A Brief History: The First Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s launched in 1984 under the guidance of Buffalo Trace’s Elmer T. Lee, who created it in honor of Colonel Albert B. Blanton, the man who had mentored Lee during his years at the distillery. Lee had witnessed Blanton select single barrels for guests to sample at the distillery when he was entertaining, and decided to create the Blanton’s brand as one of his last acts before retiring in 1984.
The concept of a single barrel bourbon was radical at the time: a bourbon bottled from a single barrel rather than batched. It was aimed at Japan first, with the U.S. market initially slow to catch on.
Nick Beiter, for Breaking Bourbon, sums up its early reputation well: “In the 1990s, it was a frequently overlooked paperweight… its $45 price tag was considered high at the time.”
Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a different story. The standard Blanton’s Single Barrel is now a ‘unicorn bourbon’, highly sought after by drinkers and collectors alike. In many parts of the U.S., it appears in lotteries, sells out in minutes, or is flipped for double or triple retail price.
What You’re Paying For
So, what are you actually paying for when you shell out for a bottle of Blanton’s in 2025? Firstly, there is the matter of the packaging, which has undoubtedly made Blanton’s one of the most recognizable bourbons on every shelf.
There’s no denying Blanton’s is beautifully packaged. As Minnick puts it: “Blanton’s package is hands down the very best in all of bourbon… Every inch of the label and bottle feels special.” Each bottle also comes with a collectible horse stopper – get all eight and they spell “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.” It is fantastic marketing, and has no doubt contributed significantly to the collectibility of Blanton’s.
But packaging aside, it’s what’s inside that counts. So, how does the whiskey hold up?
Blanton’s Original: The Gateway Unicorn
In other words: it’s good bourbon. But it’s not the best bourbon you’ll ever taste. At its $65 MSRP, most reviewers say it’s solid value. But above that? The returns diminish quickly.
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Blanton’s Gold: A Step Up
Bottled at 103 proof, Blanton’s Gold was originally available exclusively in the Japanese market, but limited U.S. drops began in 2020. It carries the same DNA as the Original, but with more weight and intensity.
Breaking Bourbon notes a “fuller mouthfeel” and a palate with “vanilla, honey, toffee, tobacco, and dried fruit.”
Finian Sedgwick, who reviewed Blanton’s Gold for The Whiskey Wash earlier this year, calls it “a more full, expansive whiskey than the original single barrel, while still wonderfully moreish.”
At $120 MSRP, it’s not cheap, but the extra depth is noticeable. If you’re already a fan of Blanton’s, Gold is widely considered the sweet spot of the range – if you can find it at retail, and if you can justify the price tag.
Straight From the Barrel: The Full Experience
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel is exactly what it says: uncut and unfiltered. Proofs typically range from 120 to 130, with big flavors to match.
WhiskyCast describes it as “intense and fiery,” delivering “black pepper, caramel and dark chocolate” with a finish of “molasses sweetness.”
For those who love cask-strength bourbon, it’s the most rewarding (and most expensive) Blanton’s expression, with an approximate $150 MSRP.
So… Is It Worth It?
At retail? Yes, probably. Even critics who dismiss the hype acknowledge that Blanton’s is a good, often very good bourbon.
Breaking Bourbon writes: “It won’t be the best bourbon to grace your palate, but it does offer a consistent pour that justifies its MSRP.”
But the market reality is this: very few people pay MSRP. And at $140+ for the Original on a shelf (if you can find it), that value proposition changes. As Minnick bluntly puts it, “Never in my career have I considered Blanton’s an elite bourbon.” However, Minnick does note that “The lure of the bottle gets me every time!”
As such, Blanton’s is more than the sum of its tasting notes. It’s collectible. It’s historic. And for many, the thrill of the find is part of the experience.
To quote Phil Dwyer again: “If you can find Blanton’s at RRP/MSRP, it’s a fantastic addition to any collection and an excellent choice for an everyday pour. If you spot it in a bar at a reasonable price, it’s definitely worth trying. However, keep in mind: don’t believe the hype. In our experience, very few whiskies truly live up to extreme hype, and while Blanton’s is excellent, there are many other high-rye bourbon options across the U.S. to explore.”
Is Blanton’s Worth It?: Final Verdict
Blanton’s is a very good bourbon. It was the first single barrel bourbon for a reason, and it still delivers a memorable pour today. But in 2025, its reputation far outpaces its reality. If you find a bottle at retail, it is definitely worth trying. But if you’re considering paying double or triple, take a breath. Plenty of equally enjoyable bourbons are sitting quietly on the shelf.
If you have any tasty (and cheaper) alternatives to Blanton’s, let other drinkers know in the comments below!
