Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Blanton holds the title of king of the original single-barrel bourbon, and its flagship is continually soaring in popularity, making its bottles notoriously hard to find.
But what does Blanton’s bourbons have that makes people buy and want more?
We’ve listed the best Blanton’s bourbons to watch out for. Read on.
Top 4 Must-Try Best Blanton’s Bourbon (Ranked)
4. Blanton’s Special Reserve
Average Price: Around $287 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Blanton’s Special Reserve is considered the introductory edition of Blanton’s and is an ideal entry-level bottle for those new to single-barrel bourbons.
At 80-proof, you’ll experience a lot of vanilla and toffee notes on the palate, light and airy texture, with subtle floral aromas and cedar hints on the nose.
It has a soft consistency and a short mellow finish. However, this expression is currently unavailable in the US and only in export markets.
But you can always check your secondary market or other online shops to locate a bottle of this smooth Blanton’s Special Reserve.
3. Blanton’s Gold Edition
Average Price: Around $447 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 51.5%
Why We Like It:
Blanton’ Gold Edition is made with impressive smoothness while having a bold complexity and richness of its tasting flavor.
It has a noticeable scent of tobacco and spicy rye notes.
This Gold Edition has a fuller-bodied nose and a great mouthfeel.
Its high 103-proof bottle has bolder notes of charred oak, and spicy rye, honey, and vanilla are present on the palate.
It has a long and harmonious bold finish with lingering spice.
This bottle allows you to taste full Blanton’s profile at a higher proof without overpowering your taste buds with alcohol taste.
2. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel
Average Price: Around $134 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 46.5%
Why We Like It:
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is known to be the world’s first single-barrel bourbon.
It offers standard bourbon flavors such as oak, vanilla, and light citrus hints.
This single-barrel bourbon is creamier and richer in profile. It has a velvety vanilla aroma with hints of baking spices and hits your palate with the sweetness of honey, vanilla, and caramel.
“Blanton’s bottles sell instantly without an age statement on the label… I look at it now as a marketing wonder.”
– Kenny Coleman, Pursuit Spirits Co-Founder
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel bourbon gives a consistent and pleasing complex bourbon with some extra sweetness.
Its full-tasting profile is a solid selection for a classic bourbon flavor.
1. Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel
Average Price: Around $399 for 750ml
Alcohol Content: 65%
Why We Like It:
Down to our number one best Blanton, we have the intense yet inviting Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel bourbon.
This expression is a cask-strength bourbon having a strong profile.
As its name stands, Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel is bottled straight from its barrels with no proofing or filtering procedures.
Did you know? Barrel-proof bourbons are bourbons with the purest form, and their alcohol content might vary depending on the barrel proof.
Compared to other bourbons that have been diluted, this expression has a fuller body and distinctive complex flavors, making it the top choice for barrel-proof bourbon lovers.
Is Blanton’s Bourbon Easy To Find?
No, Blanton’s bourbon is not easy to find. Even with its high price, it’s extremely rare to find a bottle of Blanton’s in a typical liquor shop or secondary market.
This bourbon might be harder to find in some states in the US because of its limited allocation.
Each state has a law that regulates the even distribution of alcohol within states.
Also, this mystical bourbon’s production and supply can’t keep up with the demand in the market, especially its single-barrel expression, making its bottles even harder to find.
What’s The Best Way To Drink Blanton’s Bourbon?
Blanton’s bourbon is best to drink straight or on the rocks with a splash of water to enjoy its intricate flavor and aroma.
But some bourbon connoisseurs love to savor its full, bold, and rich profile neat on a Glencairn glasses for a standard and classic bourbon tasting. [1]
For cocktail lovers, don’t worry, you can also use Blanton’s bourbon as a base alcohol mixer, and it is best to pair it with club soda and ginger ale.
FAQs Related to Best Blanton’s Bourbon
What is Blanton’s Bourbon?
Blanton’s Bourbon is a renowned single barrel bourbon whiskey known for its rich flavor, smoothness, and distinctive bottle design.
What sets Blanton’s Bourbon apart from other bourbons?
Blanton’s Bourbon is highly regarded for its unique flavor profile, which includes notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spices, as well as its iconic horse stopper bottle design.
Is Blanton’s Bourbon worth the hype?
Many bourbon enthusiasts consider Blanton’s Bourbon to be worth the hype due to its exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and complex flavor profile.
What are some popular cocktails I can make with Blanton’s Bourbon?
Popular cocktails you can make with Blanton’s Bourbon include the classic Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Whiskey Sour, and Boulevardier.
Can I drink Blanton’s Bourbon neat?
Yes, Blanton’s Bourbon is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its smoothness and nuanced flavors.
Are there any limited editions or special releases of Blanton’s Bourbon?
Yes, Blanton’s Bourbon occasionally releases limited editions or special releases, such as Blanton’s Gold Edition or Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel, which offer unique variations of the classic bourbon.
How should I store Blanton’s Bourbon?
Blanton’s Bourbon should be stored upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve its quality and flavor over time.
What should I pair with Blanton’s Bourbon for tasting?
Blanton’s Bourbon pairs well with dark chocolate, roasted nuts, smoked meats, or aged cheeses, enhancing the tasting experience with complementary flavors and textures.
What makes Blanton’s bourbon special?
Aside from its distinctive packaging, Blanton’s bourbon is special because of its unique recipe and aging process, creating a deep, deep taste profile that many bourbon aficionados love.
In Summary
Blanton’s bourbon holds a place in many bourbon drinkers’ hearts, from its Special Reserve to its core bottles—Original Single barrel, Gold Edition, and Straight From The Barrel.
This bourbon’s outstanding quality in aging and bottling sets it apart from other bourbons, but these bottles are not easy to find.
But if you’re fortunate enough to get a bottle, we recommend drinking it neat or on the rocks with a splash of water for your first sip.
Its limited allocation and great demand make its bottles more expensive, but its price doesn’t stop people from having a bottle of these exceptional sought-after single-barrel bourbons.
References:
- https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/how-to-drink-bourbon
- https://www.gearpatrol.com/food/drinks/a37634865/blantons-bourbon-collecting-interview
