Last Updated on March 1, 2024 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 Blantons 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (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.
Is Blanton’s bourbon top shelf?
Yes, Blanton’s bourbon is widely considered a top-shelf whiskey, prized for its exceptional quality, distinctive flavor profile, and collectible nature.
As a single-barrel bourbon, each bottle is unique, contributing to its premium status among bourbon enthusiasts.
Is Blanton’s high end?
Blanton’s is indeed considered a high-end bourbon, known for its premium quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and limited availability.
Its distinctively shaped bottle and horse-themed stoppers add to its appeal, making it a sought-after choice for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
What whiskey is most like Blanton’s?
While no whiskey is an exact replica of Blanton’s due to its single-barrel nature, several bourbons share similar characteristics.
Elmer T. Lee, also produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery, is often considered a close match with its smoothness and complexity.
Eagle Rare, another Buffalo Trace product, is praised for its well-balanced flavor and can be an alternative for those seeking a whiskey reminiscent of Blanton’s.
Is Weller as good as Pappy?
Weller bourbons, particularly the Weller 12 Year Old and Weller Antique 107, share a mash bill with the highly acclaimed Pappy Van Winkle bourbons.
While Weller bourbons are not identical to Pappy, they offer a comparable flavor profile at a more accessible price point.
Many enthusiasts appreciate Weller bourbons as a worthy alternative, delivering a rich and smooth experience akin to Pappy Van Winkle without the same level of scarcity and high price.
Why is Blanton’s so popular?
Blanton’s has gained immense popularity for several reasons, including its exceptional quality, unique single-barrel production, and rich, well-balanced flavor profile.
The bourbon’s distinct packaging, featuring a collectible horse-themed stopper and a signature bottle shape, has contributed to its iconic status.
Additionally, its limited availability and scarcity have fueled a sense of exclusivity, attracting whiskey enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
What Blanton’s does John Wick drink?
In the John Wick film series, the titular character, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is often seen drinking Blanton’s bourbon.
The choice of Blanton’s in the movies adds a touch of sophistication and aligns with the character’s refined taste, further elevating the bourbon’s popularity.
Why is Blanton’s so expensive?
Blanton’s is considered expensive for several reasons. Firstly, its production process involves single-barrel aging, which can result in variations that make each bottle unique.
This meticulous approach to craftsmanship contributes to the bourbon’s premium quality. Additionally, the scarcity of Blanton’s, coupled with its high demand, has led to inflated prices on the secondary market.
The limited supply and the bourbon’s reputation for excellence contribute to its perceived value and premium price tag.
Why is Blanton’s so rare now?
Blanton’s has become increasingly rare due to a combination of factors. The bourbon’s popularity has surged in recent years, leading to high demand that often outpaces the distillery’s production capacity.
Additionally, the aging process for Blanton’s is time-intensive, as it is a single-barrel bourbon, further limiting the quantity available.
The rarity of Blanton’s has been exacerbated by its status as a collector’s item, with enthusiasts eager to secure bottles for both consumption and investment.
As a result, finding Blanton’s on retail shelves has become a challenging task, contributing to its reputation as a rare and sought-after bourbon.
Why is Blanton’s bourbon so rare?
Blanton’s bourbon is considered rare primarily due to its unique single-barrel aging process, which results in limited production quantities.
Each barrel is aged individually, leading to distinct flavor profiles, but also contributing to scarcity as compared to bourbons blended from multiple barrels.
Additionally, the meticulous craftsmanship involved in the production of Blanton’s further limits its availability.
How hard is it to get Blanton’s?
Acquiring a bottle of Blanton’s can be challenging due to its high demand and limited supply. The bourbon’s popularity has surged in recent years, making it a sought-after item for enthusiasts and collectors.
As a result, Blanton’s tends to sell out quickly when released, and finding it on retail shelves can be a competitive endeavor.
Many enthusiasts resort to secondary markets where prices can be considerably higher than the retail value.
What is considered top shelf whiskey?
Top shelf whiskey refers to high-quality, premium spirits that are often associated with a higher price point and superior craftsmanship.
These whiskeys are typically well-aged, meticulously produced, and known for their exceptional flavor profiles.
Brands like Pappy Van Winkle, Macallan, Glenlivet, and Blanton’s are commonly regarded as top shelf due to their reputation for excellence and the premium experience they offer to discerning drinkers.
Why is Blanton’s bourbon hard to get?
Blanton’s bourbon is hard to get primarily because of its limited production and high demand. The single-barrel aging process and meticulous craftsmanship contribute to a slower production pace, resulting in fewer bottles available for distribution.
As the popularity of Blanton’s has soared, with enthusiasts and collectors seeking this iconic bourbon, the limited supply cannot keep up with the demand.
This combination of factors, including its reputation as a collector’s item and its use in popular culture, has made acquiring Blanton’s a challenging and competitive endeavor for whiskey enthusiasts.
Final Verdict: Blantons vs Weller
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.
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