Blanton’s vs Weller Bourbon: Which is Better? (2023)
Last Updated on January 19, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Blanton’s and Weller are two different bourbons crafted in the same facility — the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
While both are notable whiskey brands, which is better than the other?
Let’s uncover more differences between Blanton’s vs Weller in this in-depth comparison and determine which bourbon suits you. Read on.
Blanton’s & Weller Special Reserve Bourbons Compared
Blanton’s and Weller use different mash bills. Weller Special Reserve is a wheated bourbon, while Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is a high-rye bourbon.
While Blanton’s is creamier and richer in taste, Weller is sweeter and smoother. But, on the finish, they’re both long-lasting and pleasant, with warming notes.
Bourbon is a comfort food. As the world becomes more complex, bourbon remains simple–its foundation is little more than a balanced combination of grains, mostly composed of corn, that us fermented and distilled into alcohol.”
Reid Mitenbuler, Author
For those who like high-alcoholic spirits, Blanton’s and Weller may disappoint you (as they lack the proof).
So, they’re best served neat, but you can enjoy Weller more over ice.
How They Differ?
| Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon | Differences | Weller Special Reserve |
| Around $45-$59.99/750ml (MSRP) | Average Price | Around $30/750ml (MSRP) |
| 93-proof | Alcohol Proof | 90-proof |
| NAS | Age Statement | NAS |
| Mash #2 (high-rye mashbill, rumored to be 15% rye) | Mash Bills | Undisclosed (rumored to be 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley) |
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
As a higher-rye bourbon, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel contains 15% rye in its mash.
The spirit is aged for around 6-8 years using new American white oak barrels in the warehouse H of the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
After aging, it is bottled at 93-proof (or 46.5% ABV).
The resulting product delivers the authentic flavors of bourbon with rich butterscotch, rye spice, and vanilla notes.
| Nose | Scent of caramel, oak, old leather, and vanilla |
| Palate | Flavors of baking spice, creamy vanilla, honey, and oak |
| Color | Amber |
| Finish | Long with hints of brown sugar, caramel, and honey, |
| How It’s Served | Neat |
| Comparable To | Blanton’s Gold, EH Taylor, and Eagle Rare |
Fun Facts
- Jim Murray dubbed Blanton’s Original Single Barrel as “Liquid Gold” on his Whisky Bible.
- Hailed as the world’s best bourbon, earning the Chairman’s Trophy at the 2012 and 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
- Won the Double Gold Medal at the 2012 World Spirits Challenge in San Francisco
Weller Special Reserve
As a wheated bourbon, Weller Special Reserve replaces rye with wheat in its mash bill.
The spirit is aged around 4-7 years using virgin American white oak barrels within the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
After aging, it is bottled at 90-proof (or 45% ABV).
The outcome delivers a sweet and smooth spirit (as expected from wheat bourbons), with notes of cinnamon and vanilla, followed by a touch of citrus and dark chocolate.
| Nose | Aromas of apple, leather, maple, and oak |
| Palate | Flavors of baking spice, caramel, chocolate, and vanilla |
| Color | Medium Copper |
| Finish | Long with hints of cinnamon, leather, and oak |
| How It’s Served | Neat & Over Ice |
| Comparable To | Larceny, Maker’s Mark, and Antique 107 |
Fun Facts
- Weller was the first-ever bourbon expression to use wheat in the mash, replacing rye as the second-most grain after corn.
- Won Gold Medal at the 2019 Worlds Spirits Competition in San Francisco
- Weller is named after William Larue Weller, the brand’s founder and distiller.
Blanton’s vs Weller Special Reserve Price Comparison
| Blanton’s Single Barrel | Weller Special Reserve | |
| Average Price | Roughly $45-$59.99 | Roughly $20-$30 |
**Prices are based on the suggested retail price per 750ml. It varies among liquor stores and is possibly much higher today.
As you can see, Weller Special Reserve is cheaper than the Blanton’s Original Single Barrel. But we can’t literally compare since they’re from different categories.
As for Blanton’s, it’s well worth the price if you compare it to other high-rye bourbons [1].
You can expect a nice balance of flavors and a notably smooth finish—great value for money.
On the other hand, Weller is reasonably priced. It’s a decent pick if you prefer wheated bourbons.
However, you can find better alternatives in this price range, like Antique 107.
What Do Blanton & Weller Special Reserve Have In Common?
The only thing common between Blanton’s and Weller is they’re produced at the same distillery (Buffalo Trace) under the Sazerac Company.
Both are crafted along with other notable brands like Pappy Van Winkle, George Stagg, Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare, Buffalo Trace, and EH Taylor.
FAQs
Which is easier to find, Weller Special Reserve or Blanton’s?
Weller Special Reserve and Blanton’s aren’t easy to find these days, as both are allocated bourbons. The supply is limited, so they’re not widely available in most liquor stores.
Are Blanton’s and Weller Special Reserve allocated?
Yes. Blanton’s and Weller Special Reserve [2] are allocated, which means it’s getting rare today due to limited supply yet high demand.
In Summary
Since Blanton’s and Weller are two different bourbons, they also cater to different drinkers’ preferences. Rye fans for Blanton’s and Weller for wheated bourbon enthusiasts.
However, in terms of overall character, we’re very impressed with how Blanton’s Single Barrel delivers an extremely tasty, smooth, and satisfying feel.
Weller is a good choice, though. It’s affordable and perfect for those wanting to try something new. However, there are better-tasting alternatives within the same price range.
In short, we prefer Blanton’s over Weller in this showdown. Expect a great experience– worthy of its price.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey
- https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/weller-special-reserve-bourbon-review#as-with-any-great-bottle-of-bourbon-finding-weller-is-about-the-hunt-3
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best cocktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
