American

Bourbon Review: Blanton’s Original Single Barrel

$86

OVERALL
RATING

8

Bourbon Review: Blanton’s Original Single Barrel

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon debuted in 1984 under the guidance of Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
First released in 1984 under the guidance of Elmer T. Lee, named after the famous Colonel Albert B. Blanton. This was the first ever marketed single barrel bourbon released to the public. Always sourced from Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace, and built up from Mash-bill No. 2 which has a higher rye content, Blanton’s is one of the most sought-after whisky products in the world.
Appearance:
Dark Orange.
Nose:
Blanton’s always has this incredible aroma of fresh orange and caramel running through it. You have all of these classic bourbon notes, too. Vanilla, caramel, a little bit of tropical fruit like coconut and mango – but I would only ever describe Blanton’s as a fruit driven bourbon, the higher rye notes possibly playing into that. Loads of peach, lemon zest, waves of rich caramel sauce. So wonderful to smell.
Palate:
Things start off with those touches of fruit, but we quickly move into some classic bourbon territory of spicy virgin oak, slightly drying around the sides of the tongue, and more motions of caramel, vanilla, coconut and peach – this particular sample is extremely peach driven.
Finish:
A medium length finish with more of those wonderful orange caramel notes pulsating around your mouth. You do get a little bit of those rye notes throwing some cinnamon and mace notes at you, but that’s very subtle in comparison to higher ABV expressions of Blanton’s
Comments:
This is really good bourbon, undeniably. It’s just a shame about the increasing prices on shelves across the range. When this was £50 a bottle and easy to find, it was an incredible bottle – but when you start paying out three figures or more, it becomes hard to defend. You can find equally complex bourbons and whiskeys for a far lower price tag. With that being said, Blanton\’s is without doubt delicious, and also carries with it an incredible history. If you can afford to shell out $100 for a bottle, it might be worth it for you.
The Blanton’s Range. Credit: Blanton’s

About Blanton’s Bourbon

Blanton’s Bourbon debuted in 1984 under the guidance of Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee at Buffalo Trace Distillery, pioneering the world’s first commercially available single-barrel bourbon. Named after Colonel Albert B. Blanton, a former distillery president known for selecting exceptional barrels, it revolutionized bourbon at a time when the category struggled for relevance. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel was the first expression.

Aged in Warehouse H, its unique aging process enhances complexity. Blanton’s set a new standard for premium bourbon, gaining global recognition for its quality and collectability. Today, it remains a symbol of American whiskey craftsmanship and innovation, solidifying its place in bourbon history.

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Should You Buy Blanton’s Original Single Barrel?

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. That said, it’s still worth trying—ideally, through a sample swap with a friend who has a bottle.

How Does It Compare to Other Bourbons?

Even within Buffalo Trace’s lineup, comparing Blanton’s to brands like Eagle Rare, E.H. Taylor, and Rock Hill Farms is intriguing. It isn’t necessarily the standout among them, and in some cases, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel releases have outperformed certain Blanton’s bottlings. However, Blanton’s excels in delivering distinct tropical fruit notes, setting it apart from many other American whiskies.

How Should I Drink Blanton’s Original Single Barrel?

As always, the best way to enjoy Blanton’s is personal preference. If you have a bottle and haven’t opened it yet, start with a neat pour to fully appreciate its character. If you typically enjoy whiskey over ice, serve it that way and see how the experience unfolds. For cocktail enthusiasts, Blanton’s makes an exceptional Old Fashioned, especially when paired with unique bitters like peach or orange.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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