Blanton's : Original Single Barrel

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Original Single Barrel Blanton's

Tasting

Colour
A deep amber-red to orange colour, remarkably clear and bright, the result of years of maturation in charred American oak barrels.

Nose
A sophisticated and deep aromatic profile, marked by nutmeg and spice. With a little patience, it reveals rich layers of vanilla, sweet caramel and oak, harmoniously rounded out by soft citrus notes, floral touches and hints of honey.

Palate
The palate opens smoothly, coating the mouth with a full, soft texture. Sweet notes of caramel, chocolate and marzipan are perfectly balanced by the intensity of dry vanilla and the peppery spice of rye. Touches of orange zest add lovely vibrancy. The finish is long, warm and lingering, dominated by caramelised sugars and corn.

Food Pairing Tips and Tasting Moments
The distillery recommends enjoying this bourbon neat or on the rocks, ideally on special occasions so as to fully appreciate its complexity. On the food pairing side, it works beautifully with caramel popcorn, smoked meats such as barbecued beef brisket or pork ribs, and matured cheeses (gouda, parmesan, cheddar). For dessert, milk chocolate will bring out its sweet notes beautifully.

Mixology
As an exceptional spirit and a super-premium expression, it is highly recommended to enjoy it neat, without embellishment, in order to fully appreciate its aromatic nuances and complexity.

Other Characteristics
This bourbon is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV). It is crafted from a rye-forward recipe (approximately 75% corn, 15% rye and 10% malted barley) and undergoes cold filtration before bottling to ensure its clarity.

A Pioneering and Iconic Straight Bourbon from Kentucky

The Legacy of Blanton's and the Buffalo Trace Distillery
Created in 1984 by master distiller Elmer T. Lee, Blanton's revolutionised the industry by becoming the first bourbon to be sold as a single barrel expression. Produced in Frankfort, at the legendary Buffalo Trace distillery, this Straight Bourbon from Kentucky pays tribute to Colonel Albert B. Blanton. He would personally select his finest barrels from the famous metal warehouse known as "Warehouse H", whose thin walls heighten the interaction between the wood and the region's changeable climate. Today, the brand is owned by Age International, Inc. (controlled by Takara Holdings), while production is overseen by the Sazerac Company, led by CEO Jake Wenz and Executive Chairman Mark Brown. The brand continues to uphold values of artisanal excellence and historic innovation.

The Art of the Single Barrel: Craftsmanship and Uniqueness
The making of this spirit relies on meticulous selection and a rigorous production process. The recipe features a high proportion of corn, providing a foundational sweetness, complemented by rye for spicy complexity and malted barley for fermentation. After careful double distillation, the spirit is aged for six to eight years in new, heavily charred American oak barrels, stored exclusively in the central sections of the Warehouse H metal warehouse.

Unlike traditional blends, each bottle comes from a single, unblended barrel, giving each release subtle variations while upholding an exacting quality standard. The tasting panel, led by master distiller Harlen Wheatley, must unanimously approve each barrel before it is hand-bottled. This demanding process has made this Single Barrel a true benchmark worldwide.

Beyond the quality of the liquid itself, the renown of the Original Single Barrel also rests on its iconic bottle design. The bottle, evoking the shape of a traditional pot still, is topped with a collectible metal stopper depicting a horse and jockey. Since 1999, eight different stoppers have illustrated the stages of a horse race, spelling out the letters of the brand's name. This collectible dimension has driven demand and prestige for this bourbon on the international market.