Connoisseurs know that Blanton's Bourbon isn't just another whiskey. This single-barrel bourbon has carved out its own top-shelf status in the world of spirits for a reason.
Everything about Blanton's is crafted with purpose, and the signature bottle is just the start. With notes of vanilla, honey, dried fruit, and warm spice in every sip, Blanton’s delivers a complex yet approachable taste enjoyed by both novice drinkers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.
From the origins of the Blanton's brand in Warehouse H to the indulgent range available today, we'll explore everything that makes Blanton's Bourbon a standout in the whiskey world.
Blanton's Bourbon: Where It All Started
Blanton's journey began in the heart of Kentucky at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery, one of the oldest operating distilleries in the United States.
Steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, this distillery has been producing spirits since the 18th century, weathering everything from Prohibition to changing tastes in whiskey. And it was here that a quiet revolution in bourbon began.
The Blanton's brand dates back to 1984 when Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee introduced people to single-barrel bourbon. At a time when bland bourbons dominated the market, Elmer believed that discerning drinkers were ready for something more refined and exclusive.
Blanton's single-barrel bourbon was named after Elmer's mentor, Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who spent decades overseeing the production at the Buffalo Trace Distillery after beginning his career as an office boy. He became well known for his keen palate and deep understanding of the aging process, and often handpicked special barrels for VIP guests and dignitaries.
Colonel Blanton was a visionary long before the spirit was trendy. He believed that certain barrels matured better in specific parts of the warehouse, with the center cut of Warehouse H being his prime spot.
Elmer T. Lee took Colonel Blanton's philosophies, ensuring the craftsmanship, patience, and premium flavor are reflected in every bottle of bourbon.
The iconic horse and jockey bottle stoppers
If you take a closer look at a bottle of Blanton's Bourbon, you'll spot a small but significant detail: a horse and jockey stopper.
What you might not know, though, is that Blanton's features a collectible series of eight distinct stoppers, each capturing a different moment in a horse race. Each figurine also bears a single letter that, when put together, spells the word BLANTONS, a clever nod to Kentucky's rich horse racing history.
These distinctive stoppers elevate Blanton’s beyond a drink, making it a collector’s treasure. Combining bourbon’s richness with the charm of thoroughbred tradition, they ensure every bottle stands out not only on shelves but also in conversations.
How Each Barrel of Blanton's Is Crafted
Each bottle of Blanton's is meticulously crafted, one white oak barrel at a time. It's this single-barrel approach that gives every bottle an explosive flavor profile, making this one of the best bourbons around today.
Every sip is a snapshot of a specific barrel’s journey through time, temperature, and tradition. Using high-quality ingredients such as corn, rye, and malted barley, as well as pure, limestone-filtered water from the Kentucky River, each barrel produces a smooth and mellow taste that is brimming with caramel flavors and notes of honey, vanilla, and oak.
After distilling, the spirit is transferred into new, charred American oak barrels where the magic of aging begins.
All of the barrels are stored in the legendary Warehouse H, the only metal-clad rickhouse at Buffalo Trace. The metal walls produce a more dramatic reaction to Kentucky's hot summers and cold winters, allowing the bourbon to expand into the charred oak, drawing out rich, complex flavors over time. Think of it as nature's alchemy.
Each barrel is matured for around six to eight years, but time isn't the only indicator that the bourbon is ready for sipping. Each barrel is also tasted by Master Distillers to ensure perfection. As soon as the Master Distillers are happy, the bourbon is bottled, sealed, and hand-labeled, preserving its artisanal spirit. This careful process makes every sip a singular experience.
The Blanton's Bourbon Range: A Flavor Sensation for Every Palate
Blanton's caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences. Here’s a look at the lineup to help you find your perfect pour.
Blanton's Original Single-Barrel Bourbon
This is the world's first commercially released single-barrel bourbon that started it all back in 1984.
Often referred to as the Original Private Reserve, it was crafted as a tribute to Colonel Albert B. Blanton’s tradition of hand-picking special barrels for VIP guests.
Bottled at 93 proof, Blanton's Original offers a rich, smooth taste with notes of vanilla, honey, citrus, and baking spices, all wrapped in a silky finish. It's one of the most widely available bottles and is ideal for both newcomers and collectors.
Blanton's Gold Edition
Bottled at 103 proof, Blanton's Bold Edition takes everything fans love about the Original and dials it up a notch. It's crafted using the same single-barrel approach, but delivers more complexity and a warmer finish.
Sippers can expect elevated notes of honeyed sweetness, toasted oak, dried fruit, and baking spices, with a little added heat. With a higher proof, every mouthful reveals new layers. While the Gold Edition is a little harder to find, it's well worth the hunt for those who crave intensity without sacrificing elegance.
Blanton's Straight From the Barrel
Uncut and unapologetically bold, Blanton's Straight From the Barrel is the powerhouse of the range.
Bottled between 125 and 135 proof, this bottle delivers an intense and deeply satisfying experience with every sip. It's American bourbon in its most authentic form.
You can look forward to bold flavors that include dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts, complemented with a punch of heat. With each bottle having a slightly different proof and finish, Straight From the Barrel is a collector's dream.
Blanton's Special Reserve
Designed for a gentler introduction to bourbon, Blanton's Special Reserve is bottled at 80 proof but tends to be aged longer.
If you're new to the joys of bourbon or you simply enjoy a softer profile, the Special Reserve offers a subtler experience without sacrificing the quality and craftsmanship synonymous with the Blanton's name.
Because it's been given the chance to mature for longer, you can expect a light, floral bourbon with notes of vanilla, soft oak, and honeyed citrus. Unfortunately, this is one variant that can be difficult to find in the U.S., which only adds to its quiet allure.
Blanton's Black Label
Blanton's Black Label is a rare gem that's exclusive to Japan. While it shares a similar proof to the Special Reserve, it's typically aged for up to eight years, which gives it a deeper, more developed profile.
The extended aging results in richer notes of toasted oak, dried fruit, caramel, and subtle spice in each velvety mouthful.
The black wax seal and label give this bottle its bold, striking appearance, which sets it apart from other options in this range. Refined and exquisitely crafted, Blanton's Black Label is a statement piece in any bourbon collection.
Blanton's Takara Red
Crafted exclusively for Japanese palates, Takara Red mirrors the Original’s 93 proof but offers a refined balance of softer spice, sweeter notes, and smooth finishes.
Like the Black Label, it's usually aged for around eight years to achieve mellow, yet deep notes. Drinkers will enjoy silky sips of caramel, vanilla, gentle fruit notes, and warm oak.
The distinct red packaging and label give this bottle of Blanton's a premium look that matches the experience you can expect after pouring. Another must for both collectors and connoisseurs.
How to Sip Your Favorite Bottle of Blanton's Bourbon
Truly appreciating the unique flavors of Blanton's starts with knowing how to sip it.
Whether you choose to sip it straight from a Glencairn glass to savor the full aroma or add a splash of water to open up the flavors, the key is to let it breathe and take your time. Every pour offers a different expression of its signature notes, so this isn't a journey you should rush.
If you're lucky enough to have multiple bottles in your collection, a side-by-side tasting will allow you to discover how proof and aging influence the flavor profiles.
When it comes to storing your bottle, it should be treated with the same respect as when it was crafted. It's best to keep it upright in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. An open bottle of bourbon can last for years if it's stored correctly, but most enthusiasts agree that it should be enjoyed within a year or two after opening.
How Blanton's Prices Weigh Up Against Other Brands
Blanton's price tag can vary depending on availability and market demand.
A bottle of Blanton's Original can range from $65 to $85, but if demand is high, prices can be as high as $150. But, how does this stack up against similar brands?
Michter's Bourbon costs $50 to $70, with its 10-Year release hitting $150 to $200. Penelope Bourbon starts at $40 to $60, with premium releases like Barrel Strength at $60 to $90.
Overall, Blanton's Bourbon is well-priced and in line with other popular brands if you're looking at some of the entry-level varieties. Even Blanton's Original offers incredible quality and flavor for the price, making it a top pick for both casual drinkers and serious collectors seeking value and flavor.
FAQs
Is Blanton's considered a good bourbon?
Yes, Blanton's is considered an excellent bourbon with one of the most iconic bottles in the world of American whiskeys. Not only is it special because it was the first single-barrel bourbon, but the complex flavor profile is a hit with countless bourbon enthusiasts. No two barrels are exactly the same, so each bottle has something special to offer.
Why is Blanton's Bourbon so sought after?
Blanton's Bourbon is so sought after because of its premium single-barrel quality, rich flavors, and limited availability. Each bottle is hand-picked from a single barrel, making it unique, while the iconic horse and jockey stoppers add a collectible element. This, combined with the brand's history, makes it a legend in the spirits industry.
How should you drink Blanton's?
Blanton's flavors are designed to be savored, which means they're not an ideal fit for classics like Old Fashions. Blanton's is best enjoyed neat in a whiskey glass. However, if you prefer a more subtle flavor, you can add a few drops of water. Ice isn't recommended as it can mute some of the subtler tones.
Is Blanton's still hard to get?
It can be difficult to find Blanton's on shelves as demand is currently outpacing supplies. It's also what makes some of the reserves so special—you never know when you might find a bottle again.
What happens if you collect all eight Blanton's bottle stoppers?
If you're lucky enough to be an owner of all eight of the unique Blanton's bottle stoppers, you can send them to the Buffalo Trace Distillery, and they'll mount them onto a barrel stave free of charge. Since many bottles of Blanton's are difficult to find, this could take years, but the Buffalo Trace Distillery is more than happy to reward you for the effort.
Conclusion
The Blanton's brand has taken the time to truly perfect its product and produce a variant for every palate. Whether you’re just discovering bourbon or expanding your collection, Blanton’s is a name worth knowing and savoring. Get ready to share, sip, and show off your Blanton's collection.
