Size: 700ml
Proof: 80
Created: Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Best Known As "Liquid Gold"
- Expertly Aged 6-8 Years
- Single Barrel Bourbon
Taste
Blanton's Original Single Barrel was the first Blanton created for Albert’s family, friends, ambassadors, and dignitaries. It is produced from the mid-sections of Warehouse H at the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery. This bourbon is made with Mash Bill #2, a sour mash of corn, malted barley, and extra rye. Before it is matured in American White Oak casks. The nose on this one is deep with sweet hints of caramel mingled with vanilla, nutmeg, lemon, and orange citrus. On the palate, you'll notice subtle hints of honey, among strong caramel and corn. The finish is warm with layered notes of corn, vanilla, and nutmeg.
History
Blanton's Original Single Barrel is best known as "liquid gold"! It was produced in 1984 under the guidance of Elmer T. Lee, Master distiller at the George T. Stagg Distillery, now known as the famous Buffalo Trace Distillery. There he worked with Colonel Albert Bacon Blanton, the President of the Distillery from 1921-1951. During the time he worked for him, he noticed that whenever there were ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton's family and friends, he would always choose a bottle aged at warehouse H at Buffalo Trace. Which is the only metal-clad warehouse at the distillery, built shortly after prohibition. Being metal meant it created a lot of temperature fluctuation because the metal doesn't insulate and would change how the whisky aged. They are aged 6-8 years and have a higher rye content. Blanton's is all about quality and only produces a limited amount, which is what makes them so hard to obtain. In 1999, there were eight different horse stoppers added to the bottles of Blanton's. Each stopper has a letter circled on the lower left side to spell out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N'-S.” After, lined up the stoppers display different positions of a horse race. They are visible upon purchase, even though some letters are hard to find. Blanton assures fans that it produces the same number of each, every year. Blanton's found overseas will be 700 ml, while domestic releases are 750 ml.
Blanton's traces its origins back to the year 1984 when the renowned master distiller, Elmer T. Lee, embarked on a quest to create a bourbon that would stand apart, a liquid embodiment of the distillery's heritage. This pivotal moment marked the birth of a legacy that would come to define the brand's commitment to excellence.
With a keen eye for quality and a reverence for tradition, Elmer T. Lee drew inspiration from Warehouse H, a historic barrel storage facility on the distillery grounds. It was here that the most exceptional barrels matured, developing a character and flavor that set them apart. Lee envisioned a bourbon that would capture the soul of these select barrels, creating a unique and unparalleled drinking experience.
The cornerstone of Blanton's legacy lies in its unwavering dedication to the single barrel tradition. In a departure from industry norms, where blending barrels was the standard practice, Blanton's embraced the idea that each barrel was a distinct entity, capable of imparting its own special character to the bourbon it housed. This commitment to the singularity of each barrel became the hallmark of Blanton's craftsmanship, allowing enthusiasts to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas that unfolded with every sip.
The distinctive bottle design of Blanton's itself is a nod to the brand's commitment to individuality. The iconic round bottle, adorned with a horse and jockey stopper, is not merely ornamental; it represents a narrative within the narrative. A set of eight different stoppers, each depicting a unique stage of a horse race, pays homage to the heritage of the Kentucky Derby, a symbol deeply intertwined with the brand's roots. The collector's appeal of these stoppers has become a testament to the brand's attention to detail and the celebration of the rich equestrian culture of Kentucky.
Blanton's legacy extends beyond the confines of its distillery, weaving itself into the fabric of bourbon culture. The brand has become a symbol of connoisseurship, a choice that reflects a discerning palate and an appreciation for the art of whiskey-making. As Blanton's popularity has grown, so too has its influence in shaping the perception of what defines a truly exceptional bourbon.
Over the years, Blanton's has garnered numerous accolades and awards, solidifying its status as a standard-bearer for quality in the bourbon world. However, the essence of its legacy is not merely confined to the contents of a bottle or the trophies on a shelf. It resides in the stories shared over a pour, the moments of quiet contemplation, and the camaraderie fostered by the shared appreciation of a finely crafted spirit.
As the sun sets over the Kentucky distillery, casting long shadows across the aging warehouses, the legacy of Blanton's continues to evolve. It is a legacy built on a foundation of time-honored traditions, a commitment to individuality, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Blanton's remains not just a brand but a living testament to the enduring spirit of bourbon craftsmanship that has captured the hearts and palates of enthusiasts around the world.