Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
- Dec 8, 2024
- 4 min read
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
About This Spirit from the Maker
In the winter of 1881, Albert Bacon Blanton was born into one of the first families of bourbon history. At the age of sixteen, he started work in the Distillery as an office boy and fast became a leading pioneer in the development of bourbon. From the time he was made company president in 1921 until his retirement in 1952, his Distillery expanded from 44 to 144 buildings to become the largest Distillery of its day. During that period Colonel Blanton created his very special and limited supply of bourbon - his private reserve - handpicked and stored in what now is known as the famous Warehouse H. Although Colonel Blanton died in the spring of 1959, his legacy lives. Introduced in 1984, Blanton’s namesake bourbon was the first ever Single Barrel Bourbon sold commercially. The Single Barrel Bourbon is the first of its kind.
93 PROOF | 750 ML
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How We Feel About the Spirit
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey: A His, Hers & the Good Life Tasting
Joint Introduction
In our house, anything from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace line is treated like a small victory — part treasure hunt, part celebration. These bottles are famously allocated, notoriously elusive, and absolutely worth the chase. So when one crosses our path, we don’t hesitate. We collect them, we admire them, and yes… eventually, we open them.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is especially fun because each bottle comes topped with a tiny racehorse stopper in a different pose. Each pose carries a letter, and together they spell out B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S. Naturally, we’ve made it our mission to collect the full lineup. We already have a few letters, so when our June 2025 PourMore Whiskey subscription arrived with a brand‑new bottle, we were thrilled. One more letter for the collection — and for Jeff, one long‑awaited first taste.
His Take
I’ve never actually tasted Blanton’s before, so getting this bottle in our PourMore box felt like hitting a mini‑lottery. Around here, Blanton’s is almost mythical — you hear about it more than you see it. I’ve watched people scramble harder for Buffalo Trace products than for some of the high‑end WhistlePig bottles. So yes, I was excited.
Right from the pop of the cork, the aroma hit me: honey, vanilla, caramel, and a swirl of cinnamon and baking spices. Ashley and I both picked up nutmeg, a little butterscotch, and even some leather and oak. On the fruit side, I got cherries, a faint apple, and later a touch of banana and dark fruits like plum.
The color sits between a light and medium amber — classic, clean, and inviting.
On the palate, the first thing that came through was vanilla and caramel, followed by a sweet‑tart citrus note. Then came the fruit — berries, apricot, and that little hint of banana again. The mouthfeel surprised me: creamy, medium‑bodied, rich, and definitely smooth. Not watery at all.
Then I added a few drops of water — and wow. It opened up instantly. The sweetness came forward, the burn softened, and the citrus brightened. The vanilla, butterscotch, and honey all lifted beautifully.
My ratings:
Nose: 5
Palate: 4 (with water)
Finish: 4
Uniqueness: 3
Value: 3
Overall? 3.8 out of 5. Just below my recent tasting, the Kaniche XO Artisanal Rum, but absolutely worth the hype.
Her Take
I didn’t participate in the tasting this time, but I absolutely participated in the admiration. Blanton’s bottles are simply gorgeous — rounded, faceted, and crowned with those charming little racehorse stoppers that feel like tiny pieces of Americana. Whoever decided to turn the stoppers into a collectible series deserves a marketing award and a hug.
There’s something delightful about watching Jeff and Ashley hunt for the next letter, like bourbon‑loving treasure hunters. Even without sipping, I appreciate the craftsmanship, the ritual, and the story each bottle adds to our Sipping Room shelves.
Joint Closing
His: Blanton’s lived up to its reputation. Smooth, layered, and full of character — definitely a bottle I’m glad we finally opened.
Hers: I love the way this bottle blends beauty, tradition, and a little bit of whimsy. It’s a piece of art as much as a pour.
The Good Life: Collect the moments, savor the flavors, and celebrate the bottles that bring a little joy into the everyday.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
How the Spirit Should Be Enjoyed
Blanton’s is versatile, but its elegance shines brightest in simple preparations that let the single‑barrel character speak.
Enjoy It:
Neat – the purest expression of its honey‑vanilla‑caramel profile.
With a drop or two of water – opens up sweetness, citrus, and butterscotch beautifully.
On a single large ice cube – softens the edges while keeping the flavors intact.
If You Want a Cocktail: The Commander’s Night Off
A rich, savory‑sweet riff on an Old Fashioned that pairs perfectly with Blanton’s warm, layered profile.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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