Taking a whiff of the glass, it smells just as a nicely balanced and well-saturated bourbon should. There’s some darker notes up front, starting with something that’s just on the edge between “toasted caramel” and “charred wood.” From there, a little bit of brown sugar and vanilla joins the mix, along with some cinnamon spice and some fruity aspects like cherry, fresh pear, and a little hint of apple. 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. Blanton’s isn’t cheap these days, with demand outpacing supply and causing price hikes by retailers. Those willing to pay the premium price will do just about anything to get their hands on a bottle. Online scammers jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of them.

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

That’s why we maintain this up-to-date, carefully curated selection of the best bourbons available on the market. From the smoothest to the best premium and budget Bourbons, here’s everything you need to know when buying your next bottle. The best Bourbons of 2023 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.For years, U.S. Blanton’s lovers pined after two products they couldn’t get their hands on in the states. (Yes, the irony of a distinctly American product not being available in America is not lost on us). But Blanton’s single-barrel Gold Edition and Straight From The Barrel bourbons are now finally available on the American market. Before the process is started, a distiller must first determine the mash bill: the exact makeup of grains from which the whiskey is made. To qualify as Bourbon, the grains must feature at least 51% corn. Then, a combination of rye, wheat, and malted barley can also be added.

15 Best Bourbons: Top Whiskeys To Drink (2023) - Luxe Digital 15 Best Bourbons: Top Whiskeys To Drink (2023) - Luxe Digital

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. Arguably, the most crucial step of the Bourbon production process comes next: aging. Whiskey must be aged for at least two years before it can be called “straight whiskey”. A spirit distilled for a shorter period of time is known as “white dog” and has a paler, almost clear coloring and a sharp flavor. It’s easy to get lost down the rabbit hole of Bourbon technicalities and terminologies. For the sake of focusing on the important bits – which Bourbon we recommend buying or drinking for every occasion – you’ll find the common terminology further down. Terminology: The terms to know when talking about Bourbon You don’t have to spend hundreds on fancy bottles to drink excellent Bourbon. In fact, there are some fantastic lesser-known bottles hiding in price points that you wouldn’t expect.To help us rank the best Bourbons in the world, we looked at a number of different factors, including the proof, age, and price.

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon (2021)

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is the age defying brand that continues to please consumers year after year with a product that could easily vary widely barrel to barrel, yet rarely does. Its consistency delivers a classic bourbon flavor profile that will please almost anyone. While it may not be the best single barrel available at any given moment, even among its own Blanton’s siblings, it is by far and large, one of the more approachable ones. 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. The whiskey that eventually becomes Blanton’s is produced under contract by Buffalo Trace. It’s the same distillery where it has always been produced, but over the years the distillery was sold to Sazerac. This whiskey uses the “mashbill #2” formula for the grains, which is reportedly a high rye content version of their grain mixture — but the exact proportions are not disclosed. This is reportedly the same whiskey source as Ancient Age, the original whiskey produced by Age International. 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.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.” Like the “all natural” on your bologna or “farm fresh,” quite possibly also on your bologna, “single-barrel” isn’t a legally defined term in the United States. Yes, that leaves a lot of wiggle room for creative interpretation. So far, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau ( TTB) hasn’t set up a legal definition. So for now, we’re working on the honor system. Legal or not, “single barrel” still really matters.

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

Maker’s Mark isn’t as spicy as rye-influenced whiskeys, making it a great Bourbon for a pairing. And don’t be put off by the ‘whisky’ spelling: it uses a process similar to that of Scotch, but that’s where the similarities end.

Blantons Original Bourbon Single Barrel Awards.

Age International was sold in 1992 to the Japanese spirits company Takara Shuzo, who still owns it to today. Product