Blanton’s is named the unique single-barrel bourbon, however is there a single finest model of it?
It’s a query I needed to reply as a result of Blanton’s is one of the most popular lineups in all of bourbon. It’s actually one of the often cited in movies like John Wick and TV exhibits like The Massive Bang Principle.
To cowl our bases, the Blanton’s model was launched in 1984, because of Elmer T. Lee, who was the Grasp Distiller at Buffalo Trace on the time. The title is an homage to Albert Bacon Blanton, who served because the president of what was then generally known as the George T. Stagg Distillery from 1921 to 1943. Blanton, or Colonel Blanton as he was affectionately identified, was famed not just for guiding the distillery by means of the issue of the Prohibition years, but in addition for drawing bourbon from his favourite barrels to share with mates. It was his penchant for the latter that helped give rise to the creation and appreciation of what we all know in the present day as single-barrel bourbon.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon’s distinctive bottle and topper have since change into iconic, signaling luxurious and engaging collectors with the truth that every topper is adorned with one of many letters within the expression’s title. Because of this, followers have taken to searching for out particular bottles to “full their assortment” and spell out Blanton’s, even shopping for particular circumstances to show their efforts proudly. For what it’s price, it’s a cool contact and encompasses a horse and a jockey within the various levels of a race with every letter fastened on the base.
With all that stated, nonetheless, you’ll be able to’t drink the historical past, the glass, or the topper. So, let’s dive into how they style!
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9. Blanton’s Takara Black
ABV: 40%
Common Value: $210
The Whiskey:
Blanton’s Takara Black is basically the identical as Blanton’s Particular Reserve (Inexperienced Label) Bourbon. The one distinction is that this one is proscribed to the Japanese export market, which makes it a bit more durable to trace down. Proofed at 40% ABV, this matches Blanton’s Particular Reserve because the lowest proof expression within the lineup.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril is a reasonably muted affair with washed-out walnuts and dilute butterscotch notes main the way in which. Vanilla extract, mushy oak, and dried corn husk aromas quickly observe.
Palate: As soon as on the palate, this whiskey stays restrained with the corn husk notes seizing the lead as accents of vanilla, sorghum, and dilute butterscotch tug on the edges of the tongue. The mouthfeel is essentially the most disappointing side, nonetheless, as these flavors work nicely sufficient collectively, however the lean texture of the whiskey doesn’t give them sufficient runway to take flight.
End: The end right here has faint wintry spices and corn husk notes, which take a flip towards roasted almonds because it shortly fades from the palate.
Backside Line:
I’ll shoot you straight, that is an expression that you would be able to skip within the lineup. Whereas it’s basically the identical whiskey as the following entry on this checklist, this one is positioned on the again as a result of it’s sometimes priced a bit increased at specialty retailers on account of its barely decrease availability within the American and European markets.
8. Blanton’s Particular Reserve (Inexperienced Label)
ABV: 40%
Common Value: $140
The Whiskey:
Blanton’s Particular Reserve, colloquially generally known as “Inexperienced Label,” is the model’s 80-proof providing for the European market. Other than that geographic distinction and modest proof, this one follows the specs of the remainder of the lineup in that it’s bottled from a single barrel of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nosing notes begin robust with some gentle butterscotch and cornbread tones, earlier than shortly diffusing and introducing earthier parts of peppercorn, uncooked almonds, and nutmeg. There’s additionally some vanilla and mushy oak, however not a lot to talk of.
Palate: On the palate, it’s the nuttier and earthier parts that seize your consideration at first. The flavour of youthful oak weaves nicely right into a melange of watered-down caramel, peppercorns, almonds, and black tea. The mouthfeel is skinny, and consequently these flavors are fleeting, however they work nicely whereas they final.
End: The end is the place the notes of black tea and caramel choose up a notch earlier than youthful oak cleans the slate and shortly fades away.
Backside Line:
Is that this one higher than Blanton’s Takara Black? Because it goes with single-barrel expressions, both of them may very well be deemed higher on a given day. As talked about above, that is one other Blanton’s expression that you would be able to overlook about making an attempt until you’re a real completionist, as its modest proof leaves behind many of the taste that bourbon fans are in search of.
7. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
ABV: 46.5%
Common Value: $135
The Whiskey:
One of the polarizing and hyped bourbons in all the land, Blanton’s is the unique single-barrel bourbon. Launched in 1984, every bottle of Blanton’s is the product of a single barrel, an concept hatched by Buffalo Hint’s then Grasp Distiller Elmer T. Lee.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril is stuffed with maple sweet, light oak, vanilla extract, and hazelnuts. There’s a little bit of honey that kicks the sweetness of the nostril up just a few levels, together with a little bit of orange zest.
Palate: On the palate, the hazelnut observe steers the automobile as orange marmalade, vanilla extract, and heat oak tones change into backseat drivers.
End: The end finds a flourish of black pepper and barrel char, balancing out bits of vanilla, brown sugar, and hazelnut. It drops off pretty shortly, however the relative richness of the flavors makes it a savory end regardless of its brevity.
Backside Line:
Whereas that is the bottle that almost all Blanton’s lovers know and luxuriate in, within the wider hierarchy of the expression, this one is fairly comfortably close to the rear. That’s not a foul factor.
The popularity of Blanton’s Bourbon was constructed on the again of this bottle proper right here, and if it was your entry level into the lineup, you’re in luck: There are a number of expressions of upper high quality that you simply’ll wish to discover.
6. Blanton’s Takara Crimson
ABV: 46.5%
Common Value: $220
The Whiskey:
Blanton’s Takara Crimson is one more bottle within the lineup that’s reserved for the Japanese market. What makes this one particular, nonetheless, is that it follows all the bottom guidelines of Blanton’s bourbon; it’s simply aged for 2 years longer than the model’s flagship providing. Blanton’s with a further 24 months within the barrel? Depend me in.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril on this one kicks off with a contact of musty oak staves earlier than it blossoms to offer off the aroma of pecans, salted caramel, and a contact of vibrant cherry kissed with vanilla. It stays true to the basic Blanton’s profile with a contact extra fruitiness.
Palate: On the palate, this one delivers as anticipated. There are winter spice barks, burnt orange peels, and a few faint butterscotch flavors right here mendacity on a mattress of candy oak and vanilla extract. The feel is simply spherical sufficient to carry all of these flavors collectively and coat your palate in a satisfying trend.
End: The end is the place Blanton’s Takara Crimson struts its stuff in comparison with the flagship providing. With a medium end that options some oily, nutty notes alongside vanilla and butterscotch, it comes throughout as a bit richer than your on a regular basis Blanton’s expression.
Backside Line:
We nonetheless aren’t within the territory of Blanton’s expressions which can be well worth the asking value (until you could find the usual providing at MSRP), however in comparison with its 80-proof companions, Blanton’s Takara Crimson is actually extra deserving of your consideration. What occurs once you take customary Blanton’s bourbon and age it for only a hair longer than your typical home providing? Nice issues, certainly.
When you’re on the fence in regards to the results {that a} mere two years can have on a bourbon’s taste profile, then it’s best to positively search this one out.
5. Blanton’s Silver
ABV: 49%
Common Value: $5,000
The Whiskey:
Produced for a few decade, from 1999 to 2009, is Blanton’s Silver. Since being discontinued, the legend of this expression has solely grown, however throughout the Blanton’s household, there’s little that units it other than its friends. What this has in frequent with most different Blanton’s expressions is that it hails from Buffalo Hint’s Warehouse H and is aged for 6-8 years. What makes this one particular is that it’s bottled at a better proof (49% ABV), and it sports activities a flashy silver label and topper.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril on this expression is an absolute delight. Gooey caramel, faint cardamom, some moist grass, and Manuka honey notes paved the way. After giving this one a while to relaxation within the glass, you’re in a position to pull out some candy cherry and vanilla ice cream aromas as nicely, plus a contact of freshly cracked black pepper.
Palate: On the palate, it’s the candy cherry and vanilla ice cream notes that stand out at first. As soon as these candy, fruity touches fade, you’ll discover some cardamom, uncooked honey, black pepper, and pecan notes nestled beneath. There’s additionally a definite observe of nougat and nutmeg pulsing on the coronary heart of each sip, which I discovered fairly nice.
End: The medium-length end on this whiskey feels good, because it offers sufficient respiratory room for accents of sweetness to enhance the flavors of nutmeg, oak, and nougat that flourish earlier than it dissipates out of your palate.
Backside Line:
At the present time, you’re paying a enormous premium for this bottle on account of elements that aren’t actually tied to the way it tastes. As considered one of solely two expressions on this checklist which can be now not produced, it’s a scarce however scrumptious whiskey. Strive it when you come throughout it, as a result of it’s proof optimistic that Blanton’s actually shines at a barely increased proof, however I can’t in good religion suggest shopping for a bottle until you’re a religious fan and absolute completionist.
4. Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel
ABV: 62.5%
Common Value: $250
The Whiskey:
Sure, Blanton’s is without doubt one of the most polarizing whiskeys within the bourbon world, oftentimes serving as a superfluous litmus take a look at. Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel, nonetheless, might be essentially the most sought-after providing within the iconic single-barrel bourbon vary, bottled at cask energy for the fullest taste and matured between 6-8 years.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: Brown sugar, stewed apple chunks, and substantial oak tones fill the air with this bourbon in your glass. There are just a few oddities to be discovered, like singed apricot, yellow curry, and cranberry fruit jelly, in addition to some classics like caramel and vanilla.
Palate: On the palate, this bourbon comes throughout as densely full of taste and a bit muddled. Give it a second sip, and people flavors change into way more distinct as brown sugar might be picked out together with candy vanilla, toasted almonds, cooked apples, undercooked dough, and cinnamon bark. The feel is burly, and the excessive proof mixed with its relative youth signifies it’s “scorching” on the palate, which I want to explain as being daring.
End: The climax of every sip continues that daring streak as a contact of apple cider vinegar pairs nicely with brown sugar, oak, and chocolate-covered vanilla cone notes for the prolonged end.
Backside Line:
Some could also be shocked to see this bottle outdoors of the highest three, however for my palate, it’s just too unpredictable to position it increased. This explicit bottling is surprisingly grain-forward, and whereas it’s impressively daring on the tip of the tongue and the end, it has one thing of a hole core with a limp midpalate expertise that sucks a number of the enjoyable away from these pretty strong flavors discovered on the bookends of each sip. YMMV (it is a single-barrel bourbon lineup, in any case), however I’ve seldom discovered a bottle of Straight From The Barrel that checks each field.
3. Blanton’s Gold
ABV: 51.5%
Common Value: $230
The Whiskey:
Blanton’s Gold was previously an expression solely obtainable in overseas markets, however in 2020, the favored providing was bought for the primary time stateside. Bottled at ten proof factors increased than Blanton’s customary version, this model is definitely identifiable by its golden bottle topper and see-through bottle design.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril on Blanton’s gold is stuffed with vibrant cherries, candied apples, caramel, and honey. It’s solely after additional investigation that you simply’ll discover baking spices like cinnamon, clove, and a faint little bit of ginger as nicely.
Palate: Within the mouth, Blanton’s Gold accommodates a mess of the aforementioned candy notes with vibrant cherries, vanilla ice cream, caramel, and crème brulée. There’s a little bit of black pepper and barrel char, however not a lot, and the responsible pleasure derived from all that sweetness is enhanced by the liquid’s impressively viscous, virtually syrupy, mouth-coating texture.
End: The end finds candied ginger and contemporary crimson apples fused with black pepper spice and caramelized sugar. The end is simply medium size, however the richness of the flavour notes makes each second of that end fairly pleasant.
Backside Line:
One can’t shake the sensation that the flavour of Blanton’s Gold is what Blanton’s customary ought to be. Whereas it’s decidedly sweeter than its lower-proofed brethren, it accommodates a stage of refinement that, relative to its ABV, borders on decadent. Approachable and completely polished, Blanton’s Gold is definitely essentially the most crowd-pleasing bourbon within the home Blanton’s lineup, and in relation to “common” releases, it’s positively my favourite.
2. Blanton’s Takara Gold
ABV: 51.5%
Common Value: $500
The Whiskey:
Blanton’s Gold is unquestionably my most well-liked proof and taste profile in relation to the Blanton’s lineup, however what makes Takara Gold even higher? The identical issue that separates Takara Crimson and customary Blanton’s: Two additional years of getting old. When you occur to see this one out within the wild with out its shiny field or crimson mud bag, you’ll be able to establish the distinction between this one and home Blanton’s Gold by being attentive to the wax that adorns the topper. For home Blanton’s Gold, the wax is black, whereas for Takara Gold, it’s extra of a maroon shade.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril on Blanton’s Takara Gold is entrance loaded with fruit notes as caramel apples, cocktail cherries, and brown sugar stewed peaches stand out at first. From there, it evolves to incorporate some candy oak, vanilla ice cream, cloves, and cinnamon bark. It’s a well-recognized, however distinctly wealthy aroma profile for Blanton’s bourbon.
Palate: On the palate, this whiskey is impressively viscous to begin as waves of honey, vanilla bean, and black cherry notes wash over the tongue. Fainter notes of caramel and crimson apples proceed the evolution on the palate earlier than candy oak, cloves, and a touch of black pepper spice totally flesh out every sip.
End: The end is medium-to-long and exhibits off the whiskey’s creamy texture as cloves, caramel apples, and vanilla flavors cap issues off.
Backside Line:
Positive, it’s more durable to seek out (and solely is available in a 700ml bottle), however these two additional years of getting old in comparison with home Blanton’s Gold imply you’re getting a barely richer taste expertise, and one which ups the intrigue as you sit with the glass at size. That is the top of up to date Blanton’s expressions: Proofed completely, and matured for a substantial period of time, making it the providing it’s best to most enthusiastically attempt to add to your assortment.
1. My Solely Blanton’s
ABV: 70.95%
Common Value: Unknown
The Whiskey:
All through its historical past, there have sometimes been some extra-special single-barrel personal picks of Blanton’s. You’ll have seen some fashionable ones from the likes of La Maison du Whisky in France, or maybe you’ve seen a few of the celebratory ones just like the 2024 40th Anniversary bottling for shops within the Caribbean and Greece, or proto-bottles just like the elusive Frankfort, Kentucky, Bicentennial bottle.
Of all of the really distinctive Blanton’s bottles in existence, that is the perfect and the rarest that I’ve tried: My Solely Blanton’s. The very best proof Blanton’s to ever be bottled, at 141.9, from ‘06-07, these extraordinarily restricted single barrel choices have been made obtainable to pick Takara Shuzo prospects in Japan. Fewer than 5 of those bottles are identified to be open in the whole world, and it’s believed that fewer than 125 have been ever produced, although it’s possible there have been even fewer given its proof.
Tasting Notes:
Nostril: The nostril on this whiskey is potent and stuffed with brown sugar, stewed crimson apples, faint tobacco leaves, Aleppo crimson pepper flakes, and natural honey. It’s an alluring mix of aromas that attracts your nostril deeper within the glass earlier than you notice its most spectacular side: it masks the warmth from the proof whereas delivering the richness that one expects at such an elevated ABV.
Palate: On the palate, this whiskey stays as potent because the nostril indicated, with Aleppo crimson pepper flakes combining with salted caramel and stewed apples on the tip of the tongue. As soon as that preliminary wave reaches midpalate, it opens up with the flavors of black cherries, pie crust, and candy oak. The feel is medium-bodied, however because it dissipates, it prickles the sides of your tongue with black pepper and nutmeg.
End: The end goes on for days and impressively fuses the flavors of black pepper, black cherries, and toffee for a balanced however daring send-off with each sip.
Backside Line:
It’s a function, not a bug, of the single-barrel bourbon enterprise that generally these one-off snowflakes are exceptionally scrumptious. Fanatics would possibly grumble about it, and avid collectors actually spend an outsized period of time simply finding uncommon bottles like this one. Nonetheless, when outstanding rarity is paired with unimaginable high quality, the legend of bottles like this one is born.
It actually helps that that is the best confirmed proof ever to grace a bottle of Blanton’s. The net fervor over this bottle has additionally been fueled by Neat Bourbon Bar and Bottle Store in Louisville, which lately added it to its again bar…solely to see it emptied throughout the span of a month.
Regardless of, I’m right here to substantiate that the hype is actual, and in relation to hyper-limited bottlings of Blanton’s that I’ve had the chance to strive as knowledgeable whiskey critic, this one takes the cake.
