When it comes to premium bourbon, one name that consistently stands out is Blanton’s. Celebrated for its rich flavour, distinctive bottle design, and collectible horse stoppers, Blanton’s is more than just whiskey - it’s a cornerstone of American bourbon heritage.
But how did this brand achieve its iconic status? Let’s explore the fascinating story behind Blanton’s Bourbon, the world’s first single barrel bourbon.
The Beginning: Honouring a Bourbon Legend
Blanton’s made its debut in 1984, thanks to Elmer T. Lee, the master distiller at the George T. Stagg Distillery (now Buffalo Trace). At the time, bourbon was losing ground to the rising popularity of vodka and other clear spirits. Many bourbon brands were struggling to stay relevant. But Lee had a visionary plan: to craft a premium bourbon that broke away from the traditional mass-produced approach.
His inspiration came from Colonel Albert B. Blanton, a revered figure who dedicated over 55 years to the distillery starting in 1897. Blanton was famous for personally selecting exceptional barrels of bourbon for guests and dignitaries, aging them in the special Warehouse H.
To pay tribute to Blanton, Lee decided to bottle bourbon exactly as Blanton had hand-selected it: one barrel at a time, unblended and uncut, letting each barrel’s unique character shine through.
And so, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon was born - the first bourbon of its kind.
A Piece of History: The 1984 Original Bottling
The inaugural bottling of Blanton’s came from barrel number 549, aged in Warehouse H on Rick No. 52, and was bottled on October 16, 1984, at 93 proof (46.5% ABV). Today, bottles from this original run are incredibly rare and cherished by collectors.
The Whisky Vault Price: net £4,166.67. You can explore more about this historic release here.
Why Blanton’s Was a Game-Changer
Back then, the bourbon industry was dominated by blended, mass-produced spirits. The concept of single barrel bourbon was revolutionary.
Each bottle of Blanton’s comes from one distinct barrel, making every bottle unique. This approach offers whiskey lovers a chance to experience subtle differences in aroma, taste, and texture with every batch - a true artisanal experience.
The uniqueness doesn’t stop with the whiskey itself. Blanton’s is instantly recognisable thanks to: -
- Its short, dumpy bottle inspired by traditional pot stills
- A handcrafted label featuring barrel number, warehouse, and dump date
- A signature metal stopper topped with one of eight horse-and-jockey figurines, each striking a different racing pose spelling out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S”.
The Magic of Warehouse H
One of Blanton’s secrets lies in Warehouse H, the only metal-clad warehouse at Buffalo Trace. Unlike brick warehouses, metal heats and cools more rapidly, subjecting the barrels inside to more intense temperature swings.
This accelerates the aging process by forcing the whiskey in and out of the oak staves more frequently, enhancing flavour extraction and maturation. The result? A bourbon with a bolder, richer profile that stands apart from others aged in steadier environments.
From Local Favourite to Global Icon
Originally a niche product in the U.S., Blanton’s quickly found devoted fans overseas, especially in Japan and Europe, where whiskey enthusiasts appreciated its craftsmanship and collectible allure.
More than just the first single barrel bourbon, Blanton’s reshaped the bourbon landscape - honouring tradition while paving a new path forward. It helped elevate American whiskey’s reputation on the world stage.
Cheers to that!