Blanton’s Bourbon has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. Blanton’s Bourbon is named after Colonel Albert B. Blanton, born in 1881 on a farm near Frankfort, Kentucky. He began his career at the Buffalo Trace Distillery (formerly known as the O.F.C. Distillery) in 1897, where he became the distillery president in 1921.
The Colonel was a true pioneer in the world of bourbon whiskey. He believed the best bourbon came from a single barrel rather than being blended from multiple barrels. Inspired by this belief, he set aside special barrels he deemed the finest and most mature. These barrels were stored in Warehouse H, a metal-clad warehouse on the distillery grounds. He would personally taste and handpick barrels from Warehouse H to be bottled separately, believing each barrel had its unique flavor profile.
Blanton’s is known for its iconic packaging, which includes a metal horse and jockey. This unique design has several significances:
- Equestrian Heritage: The horse and jockey figurine pays homage to the equestrian roots of Blanton’s Bourbon. The brand’s founder, Colonel Albert B. Blanton, was an avid horse enthusiast and used to race thoroughbred horses. The figurine is a nod to his love for horses and racing.
- Single Barrel Identification: Blanton’s Bourbon is a single-barrel bourbon, meaning each bottle comes from an individual barrel and can have slight variations in taste and flavor profile. The horse and jockey on top of the cork identify the barrel from which the bourbon was sourced inside that bottle. There are eight different stopper designs, each showing the horse and jockey in a different stage of a horse race. The letters on the cork also spell out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S,” allowing enthusiasts to collect and display different stoppers.
- Collector’s Appeal: The distinctive bottle design, with the horse and jockey atop the cork, has made Blanton’s Bourbon highly sought after by collectors and bourbon enthusiasts. The collectible nature of the stoppers has contributed to the brand’s popularity and increased its perceived value among whiskey connoisseurs.
Blanton’s Bourbon continues to be produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, and it remains highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. The brand’s commitment to quality and tradition has helped it maintain its place as a respected and beloved bourbon worldwide.
Click here for more Original Pours.
