Blanton's has a fair claim to starting a whole category. When it launched in 1984, it was the first bourbon sold as a single barrel, meaning each bottle came from one hand-selected barrel rather than a blend of many. That idea, credited to Buffalo Trace master distiller Elmer T. Lee and named for Colonel Albert B. Blanton, is now standard practice across the industry. Blanton's is still made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Because every bottle comes from a single barrel, no two are exactly alike. That variation is part of the appeal, and it's a big reason Blanton's has stayed in demand for decades without an age statement to lean on.
What makes Blanton's a single barrel bourbon?
Most bourbon is batched, with whiskey from many barrels blended together to keep the flavor consistent from bottle to bottle. Blanton's takes the opposite approach. Each bottle is drawn from one barrel, pulled from the center-cut sections of the distillery's Warehouse H, so what you taste reflects that specific barrel rather than an averaged-out house style. The tradeoff is small differences from bottle to bottle, which is exactly what a lot of drinkers are after in a single barrel bourbon.
What does Blanton's taste like?
Blanton's tends to read as sweet and balanced rather than heavy. The nose leans toward caramel, vanilla, and honey, with a little orange peel and the clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon baking spice that comes from its rye content. The palate follows with more caramel and vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of dried fruit, before a medium finish of oak and gentle spice. At 93 proof, the Original sits in an easy, approachable range that works neat or over a large cube. For a closer look at the profile and the collectible packaging, our Blanton's flavor and collectibles guide goes deeper.
How is Blanton's made and aged?
Blanton's uses the higher-rye of Buffalo Trace's two mash bills, which is where its lively spice and sweet caramel notes come from. The barrels then age in Warehouse H, a metal-clad rickhouse known for wide temperature swings that push the whiskey in and out of the wood as the seasons change. Each barrel is tasted and selected individually, so only the ones that hit the mark are bottled under the Blanton's name.
What are the Blanton's horse stoppers?
The horse-and-jockey topper is Blanton's most recognizable detail. There are actually eight of them, each showing a racehorse at a different stage of a race and each stamped with a single letter. Line all eight up and they spell out B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S, a nod to Kentucky's horse-racing heritage. Collectors chase the full set, which is part of why empty Blanton's bottles rarely go to waste.
Which Blanton's should you buy?
For most people, Blanton's Single Barrel (the Original, at 93 proof) is the one to reach for, and we carry it in the standard 750ml along with gift set, decanter, and multi-bottle formats. If you want more intensity, Blanton's Straight From The Barrel is bottled uncut at barrel proof, usually between 125 and 135, for a bigger and warmer pour. Our own Blanton's Gold store pick, a barrel hand-selected by our team, offers the richer Gold Edition profile with a decanter included.
Blanton's also shines in a side-by-side flight, so we bundle it with related Buffalo Trace favorites like Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor, Stagg, and Weller. If you're weighing the two most-compared Buffalo Trace single barrels, our Blanton's vs. Eagle Rare breakdown is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes Blanton's bourbon?
Blanton's is produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, using the higher-rye of the distillery's two mash bills.
What proof is Blanton's?
The Original Single Barrel is 93 proof. Straight From The Barrel is bottled uncut, usually landing between 125 and 135 proof depending on the barrel.
Why is every bottle of Blanton's different?
Each bottle comes from a single barrel rather than a blend, so the flavor and proof shift slightly from barrel to barrel. That variation is the whole point of a single barrel bourbon.
What do the letters on the Blanton's stoppers mean?
There are eight collectible stoppers, each with one letter. Together they spell BLANTONS, and each one shows a racehorse at a different point in a race.
Is Blanton's a good bourbon for beginners?
Yes. At 93 proof with a soft caramel-and-vanilla profile, the Original is approachable for newer drinkers while still holding up for longtime fans.