When you think of premium bourbon, one name that consistently rises to the top is Blanton’s. Known for its rich flavour, unique bottle design, and collector-worthy horse stoppers, Blanton’s is more than just a whiskey—it’s a piece of American bourbon history. But how did it earn its iconic status?
Let’s take a deep dive into the fascinating history of Blanton’s Bourbon—the world’s first single barrel bourbon.
The Origins: A Tribute to a Whiskey Pioneer
Blanton’s was introduced in 1984 by Elmer T. Lee, then master distiller at the George T. Stagg Distillery (now known as Buffalo Trace). At the time, the bourbon industry was struggling. Vodka and clear spirits were on the rise, and many bourbon brands were fading into obscurity. But Elmer T. Lee had a bold idea: to create a new kind of premium bourbon that broke the mould.
That idea was inspired by his mentor, Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who worked at the distillery for over 55 years, beginning in 1897. Blanton was known for hand-selecting special barrels of bourbon for guests and dignitaries visiting the distillery, aging them in a special warehouse -Warehouse H.
Lee decided to honour Blanton by bottling bourbon in the same fashion: one barrel at a time, unblended and uncut, letting the unique character of each barrel shine through.
Thus, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon was born – the first of its kind.
Blanton’s Original, Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1984 Bottling
This particular bottle is taken from one of the first bottling runs, when it was dumped on the 16th October 1984 from barrel number 549 it had previously been stored in warehouse H on Rick No. 52. Bottled at 93 Proof (46.5% ABV), this is an incredibly rare and wonderful piece of bourbon history.
Why Blanton’s Was Revolutionary
At a time when mass-produced, blended bourbons were the industry norm, the concept of single barrel bourbon was groundbreaking.
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Each bottle of Blanton’s comes from one individual barrel, meaning no two are exactly alike. This creates a more artisanal, small-batch feel and allows enthusiasts to experience the subtle variations in taste, aroma, and texture from barrel to barrel.
Its uniqueness wasn’t just the liquid gold in the bottle – it extended to the packaging as well. Blanton’s features:
· A short, round bottle modelled after a traditional pot still
· An ornate label handwritten with the barrel number, warehouse and dump date
· A signature metal stopper topped with a racehorse and jockey—there are 8 in total, each in a different racing pose, spelling out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S”.
The Role of Warehouse H
One of the most intriguing aspects of Blanton’s is that all barrels selected for bottling are aged in Warehouse H, the only metal-clad warehouse at Buffalo Trace.
Why is that important?
Because metal heats up and cools down faster than brick, it intensifies the aging process. The barrels inside Warehouse H are subject to greater temperature swings, which causes the whiskey to expand in and out of the oak staves more rapidly enhancing flavour extraction and maturation.
This environmental factor gives Blanton’s a bolder, more robust profile compared to bourbons aged in more stable conditions.
A Global Sensation
While Blanton’s started as a niche offering in the U.S., it quickly gained popularity abroad—especially in Japan and Europe, where whiskey drinkers embraced its craft qualities and collectible nature.
Blanton’s wasn’t just the first single barrel bourbon – it redefined what bourbon could be. It honoured tradition while pioneering a new path forward, helping to elevate American whiskey to the global stage.
Whether you’re savouring a dram neat or hunting for that elusive stopper to complete your collection, every bottle of Blanton’s carries a piece of bourbon history with it.
We’ll raise a glass to that!
