Looking for an updated Blanton’s Single Barrel price guide? Blanton’s Single Barrel is a favorite among many Bourbon drinkers.

Blanton’s whiskey bourbon is a refined, handmade liquor, created by one of the most notable, skilled distillers from the 19th century. The bottle, fragrance, and flavor are like pieces of art to behold and enjoy.

The iconic prismatic-shaped bottles and tiny bronze horses make Blanton’s more than a simple bourbon. It doubles as a gorgeous decorative bottle for the home bar carts.

The bottles were originally considered to be the best-of-the-best, and they were reserved for fine companies. Times changed and now anyone can buy these beautiful bourbon-filled vessels, joining the once exclusive club.

Blanton’s finest produces subtle honey, tobacco, oak, and citrus flavors that have all been married perfectly. If you’re looking for an amazing sipping bourbon (bourbon is meant to be sipped), you’ve got a winner right here.

The price is a little higher than a bottle of Jim Beam, but it’s well worth it.

A Brief History of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

It’s believed that Albert Bacon Blanton was born into one of the first families of single barrel bourbon’s entire history. Whether that’s true or not is difficult to find out since distilling traces back to ancient times.

By age 16, Blanton started work as an office boy in the distillery. He quickly became a leading pioneer in bourbon’s development.

At least that’s how the story goes. In 1921, he became the company president and from that point until the year he retired in 1952; the distillery expanded from 44 buildings to 144.

The distillery became the largest of its kind. In that time Colonel Blanton developed his unique and limited supply of bourbon, which was his private reserve.

The bourbon was handpicked and stored in what is now the famous Warehouse H. Blanton died in the spring of 1959, yet his legacy still lives on. In 1984 Blanton’s namesake bourbon was the first Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially.

That single barrel bourbon was the very first of its kind.

A Bit About Buffalo Trace Distillery

The Buffalo Trace Distillery, in Frankfort, Kentucky produces Blanton’s bourbon. You can visit Albert B. Blanton’s Bottling Hall as a part of the Buffalo Trace Distillery tour.

Buffalo Trace is believed to be the oldest, continuously operating distillery in the United States. The distillery offers several big brands like Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Van Winkle, and, of course, Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

In the last 20 years, Buffalo Trace has received 37 awards, with at least 10 being distillery or distiller of the year. That’s a pretty hefty award list.

The Blanton’s Collection by Buffalo Trace Distillery consists of three varieties of the brand. We’ll talk more about them shortly.

Bourbon’s Roots Run Deep

Bourbon’s roots can be traced back to the late 1700s when Samuel’s family began making whiskey. Again, it’s difficult to know how far back whiskey and bourbon was being made because spirits have existed for centuries.

It’s been said that all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. There is a difference when it comes to aging the golden amber liquor.

For bourbon to be considered as such, it must be aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. Whiskey does not.

Blanton’s Single Barrel carries a sweet blend of oranges, caramel, and raisins to the mouth with a soft and full flavor. The little bits of spice at the backend help balance that initial hit of sweetness.

Some can taste a very light hint of floral, but not so much that it takes away from the true bourbon profile. The nose is full of fresh citrus enveloped in spicy vanilla and caramel.

It’s very subtle yet pleasant, with little to no burn. As the bits of spice on the back end of your palate begin to fade, caramel, vanilla, and burnt sugars take over. It’s all good!

Blanton’s Single Barrel Price and Variations

There are a few different variations of Blanton’s bourbon. One of them can only be found in Japan, and that’s the Black Edition.

You’ll pay a pretty penny to get one of those, which I’m pretty sure can be obtained in the US now but from specialty sellers and collectors.

Since we’ve already covered Blanton’s Single Barrel, we’ll move on to the other varieties so they can have a chance to shine too.

Blanton’s Special Reserve

The price listed above for the Special Reserve is more likely when the variety was released. The running prices now can be between $100 to over $300. The nose on one of these bottles is very light, with traces of hay, grain, new wood, and citrus.

You may also notice subtle hints of dried fruit. It has a pleasant scent, but it’s weaker than the original Single Barrel. The flavor profile has a bit of a watered-down sweet palate.

You’ll experience traces of vanilla, honey, citrus, and a tad bit of pepper. The flavor isn’t too complex and seems to fade away once the sip is swallowed.

Blanton’s Gold

While Buffalo Trace hasn’t ever disclosed what their mash bill consists of, we do know that Blanton’s Gold is made using the same high-rye mash bill as the Original Single Barrel.

However, it clocks in at a whopping 103 proof, while the original is a 93 proof. The nose hits hard with heavy notes of rye, honey, vanilla, chocolate, and dried fruits.

The flavor is full and rich being marked by apricot, light honey, butter, oak, and pepper. Blanton’s Gold has a long finish with hints of toffee and apple which blend into pecan and caramel.

There is no label on the Gold version. The writing on the bottle is literally etched into the glass and it’s beautiful. Many collectors wanted the bottle more than the bourbon.

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel

At 130 proof, this bourbon is bound to knock your socks off. This was the third version of Blanton’s created after the original and Gold. This cask-strength bourbon is highly sought after by bourbon connoisseurs.

The flavor can be described as delicious, enhanced, and bolder than any of the other varieties. The heat from the high proof has quite an impact on the profile. The palate brings a rich and heavy dose of oak and vanilla.

You’ll also find notes of honey, butterscotch, and raisins. If you want to reduce the heat, you can add a few drops of water or enjoy it on the rocks.

Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Alternatives

There are always alternatives to everything. While some might be on point, you could potentially find something you enjoy more, or maybe not. Let’s look at some of the alternatives to replace Blanton’s Single Barrel with.

How To Drink Blanton’s Single Barrel

Bourbon is meant for sipping, but we don’t all have to enjoy it the same way. If you want the full effect of bourbon, you’ll want to have the right glass, a Glencairn.

The curve in this type of glass is designed to allow the fragrance to rise up and greet you while you sip. You can enjoy it dry or on the rocks. Some prefer to mix their Single Barrel in delicious cocktails, while others enjoy shots.

How you drink it is entirely up to you. Some of the older generations enjoy Blanton’s with a club soda or ginger ale. Younger generations might mix it with coke or juices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Blanton’s Single Barrel gluten-free?

Yes! The distillation process of spirits removes any traces of gluten from the grains.

2. Is Blanton’s Single Barrel vegan?

Absolutely! There are no meat or meat byproducts included in the recipe or distillation process.

3. Is Blanton’s Single Barrel bourbon or whiskey?

As I mentioned earlier, all bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is bourbon. There are a few extra steps required for whiskey to earn the bourbon label, like aging it in charred oak barrels for at least two years.