But while this small-batch Bourbon has changed a few things over time, it’s kept its ‘super premium’ holding and taste. Blanton’s claims that it’s “the original single barrel Bourbon whiskey” and is known for its unique bottle shape. However, to be called a Bourbon, it must also be produced in the United States and be made from 51 percent corn. The liquid needs to be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel at 125 proof. It must not contain any added flavoring, coloring, or other additives and must be aged in new, oak-charred barrels.

Blantons Original Bourbon Single Barrel limited edition - Whiskys Blantons Original Bourbon Single Barrel limited edition - Whiskys

Usually, adding a little bit of ice washes out the weaker flavors while toning down the more annoying or richer aspects. For a bitter or overly dark whiskey this can be a good thing, but for something that is already pretty well balanced and delicious when taken neat, it can be a real buzzkill. As the saying goes, “All Bourbon is whiskey but not all whiskey is Bourbon.” But there’s more to it than just semantics. If you’re a whiskey (and especially Bourbon) drinker, you need to know the differences. And let’s not forget the oak casks: the oak used is first stripped and left to weather for six months. This process removes the bitter tannins, allowing for a smoother flavor once the mixture has been added.And there’s no ‘right’ way to enjoy Bourbon, but there are certainly ways of drinking the liquor that make for a more enjoyable experience. To help us rank the best Bourbons in the world, we looked at a number of different factors, including the proof, age, and price. There are few bourbon bottles as iconic as the Blanton’s bottle. It’s one of the (many) reasons why this whiskey is as popular as it is today.

15 Things You Need to Know About Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon

Similarly, Japanese youth wanted something different than the Scotch their elders were drinking, so bourbon it was. Blanton’s marketing plan to reach Japanese drinkers was a success, and it became a favorite export in the country. Reverse psychology at play, Americans eventually envied the Japanese bourbon trend. Soon enough, Blanton’s took off in the country it came from. Blanton’s barrels are kind of coddled. The next step differentiates Bourbon from whiskey. The mixture is pumped into a fermentation vat with yeast and, commonly, a sour mash mix. The mash is then distilled – mostly twice – to remove impurities and increase the strength of the liquid. This much-loved spirit has a distinct flavor profile and a history to match. The time, care, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into Bourbon make it quite unlike anything else you’ll spot in the liquor cupboard. In 1964, Congress even declared Bourbon “America’s Native Spirit.” The aging process: Similar to the above, many will assume that the longer the aging process, the better the Bourbon. But some brands have thrown caution to the wind and either removed their age banner from their bottles or have reduced the length of time their Bourbon matures for.

Blantons Original Bourbon Single Barrel Awards.

Wild Turkey is another premium brand that’s been distilling whiskey for more than 100 years. It’s a brand that knows exactly what’s what when it comes to distilling: its master distiller is Jimmy Russell, the world’s longest-tenured active distiller. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon has a storied history that ties together many namesakes of the Buffalo Trace distillery. Originally, Colonel Albert B. Blanton was the president of the George T. Stagg Bourbon Distillery, which is now known as the Buffalo Trace Distillery until 1952. During that period Elmer T. Lee worked under Blanton. As Lee was nearing retirement, he decided to bring forth one last product. A year before retiring, Lee brough to market the first commercial single barrel bourbon and named it Blanton’s after the late Colonel.

Blantons Original Bourbon 46.5% 70cl - RMW Blantons Original Bourbon 46.5% 70cl - RMW

Simply add one sugar cube or ½ tsp. sugar, two dashes of Angostura bitters and garnish with a lemon or orange twist in a sturdy Old Fashioned glass to complete. Then, the barrels are charred, offering a smoky environment that almost caramelizes the liquid. The standard barrel size is 263 liters and weighs 225 kilos when full. What’s the difference between Bourbon and Whiskey? Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee released Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984, at a time when the Bourbon industry appeared to be on a downward slope. But Blanton’s higher-rye mash bill proved a success, and the brand has risen from strength to strength over the years.Woodford Reserve’s Baccarat will forever – rightly – be a talking point in the bourbon world, a fusion of sophistication and complexity with a brilliant light copper coloring. The difference between Baccarat and the brand’s other offerings comes from a few final touches: an extra period aging in XO Cognac barrels, the handmade crystal decanters it’s served in, and its insanely velvety, fruity, sweet, citrus-tinged taste. A classic and much-loved choice for Bourbon fans, Jim Beam offers the best option for those who want the best of both: whiskey and beer. It’s full-flavored and one-of-a-kind, with a reliable, easy-to-drink taste and a smooth and satisfying finish. Believe it or not, up until just a few years ago, it was relatively easy to buy a bottle of Blanton’s any time of the year. Fast forward to today, and you wouldn’t be faulted for thinking Blanton’s is the hardest bourbon to find in America. Slowly over time, its position has been elevated to one of the hottest bourbons in the marketplace, with stores being bombarded with calls on a daily basis and people talking about Blanton’s as if it’s the best bourbon currently being produced. While there’s nothing wrong with a bourbon becoming the latest “gotta have it bottle,” I do question if people understand what makes Blanton’s unique, and why that uniqueness also limits its overall potential. Taste: The taste has a masterful start with powerful dry vanilla notes in perfect harmony with hints of honey amid the strong caramel. The long, creamy caramel holds the fort until some late soft peppers arrive to spice things up. But it can be difficult to know which brand and bottle are for you. How do you decide between the most popular Bourbons or, ultimately, find the best Bourbon of the year? The huge variety of brands, distilleries, proofs, and ages has made the world of whiskey a fascinating one, albeit slightly challenging if you’re not sure where to start.