Blanton’s is a delicious range of single barrel bourbons, but even with prices settling compared to previous years, it still feels expensive. Not to mention, extremely hard to find. That is especially true when you consider how many other brands offer outstanding single cask or small batch styles for less money.
I have compiled a list of excellent alternatives to that famous horse-topped decanter bottle. Do you agree with my selections? Have you tried any of them? Are there others you would love to see included? Let us know in the comments.
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Evan Williams Single Barrel, 43.3%, $30
Even today, Evan Williams Single Barrel Select remains a remarkably good-value bourbon that never stretches beyond its price point or lets me down. There is always a wonderful orange oil and Old Fashioned cocktail aroma on the nose. On the palate, you find toffee, caramel, sweet American oak, and subtle layers of peanuts with a touch of salt.
A genuinely delicious bourbon that can give many Blanton’s single barrel releases a serious run for their money.
Four Roses Single Barrel, 50%, $43
There was no way this was not going to make the list. Four Roses is a brilliant distillery with a genuinely fascinating approach to whiskey-making.
Their single barrel release dominates most products at this price point, and it feels like it has barely changed in price over the last five years, which says a lot in today’s whiskey market.
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Bottled at 50% ABV and loaded with sweet caramel, spicy rye, and dry oak, it is an absolute delight and one we should all be buying.
Very Old Barton, 43%, $36
This is a lesser-known bourbon compared to the others on the list. Very Old Barton has four different releases in the range, with this being the most widely available, and it delivers far more than you might expect.
The nose and palate are packed with apricot and peach, sweet ginger, and royal icing.
It is a truly mouth-watering style of bourbon that can rival Blanton’s signature orange oil and sweet buttered popcorn character. It is not expensive in any way, a little tricky to find, but nowhere near as difficult to track down as Blanton’s.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old, 45%, $46
This has become a new light in my life, and I am slightly annoyed it took me so long to pick up a bottle. Since then, I have rarely reached for anything else when drinking bourbon at home.
It is heavy with maple, pecan, sweet spice, barrel char, baked vanilla, and glacé cherries. A deep, rich, powerful bourbon that delivers so much at 45% ABV.
I have not yet tried the single barrel releases, but they are firmly on my to-do list. Bourbon fan to bourbon fan, you really cannot go wrong with anything made by the folks at Wild Turkey.
Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof, 62%+, $50
Now, I know this is not technically a bourbon, but rather a bourbon with an extra step. That aside, this is one of the most impressive American whiskeys you can buy and drink.
It has all the classic Jack Daniel’s character of peanuts, caramel, and banana, supercharged by the high ABV. It feels heavy and dense, and despite the strength, the sweetness that comes through is extraordinary.
A powerful style of Tennessee lightning that reminds you just how good a distillery Jack Daniel’s really is.
