Blanton's Original Single Barrel Bourbon is the expression that created the single barrel category — launched in 1984 by master distiller Elmer T. Lee at Buffalo Trace Distillery, making it the first commercially released single barrel bourbon in American history.
Albert Bacon Blanton joined the Old Fire Copper Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky at age 16 in 1897 and eventually became its superintendent. During his tenure he identified a specific section of Warehouse H — the center-cut floors, where temperature cycling is most consistent — as ideal for producing exceptional bourbon. He reserved barrels from this section for his personal use and for dignitaries and ambassadors visiting the distillery. When Elmer T. Lee bottled the first commercial single barrel release in 1984, he drew from that same section of Warehouse H, naming the expression after Blanton.
Every bottle of Blanton's Original is drawn from a single barrel — no blending, no mingling — selected by hand from the center-cut of Warehouse H and bottled at 93 proof. The barrel number and warehouse are printed on each bottle, and the hand-dipped red wax seal carries one of eight stopper designs, each featuring a racehorse and jockey in a different pose. Collect all eight to spell B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S, with the horse and jockey poses depicting a complete race from gate to finish line.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Creamy vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch with baking spice — nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. Palate: Sweet citrus, dried fruit, honey, and corn with a firm rye backbone and rich oak integration. Finish: Medium-long with returning corn, nutmeg, and warm spice. Bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV).
Specs
Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky. Mashbill: High-rye Mash Bill #2. Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottling: Single barrel, hand-selected from Warehouse H. Proof: 93 (46.5% ABV). Size: 750ml.
Browse the full Blanton's collection at Wooden Cork, including Blanton's Gold, Black, Straight from the Barrel, and rare Japanese market expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Blanton's Original a single barrel bourbon?
Every bottle is drawn from one individual barrel rather than a blend of multiple barrels. The specific barrel number and warehouse are printed on the label, meaning no two bottles are identical — proof, color, and subtle flavor variation exists between barrels. Blanton's Original was the first bourbon marketed this way, establishing the standard every single barrel program since has followed.
What is the stopper on Blanton's bourbon?
Each bottle carries a hand-dipped red wax seal topped with one of eight different stopper designs — each letter of B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S with a racehorse and jockey in a different pose. Collected in order, the eight stoppers depict a complete horse race from gate to finish line. Collectors actively seek specific letters to complete the set.
How does Blanton's Original differ from Blanton's Straight from the Barrel?
Blanton's Original is bottled at a consistent 93 proof with the same water-addition process as most standard releases. Straight from the Barrel (SFTB) is bottled at natural cask strength — uncut and unfiltered — at whatever proof the individual barrel reached after aging, typically ranging from 120 to 140 proof. SFTB is released primarily for the Japanese market and carries significantly more intensity and barrel concentration than the Original.
Where is Blanton's bourbon made?
Blanton's is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States, in operation since 1773. All Blanton's expressions — Original, Gold, Black, and Straight from the Barrel — are distilled and aged at Buffalo Trace from the same high-rye Mash Bill #2.
Is Blanton's an allocated bourbon?
Yes — Blanton's Original is distributed through Buffalo Trace's allocation system, meaning quantities at any retailer are limited and determined by the distillery rather than open-market ordering. Wooden Cork receives regular allocations and ships nationwide with adult-signature delivery.
Please note: Due to Blanton’s hand-dipped wax seal design, minor cracking or seepage may occur during transit. This is a known characteristic of the packaging rather than a product defect. Shipping protection is strongly recommended. The collector’s box or bag may or may not be included depending on the specific bottle — please refer to the individual listing details.
