Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon 750ML is a 93-proof (46.5% ABV) Kentucky Straight Bourbon and the world's first commercially released single barrel bourbon. Introduced in 1984 and named Whisky Advocate's 2016 American Whiskey of the Year, this expression from Buffalo Trace Distillery remains one of the most sought-after bourbons in the category. Quick Facts: ABV: 46.5% (93 Proof) | Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA | Kentucky Straight Bourbon | Distillery: Buffalo Trace Production & Heritage Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, traces its roots back to 1775, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Blanton's is drawn from the distillery's Mash Bill #2—reported to consist of approximately 87.5% corn, 9% rye, and 3.5% malted barley—a higher-corn recipe that leans toward sweetness over spice. Each bottle is filled from a single hand-selected barrel aged in the legendary Warehouse H, a metal-clad rickhouse whose walls heat and cool more rapidly than traditional stone or brick structures, accelerating the interaction between spirit and wood and producing a distinctively deep, complex bourbon. There is no batching or blending; every bottle is a pure, individual expression of its barrel. Tasting Notes Aroma: Buttery caramel and creamy vanilla arrive first, followed by citrus oils and toasted baking spices—clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon. A subtle layer of honey and toasted oak rounds out the nose. Taste: The entry is rich and full-bodied, led by dark toffee and charred oak. At mid-palate, orange zest and brown sugar emerge alongside hints of dark chocolate and dried fruit. The rye content provides just enough peppery structure to keep the sweetness in check without dominating. Finish: Long, smooth, and gently warming, with lingering toffee and cinnamon that slowly fade into clean oak. The finish holds its composure without turning bitter, a hallmark of well-managed barrel selection. How to Drink Blanton's Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal way to appreciate the barrel-specific nuances of each bottle; the 93-proof strength holds up well with a single large ice cube for those who prefer a slightly cooler pour. Three cocktails that showcase Blanton's character: Old Fashioned — The bourbon's caramel-forward sweetness pairs naturally with bitters and a citrus twist, requiring minimal added sugar. Boulevardier — Its charred oak backbone and brown-sugar richness stand up to Campari and sweet vermouth without getting lost. Mint Julep — A classic Kentucky match; the vanilla and toffee notes complement fresh mint and create a balanced, aromatic serve. Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates collectible bottles and iconic stoppers Celebrating a milestone—promotion, anniversary, or retirement Building a single barrel bourbon tasting flight alongside other barrel-proof or single barrel selections Adding a cornerstone bottle to a serious home bourbon collection Frequently Asked Questions What does Blanton's taste like? Blanton's delivers a sweet, full-bodied profile dominated by caramel, vanilla, and charred oak, balanced by citrus zest and warm baking spices. The finish is long and smooth with lingering toffee and cinnamon. How does Blanton's compare to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel? Both are well-regarded single barrel Kentucky bourbons, but Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is bottled at a higher 110 proof from Wild Turkey's lower-corn, higher-rye mashbill, producing a spicier, more herbal character. Blanton's leans sweeter and more caramel-driven at 93 proof, with a smoother, more approachable drinking experience. Is Blanton's good for sipping neat? Blanton's is widely considered one of the best single barrel bourbons to drink neat, thanks to its balanced 93-proof strength and smooth, caramel-rich palate. A few drops of water can open up additional citrus and spice nuances without diluting the flavor. Where is Blanton's made? Blanton's is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. Every barrel is aged in the distillery's metal-clad Warehouse H, which creates unique temperature fluctuations that influence the bourbon's character. What foods pair well with Blanton's? Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the charred oak notes. Dark chocolate truffles complement the toffee and vanilla sweetness. Pecan pie mirrors the bourbon's brown sugar and baking spice profile. Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese contrasts the caramel richness with savory depth. Crème brûlée echoes the buttery, toasted sugar character of the spirit. What sizes does Blanton's come in? The standard domestic release is the 750ml bottle; Blanton's is also available in a 375ml half-bottle in some markets, and international expressions such as Blanton's Gold and Blanton's Straight from the Barrel are sold in 700ml format. Is Blanton's worth the price? At its suggested retail price, Blanton's positions as a premium single barrel bourbon that delivers quality consistent with its tier—genuine single barrel selection, a proven flavor profile, and collectible packaging. Secondary market prices have inflated significantly due to demand, so value depends heavily on the price actually paid. Why Blanton's? Blanton's holds a singular place in bourbon history as the product that introduced the single barrel concept to the public in 1984, fundamentally changing how whiskey drinkers think about individual barrel character. Its aging in Warehouse H—a metal-clad structure that amplifies seasonal temperature swings and accelerates wood interaction—gives it a depth and complexity that distinguish it from standard bourbon aging methods. Recognition from Whisky Advocate as the 2016 American Whiskey of the Year, along with gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition, confirms that the liquid inside lives up to the hype. For a bourbon that shaped an entire category and continues to deliver barrel-specific character at an accessible 93 proof, Blanton's remains a benchmark worth seeking out.
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