Buffalo Trace vs Blanton's: Which to Buy
Both come from the same legendary distillery, yet they could not occupy more different places on a collector's shelf. Buffalo Trace and Blanton's are both produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and both have devoted followings — but they answer different questions. One is the everyday workhorse that overdelivers for the price; the other is the trophy bottle that helped invent an entire category. Here is how they actually compare.
- Both are made at Buffalo Trace Distillery, but Blanton's uses the higher-rye Mash Bill #2.
- Buffalo Trace is an affordable, widely loved daily sipper.
- Blanton's is the world's first commercial single-barrel bourbon and a sought-after collectible.
- For value choose Buffalo Trace; for occasion and collectibility choose Blanton's.
Shared DNA, Different Recipes
The most important thing to understand is that these two bourbons come from the same house but not the same recipe. Buffalo Trace uses the distillery's low-rye Mash Bill #1. Blanton's is made from the higher-rye Mash Bill #2, which lends it a bit more spice and structure. So while they share water, yeast philosophy, and warehouse, the liquid in the glass starts from a different grain blend.
Buffalo Trace: The Everyday Benchmark
Buffalo Trace is the bottle bourbon lovers reach for again and again. It carries no age statement but is generally aged around eight years, and it delivers a smooth, approachable profile of vanilla, brown sugar, light oak, and a touch of mint. Its reputation rests on a simple fact: it tastes far more expensive than it costs. For a newcomer building confidence or a veteran who just wants a reliable pour, it is hard to beat.
Blanton's: The Original Single Barrel
Blanton's changed bourbon. Released in 1984 under the guidance of master distiller Elmer T. Lee, it was the first bourbon marketed as a single-barrel product — each bottle drawn from one individual barrel rather than blended from many. It is dressed for the part, too: the distinctive bottle is topped with a collectible stopper depicting a racehorse and jockey, with eight different stoppers spelling out B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S. The flavor leans richer and spicier than Buffalo Trace, with caramel, citrus, and a warm, lingering finish.
Side by Side
| Buffalo Trace | Blanton's | |
|---|---|---|
| Mash bill | Low-rye (#1) | Higher-rye (#2) |
| Type | Small batch | Single barrel |
| Profile | Smooth, vanilla, easy | Rich, spicy, caramel |
| Best for | Everyday sipping & cocktails | Special occasions & collecting |
| Availability | More accessible | Allocated, harder to find |
Which Should You Buy?
If you want a dependable bottle that punches above its price and works equally well neat or in an Old Fashioned, choose Buffalo Trace. If you want a showpiece — something to gift, to display, or to mark an occasion — Blanton's earns its status. Many enthusiasts simply keep both: one to drink without thinking, one to savor.
You can find both, along with the rest of the distillery's lineup, in our Buffalo Trace collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buffalo Trace and Blanton's made by the same company?
Yes. Both are produced at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, though they use different mash bills.
Is Blanton's just a single-barrel version of Buffalo Trace?
No. Blanton's uses the distillery's higher-rye Mash Bill #2, while Buffalo Trace uses the low-rye Mash Bill #1, so they start from different recipes.
Why is Blanton's so hard to find?
As an allocated single-barrel bourbon with global demand, supply is limited relative to how many people want it, which is why it is frequently out of stock.
Which is better for a beginner?
Buffalo Trace is the more approachable and affordable starting point, making it an excellent first bourbon.
