Blanton’s Explained: The Complete Guide to All 8 Whiskeys

Blanton’s is a bourbon legend. Launched in 1984, it was the first single barrel bourbon ever marketed, changing how the world thought about American whiskey.

Made at Buffalo Trace, Blanton’s has grown from a single release into a global phenomenon. Each bottle is hand-selected from individual barrels, topped with a collectible horse stopper, and wrapped in more hype than almost any other name in bourbon.

But there’s more than one Blanton’s. Some are easy sippers. Others are powerhouse pours. A few are nearly impossible to find. Here’s your guide to all of the notable Blanton’s expressions.

The Beginner Blantons: Special Reserve and Original Single Barrel

Blanton’s Special Reserve – 80 proof (40% ABV)

Known as the Green Label, this is the softest Blanton’s in the lineup. It’s smooth, light, and floral. The nose leans toward cedar, vanilla, and a touch of raisin. The palate is easygoing, with honey, toffee, and citrus. There’s a whisper of white pepper on the finish.

It’s not sold in the U.S. but can be found in Europe and other international markets. It’s considered entry-level and is best suited for new bourbon drinkers or collectors chasing the full set.

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel – 93 proof (46.5% ABV)

This is the flagship. The first single barrel bourbon ever released. You’ll find creamy vanilla, orange peel, baking spice, and light oak. It’s balanced and consistently reliable.

Although officially priced around $60, the allocation makes it hard to find. In the U.S. it’s released in small batches. In the UK, it’s available in limited quantities, usually at higher prices. It’s the Blanton’s to try first, and often the one fans keep coming back to.

The Premium Pair: Gold and Straight From The Barrel

Blanton’s Gold Edition – 103 proof (51.5% ABV)

Gold is where things start to get serious. It takes the DNA of the Original and turns up the volume. The nose is bold tobacco, dark fruit, and honey. On the palate, it’s richer, with layers of caramel, oak, and rye spice.

Originally a Europe-only release, Gold is now available once a year in the U.S., though in very limited numbers. In the UK, it’s more widely distributed and usually priced around £100. American buyers often pay double or more.

Jade Cox called it “timeless”, saying, “anyone could come back to it at any point in the future and still relish just as much.”

Gold is a favorite among seasoned bourbon drinkers. It’s smoother than cask strength, but far more intense than the Original. A sweet spot, both in proof and in profile.

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel – Cask Strength (Varies, ~60–65% ABV)

This is Blanton’s at full power. No water, no chill filtration. Each barrel varies slightly in strength, but expect serious heat. The flavors are deep: dark chocolate, espresso, roasted nuts, and oak.

It’s explosive and complex. Some sip it neat, others add a few drops of water. Either way, it’s considered the most powerful expression.

SFTB is also released annually in the U.S. It’s easier to find in the UK, where it’s bottled in 700ml format. Expect to pay £130 and up.

The Unicorn Bottles: Black and Red (Japan Exclusive)

Blanton’s Black (Takara Edition) – 80 proof (40% ABV)

This bottle looks stunning, but it’s more style than substance. Made for the Japanese market, both Black and Red are referred to as ‘Takara Editions’ because they were imported and distributed by Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.

Black Label is smooth and subtle, but that is about it. Expect soft notes of oak, vanilla, and mild sweetness. It’s not complex, and the finish fades fast. Brewzle on YouTube called it “bland”.

There has long been speculation online that the Black and Red are aged slightly longer than the U.S. Blanton’s bottlings, but Buffalo Trace has never confirmed that. It’s rarely found outside Japan and often sells for hundreds online. Most fans buy it for the novelty, not the flavor.

Blanton’s Red (Takara Edition) – 93 proof (46.5% ABV)

Another Japan exclusive, the Red Label is often compared to the Original. It shares the same proof and similar flavor notes (cherry, baking spice, vanilla), but some tasters pick up a touch more oak or rye spice.

Despite the collectible box (which is red) and rarity, it doesn’t offer much difference in the glass. Like the Black Label, the Red is prized more for its exclusivity than its complexity.

The Rarities: Blanton’s Silver Edition & Blanton’s Frankfort Bicentennial

Blanton’s Silver Edition – 98 proof (49% ABV)

Blanton’s Silver was a limited duty-free release from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Bottled at 98 proof, it offered a balance of sweetness and spice, with notes of maple, vanilla, and dried fruit. Now discontinued, it’s among the rarest in the range and can sell for thousands.

Blanton’s Frankfort Bicentennial 200 – 86 proof (43% ABV)

Another collector’s gem is the Blanton’s Frankfort Bicentennial 200, released in 1986 to honor the city’s 200th anniversary. Bottled at 86 proof, it omits all traditional Blanton’s branding. The label reads “The Bicentennial Distilling Company, Frankfort, Kentucky,” and the stopper features the Kentucky State Capitol and state outline instead of the usual horse and jockey.

Closing Thoughts

Blanton’s bourbon is prized for both its flavor and its collectibility. Despite the relatively small number of offerings, particularly in its native USA, Blanton’s offers something for everyone (if you are lucky enough to find a bottle).

New to Blanton’s? Start with the Original. Want intensity? Go for Gold or SFTB. Hunting rarities? Good luck.

Do you have a favorite Blanton’s Bourbon? Or have you yet to try it? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear your thoughts.