Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – The Original Single Barrel Bourbon | Blanton’s, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is not merely an exceptional bourbon — it is a piece of American whiskey history. Blanton’s, produced at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, holds the distinction of being the world’s first commercially released single barrel bourbon, introduced in 1984 by master distiller Elmer T. Lee as a tribute to his mentor, Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who served as president of the distillery for decades. Before Blanton’s, all commercial bourbons were blended from multiple barrels. Blanton’s changed everything — establishing the single barrel category that has since become one of the most celebrated and sought-after designations in American whiskey.
Each bottle of Blanton’s Single Barrel is drawn from a single, individually selected barrel stored in the prized Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace — a metal-clad rickhouse whose unique thermal properties, with dramatic temperature swings between seasons, accelerate the interaction between the bourbon and the oak barrel to produce a spirit of extraordinary richness, complexity, and depth. Every bottle is hand-labeled with the barrel number, rick number, and bottling date — a guarantee of complete authenticity and the individual character of a single exceptional cask. The iconic stopper — a horse and jockey in one of eight unique poses — has become one of the most recognizable and collectible symbols in the bourbon world, with collectors seeking to assemble all eight to spell out B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Rich and inviting with citrus, vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, warm spice, and a distinctive floral sweetness — the immediately recognizable and deeply satisfying aromatic signature of Blanton’s Single Barrel, drawn from a single exceptional cask in Buffalo Trace’s legendary Warehouse H
- Palate: Full-bodied, smooth, and beautifully layered with citrus, vanilla, caramel, toasted oak, warm spice, and a rich, rounded complexity that builds and evolves with genuine depth — a single barrel bourbon of exceptional quality and the distinctive character that only an individually selected Buffalo Trace cask can deliver
- Finish: Long, warm, and deeply satisfying with lingering citrus, vanilla, caramel, and a persistent oak warmth — the hallmark of a truly exceptional, historically significant single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon of the highest quality
Key Highlights
- ✔ The world’s first single barrel bourbon — introduced in 1984 by master distiller Elmer T. Lee, Blanton’s created the single barrel category and changed American whiskey forever
- ✔ Warehouse H — Buffalo Trace’s legendary rickhouse — each barrel is stored in the prized metal-clad Warehouse H, whose dramatic seasonal temperature swings produce a bourbon of extraordinary richness and complexity
- ✔ Hand-labeled with barrel and bottling details — every bottle carries the individual barrel number, rick number, and bottling date, guaranteeing complete authenticity and the unique character of a single cask
- ✔ Iconic collectible stopper — one of eight unique horse and jockey poses that spell B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S, making each bottle a collectible in its own right and inspiring devoted collector communities worldwide
- ✔ From Buffalo Trace Distillery — Frankfort, Kentucky’s legendary National Historic Landmark distillery, one of the most celebrated and award-winning bourbon producers in the world
- ✔ 750mL bottle — a must-have for bourbon collectors, single barrel enthusiasts, and anyone seeking the original and most historically significant single barrel bourbon ever produced
- ✔ Available at Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping
How to Enjoy
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube in a quality Glencairn or rocks glass to fully appreciate the individual character of the single barrel and the distinctive citrus, vanilla, and caramel complexity that Warehouse H aging delivers. Allow it to breathe for a few minutes before nosing — the floral sweetness and warm spice will open beautifully over time. For cocktails, Blanton’s excels in spirit-forward, bourbon-centric serves — try it in a Blanton’s Old Fashioned (Blanton’s Single Barrel, Demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, orange peel) where the citrus and vanilla character shines beautifully, or a Manhattan (Blanton’s Single Barrel, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters, Luxardo cherry) for a rich and satisfying stirred cocktail. For food pairings, Blanton’s Single Barrel pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and caramel desserts, aged cheddar and hard cheeses, smoked and cured meats, dried fruit and nut confections, and premium cigars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Blanton’s so historically significant?
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is historically significant as the world’s first commercially released single barrel bourbon — introduced in 1984 by master distiller Elmer T. Lee as a tribute to his mentor, Colonel Albert B. Blanton. Before Blanton’s, all commercial bourbons were blended from multiple barrels to achieve consistency. Elmer T. Lee’s revolutionary idea — to select a single exceptional barrel and bottle it individually — created an entirely new category of American whiskey that has since become one of the most celebrated and sought-after designations in the industry. Every single barrel bourbon produced anywhere in the world today owes its existence to Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee’s pioneering vision.
What is the significance of the Blanton’s stopper collection?
Each bottle of Blanton’s Single Barrel is sealed with an iconic pewter stopper featuring a horse and jockey in one of eight unique poses — each stamped with one letter that together spell B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S. Collecting all eight stoppers has become one of the most beloved and widely practiced traditions in the bourbon collector community — a pursuit that has inspired dedicated collector groups, social media communities, and a genuine secondary market for rare stopper combinations. The stopper collection adds a uniquely fun and engaging dimension to the Blanton’s experience that no other bourbon brand has replicated with the same cultural impact.
Where can I buy Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey?
You can purchase it online through Del Mesa Liquor with nationwide shipping available.
