Blanton's Original Single Barrel. If you've spent any time around bourbon circles, you already know this bottle — or at least you've seen someone hunting for it. The horseman-topped stopper has become one of the most recognisable silhouettes in American whiskey, and for good reason. This is a single barrel bourbon bottled at 46.5% ABV, which puts it comfortably above the standard 40% floor without tipping into cask-strength territory. It's a sweet spot that I think works brilliantly for what this whisky is trying to do.
Let's talk about what makes Blanton's genuinely interesting from a technical standpoint. Single barrel means exactly that — every bottle comes from one specific barrel, not a blend of dozens or hundreds. That matters because you're getting an unfiltered snapshot of how that individual barrel matured. There's natural variation from bottle to bottle, which keeps things exciting. At 46.5%, you're getting enough proof to carry flavour without needing to add water, though a few drops certainly won't hurt if that's your preference.
As a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, this has to meet some serious legal requirements that are worth understanding. We're talking about a whiskey made from at least 51% corn in the mashbill, aged in new charred oak barrels, distilled to no more than 160 proof, and entered into the barrel at no more than 125 proof. The 'Straight' designation means a minimum of two years ageing, though Blanton's — being NAS — almost certainly sits well beyond that minimum. These aren't arbitrary rules; they're the guardrails that define the bourbon category, and they produce a particular style of whiskey that rewards patience in the warehouse.
Tasting Notes
I'll be honest — rather than breaking this down into clinical nose, palate and finish descriptors, I want to talk about the overall drinking experience. This is a bourbon that sits squarely in the rich, full-bodied camp. The 46.5% ABV gives it a satisfying weight on the palate without any aggressive heat. It's the kind of pour where you take a sip, set the glass down, and immediately want to pick it back up again. The single barrel character means there's a complexity here that rewards attention — this isn't a bourbon that reveals everything on the first sip.
The Verdict
At £79.95, Blanton's sits at the upper end of everyday bourbon pricing, but I think it justifies the cost. The single barrel bottling at 46.5% gives you something genuinely more interesting than the standard 40% blended bourbons that dominate the shelf at similar prices. Is it the holy grail that the hype machine sometimes suggests? No bourbon is. But is it a genuinely well-made, satisfying single barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon that I'd happily pour for anyone wanting to understand what the category can deliver? Absolutely. I'm giving this an 8 out of 10 — it's a confident, well-executed bourbon that delivers on its promise without any gimmicks beyond that famous bottle top.
Best Served
This is a bourbon that works beautifully in an Old Fashioned. The 46.5% ABV means it stands up to dilution from the ice and sugar without losing its backbone. Two dashes of Angostura, a sugar cube, a wide orange peel — keep it simple and let Blanton's do the heavy lifting. Equally, if you're a neat drinker, a Glencairn or a good rocks glass at room temperature will let you appreciate the single barrel character properly. I'd avoid burying this in anything too complicated — it doesn't need the help.
