Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by Lydia Martin
When John Wick held a Blanton’s bourbon bottle, bourbon enthusiasts started to get hold of the spirit like crazy.
However, a typical bottle of Blanton’s bourbon does not carry an age statement, which piqued their interests more, especially those looking to score an aged, rare bottle.
But really, how long is Blantons aged? Our team has taken the time to dig further to find a solid answer.
All About Blanton’s Age
It’s widely assumed that Blanton’s bourbon is aged anywhere from six to eight years, even though it does not have the age statement labeled clearly on the bottle.
Buffalo Trace Distillery ages this elusive bottle inside a metal-clad warehouse known as Warehouse H. This iconic warehouse was commissioned for construction by Albert B. Blanton himself.
A metal warehouse transfers heat faster than traditional brick warehouses, allowing the barrels to age faster.
Most barrel selections from Buffalo Trace are also especially sourced from this warehouse.
Theories On How Long It Is Aged
6 – 8 Years
While Buffalo Trace has yet to disclose Blanton’s age statement, many assume that this bourbon has aged anywhere from six to eight years. The bottles come from a single barrel in Warehouse H.
9 Years
Some variants, like the Blanton’s Red Single Barrel, are rumored to be aged for about nine years.
The spirit has taken on much of the dark color from the charred oak barrels, thanks to those extra years.
Minimum of 4 Years
Many people speculate that Blanton’s is only aged for the minimum legal requirement: four years and one day.
After all, straight bourbons aged over the minimum legal requirement don’t have to carry an age statement.
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Rules In Aging Bourbons
A bottle labeled “straight bourbon” means that the spirit has aged for a minimum of two years inside new, charred oak barrels.
Brands are not required to disclose the age statement if the bourbon has been aged for a minimum of four years.
Anything less than four years requires the brand to state how old the bourbon is on its bottle.
A bottled-in-bond label [1] also has a minimum age requirement of four years and must be bottled at 50 percent ABV (100 proof).
If you don’t see an age statement on the bottle, it’s likely because it was made with a blend of bourbons with varying age statements.
Younger bourbons are often combined with older bourbons to achieve the flavor profile the distillery is looking for.
Possible Reasons Why It Doesn’t Have Age Statement
- The age of the barrel doesn’t matter to them but rather the profile of the bourbon itself. If it’s only spent five years aging, but they’ve achieved the signature Blanton’s profile, it’s good enough for bottling.
- The metal Warehouse H in Buffalo Trace Distillery allows for faster aging, considering it transfers heat faster during the warm months. They don’t have to wait eight years when six years can do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Blanton’s bourbon get better with age?
Yes, Blanton’s bourbon does get better with age, considering the spirit is still inside the barrel.
However, there could be too much maturation — meaning you lose most of the grain profile from the mash bill, replaced with too much wood and oak from the barrels.
According to many distillers, the sweet spot of aging bourbon is anywhere from five to twelve years.
Will tasting Blanton’s bourbon reveal its age?
Yes, you can guess how old Blanton’s is by tasting it. However, it might not be an accurate guess, as Buffalo Trace hasn’t revealed the brand’s age statement.
We can assume that all of their bottles are aged a minimum of four years.
How long do they age Blanton’s?
Blanton’s Bourbon undergoes a meticulous aging process that lasts for a minimum of six years. The aging duration plays a crucial role in developing the distinctive flavor profile that enthusiasts appreciate in Blanton’s. The whiskey matures in new charred oak barrels stored in specially selected warehouse locations, where factors such as temperature variations contribute to the final taste.
How long does a bottle of Blanton’s last?
The lifespan of a bottle of Blanton’s depends on various factors, including the size of the bottle, the frequency of consumption, and personal preferences. Typically, a standard 750ml bottle of Blanton’s can last for a considerable period if consumed in moderation. Connoisseurs often savor Blanton’s slowly to appreciate its nuanced flavors, which can extend the longevity of a bottle.
Why is Blanton’s so rare now?
Blanton’s Bourbon has gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and unique single-barrel approach. The rarity of Blanton’s in recent times is attributed to its limited production capacity and high demand. Each bottle is drawn from a single barrel, and not every barrel meets the stringent standards set by the distillery. Additionally, the meticulous aging process contributes to the scarcity, as it takes time to produce each batch. The combination of these factors makes Blanton’s a sought-after and limited-release bourbon.
Is Eagle Rare better than Blanton’s?
The comparison between Eagle Rare and Blanton’s is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences. Both bourbons come from the Buffalo Trace Distillery and are highly regarded in the whiskey community. Blanton’s is known for its single-barrel approach and slightly higher proof, providing a rich and complex flavor profile. Eagle Rare, on the other hand, is praised for its smoothness and balanced sweetness. Some enthusiasts may prefer the boldness of Blanton’s, while others may lean towards the milder and well-rounded characteristics of Eagle Rare. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal taste and the specific qualities each individual values in a bourbon.
How long is the best bourbon aged?
The optimal aging duration for the best bourbon varies, but many premium bourbons are aged for a minimum of four to six years, with some exceeding a decade or more, as the aging process allows the whiskey to absorb flavors from the charred barrels and develop a complex and refined taste profile.
What Blanton’s does John Wick drink?
In the iconic film “John Wick,” the character is often seen enjoying Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon. Specifically, he appreciates the distinctive design of Blanton’s bottle, featuring a horse and jockey atop the cork, which symbolizes the stages of a horse race.
Is Blanton’s bourbon top shelf?
Yes, Blanton’s Bourbon is widely considered a top-shelf whiskey. Its reputation for excellence, distinctive single-barrel approach, and carefully crafted flavor profile contribute to its classification as a premium spirit. Blanton’s often occupies a prestigious place on liquor shelves, reserved for high-quality and sought-after bourbons.
Is Blanton’s high end?
Blanton’s Bourbon is indeed categorized as a high-end whiskey. Its limited production, single-barrel selection, and meticulous aging process contribute to its exclusivity and premium status. The unique combination of these factors, along with the rich and complex flavor profile, positions Blanton’s as a sought-after and esteemed bourbon in the high-end spirit’s market. Connoisseurs and collectors often consider Blanton’s a valuable addition to their collection, further emphasizing its high-end status in the world of bourbon.
Why can’t you just buy Blanton’s?
Obtaining a bottle of Blanton’s can be challenging due to its limited production and high demand, leading to scarcity in the market; additionally, the single-barrel approach means each bottle is unique, and not every barrel meets the distillery’s stringent standards, further contributing to its elusive nature.
Why do people like Blanton’s so much?
The widespread admiration for Blanton’s stems from its exceptional quality, intricate flavor profile, and the unique experience of savoring a single-barrel bourbon; enthusiasts appreciate its rich, well-balanced taste with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices, coupled with a smooth finish, making it a distinct and memorable choice for whiskey connoisseurs.
Why is Blanton’s so hard to get?
Blanton’s scarcity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including limited production capacity, the meticulous aging process, and the stringent selection criteria for each barrel; the high demand for this premium bourbon amplifies its rarity, as not every barrel meets the elevated standards set by the Buffalo Trace Distillery, intensifying the difficulty of acquiring a bottle.
What is John Wick’s favorite bourbon?
John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves in the film series, has a penchant for Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon; his preference is depicted prominently in the movies, where the character is frequently seen enjoying this particular bourbon, appreciating not only its exquisite taste but also the iconic design of the bottle, featuring a horse and jockey atop the cork symbolizing the stages of a horse race.
So, How Long Is Blantons Aged?
Many people speculate that Blanton’s bottles are aged in the six to eight-year range, possibly even going into nine years.
However, we also believe that the selected barrels can be poured into the bottle in as short as four years if it’s achieved the signature flavor profile they are looking for.
No one knows exactly how long Blanton’s bourbon is aged, and Buffalo Trace Distillery has no plans of disclosing that information to the public.
We assume that Blanton’s bourbons do not put so much emphasis on the age statement but rather on the quality of the spirit inside the barrels.
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