Blanton's 'The Original' Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Honeyed caramel, orange peel, and polished oak rise with immediate clarity from Blanton’s The Original Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a trailblazing bourbon that redefined premium American whiskey upon its release. First introduced in 1984 as the world’s first commercially released single-barrel bourbon, Blanton’s set a new standard by celebrating individuality, barrel selection, and consistency of excellence. Each bottle reflects a singular moment in the warehouse, guided by a philosophy that prizes patience, precision, and character over volume.

Product Details:

• Distiller: Harlen Wheatley
• ABV: 46.5%
• Proof: 93
• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2, high rye
• Barrel Selection: Individually selected single barrels, hand-bottled
• Filtration: Standard filtration

Sensory Description:

The nose opens with inviting aromas of caramel, vanilla, and citrus zest, layered with notes of honey, clove, and lightly toasted oak. On the palate, Blanton’s The Original is round and balanced, offering flavors of sweet toffee, orange peel, baking spice, and gentle rye-driven lift that adds brightness without sharpness. The mouthfeel is smooth yet structured, allowing both sweetness and spice to unfold evenly. Compared to heavier barrel-proof styles, this expression emphasizes elegance and clarity, finishing long and warm with lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and soft spice.

Distiller’s Background:

Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of America’s most historic and influential whiskey producers, with roots tracing back more than two centuries. Blanton’s was created under the direction of legendary Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, whose vision for single barrel bourbon transformed the industry and established a new category of collectible, premium whiskey. Today, the distillery operates under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, with Harlen Wheatley overseeing distillation and barrel stewardship, ensuring Blanton’s continues to reflect its original intent and enduring reputation.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve neat at approximately 60 to 65°F in a Glencairn or tulip glass to highlight its aromatic precision and balanced structure. A few drops of water can enhance citrus and spice notes without diminishing their elegance. Blanton’s The Original also performs beautifully in refined, spirit-forward cocktails such as an Old Fashioned, where its clarity and high-rye profile bring definition without overpowering the drink.