasted oak presence than standard Blanton's — the #4 char's extraction evident in the more oak-forward aromatics.
• Palate: Full and rich — the deep char producing more concentrated caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak alongside the apricot, butter, and pepper of Warehouse H single barrel bourbon.
• Finish: Long — the enhanced char extraction deepening the toffee and caramel notes through an extended close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
• Char: No. 4 (deepest standard char level)
• Warehouse: Warehouse H
• Release: 2022 Special Release
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What does char level mean in bourbon production? Before filling, the inside of a new American oak barrel is set on fire for a specific duration. More fire = higher char number. The char layer creates a carbon filter and caramelizes the wood sugars, producing vanilla, caramel, and toasted grain flavors. #4 char — the highest standard level — produces a thick caramelized layer and the most intense initial extraction.
• How does Char No. 4 differ from standard Blanton's Original? Standard Blanton's Original uses Warehouse H single barrels at a standard char level. The Char No. 4 Special Release specifically selects barrels charred to the deepest standard level, producing a more oak-forward, caramel-concentrated profile than the standard program.
• Why is Warehouse H significant? Warehouse H is the only metal-clad warehouse at Buffalo Trace. Metal cladding amplifies temperature swings compared to masonry warehouses, driving the bourbon in and out of the wood more aggressively. Colonel Albert Blanton specifically identified Warehouse H barrels as the finest on the property — all Blanton's expressions use this warehouse exclusively.
• Is the 2022 Char No. 4 still available? Yes — this release is available now.