Whisky: Blanton’s Single Barrel

Producer: The Sazerac Company

Distillery: Buffalo Trace

Region: Kentucky

Whisky Type: Single Barrel Straight Bourbon

Age: NAS (typically 6-8 years)

ABV: 46.5% (93 Proof)

Aged in Cask: New Charred American Oak

Price Range: $$$

This classic bourbon from Buffalo Trace distillery was the first commercially available single barrel bourbon made for ambassadors and dignitaries. Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee created this expression in 1984 to honor Colonel Albert Bacon Blanton, who was the president of the Buffalo Trace Distillery until 1952. This straight bourbon was bottled at 93 Proof in 2020. Barrel #378.

The brand pays tribute to Kentucky, which has a long tradition of horse racing, by placing a horse and a jockey in the bottle stoppers. There are currently eight stoppers that have become well-known collectibles among bourbon geeks.

From the website:

“Beginning in 1999 a collector’s set of eight different stoppers was produced. The set features a horse and jockey in different strides and poses resembling the stages of a horse race, from beginning to end. Each stopper is marked with a single letter that spells Blanton’s when the set has been completed. The final stopper, marked by “S” always finishes the race in victory!”

These are other popular editions of Blanton’s:

• Gold Edition(103 Proof)
• Straight from the Barrel Edition. Cask Strength (130 Proof)
• Silver Edition. Originally produced for the Duty-Free market. Discontinued (98 Proof)
• Black Edition. Exclusive for the Japanese Market (80 Proof)
• Special Reserve. For International Market Only (80 Proof)

Tasting Notes for Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Nose: Classic and lovely bourbon nose with vanilla, caramel, and baking spices.

Palate: A creamy, soft, and sweet palate with Crème Brûlée, honey, brown sugar, and caramel are most prominent. There are toasted oak notes that work well by rounding the sweet flavors.

Finish: Medium finish that continues to deliver the same flavors from the palate.

Score: 3.75/5 ⭐

Conclusion: An approachable and tasty straight bourbon that combines sweetness with toasted oak. A good pour for a weekend with friends. The only issue is finding a bottle. Like many Buffalo Trace expressions, the bourbon has a cult-like status, so expect to pay more than $100 if you find it.

Check out this video about how Blanton’s Single Barrel Original is made.

Legend

$50 or less $

$51-$100 $$

$101-$150 $$$

$151 or more $$$$