Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 10:09 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Blanton’s Single Barrel vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel in this head-to-head comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Blanton’s Single Barrel vs Russell’s Single Barrel: Which Wins?
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Smooth and sweet, this bourbon features vanilla and honey flavors with a caramel finish. At 93 proof and aged 6-8 years, it’s perfect for easy drinking and a luxurious experience.
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Strong and flavorful, with fruit and baking spice on the palate and a spiced citrus finish. At 110 proof and aged 8-10 years, it packs more punch for those looking for a bolder taste.
Verdict: Blanton’s Single Barrel offers a smoother, sweeter sip, ideal for relaxed enjoyment. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel brings more heat and flavor, great for anyone seeking a stronger sip. Both are top picks for different drinking moods, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Favorite Single Barrel Bourbons
Blanton’s Single Barrel: A Smooth & Sweet Sipping Delight
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak, old leather
- Palate: Creamy vanilla, honeyed, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Long, honey, brown sugar, caramel
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel
Blanton’s isn’t your average bourbon. This single-barrel beauty is known for its rich, smooth taste and easy-drinking experience. Let’s explore what makes it stand out:
Sweet & Complex Aroma: Imagine honey and caramel swirling with hints of old leather and oak. That’s the inviting aroma of Blanton’s.
Classic Flavors, Elevated: Get ready for classic bourbon notes like butterscotch and vanilla, amped up with a rich, creamy texture. This smoothness is what sets Blanton’s apart.
Perfectly Balanced: Blanton’s strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and oak, making it complex yet approachable. It’s a sipping pleasure for all levels of bourbon enthusiasts.
Long, Warming Finish: The finish is long and sweet, with a subtle medicinal note that adds intrigue.
Is it Worth It? Absolutely! Blanton’s lives up to its reputation, offering impeccable smoothness, balance, and an easy-drinking experience. Plus, it’s reasonably priced and readily available.
Bonus: Best enjoyed neat, letting its complex flavors shine.
Fact Check:
- Undisclosed mash bill (rumored 15% rye)
- Aged 6-8 years (no age statement)
- Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012
- Nicknamed “liquid gold” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible
Ready to indulge in a smooth and satisfying bourbon experience? Blanton’s might just be your new favorite.
Russell’s Single Barrel Bourbon: Uncorking a Flavorful Journey
- Nose: Cherry, vanilla, brown sugar, oak
- Palate: Fruity, baking spices, vanilla, charred oak
- Finish: Long, baking spice. citrus, charred oak
- Alcohol content: 110 proof (55% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water, rocks
- Similar to: Knob Creek Single Barrel
This Kentucky bourbon isn’t your average joe. It’s a single-barrel gem, aged 8-10 years and bursting with character.
What’s in the Aroma?
Imagine a delightful mix of ripe cherries, creamy vanilla, and hints of toasted sugar. Throw in the warm embrace of oak, and you’ve got the inviting nose of this bourbon.
The Flavorful Sip
Get ready for a rollercoaster of deliciousness! Juicy fruit flavors dance on your palate, balanced by warming spices and a smooth vanilla custard note. The oak influence is present but never overpowers, adding a toasty depth.
A Smooth Operator
This bourbon boasts a creamy mouthfeel that makes every sip a pleasure. Add to that a long, satisfying finish with lingering hints of spice, zesty orange, and toasted oak, and you’ve got a winner.
Warm & Wonderful
The higher proof packs a bit of a punch, offering a warming experience. But don’t worry, a touch of water helps tame it down if you prefer a cooler sip.
The Top Shelf Contender
This single barrel stands out in the Russell’s Reserve lineup, delivering a truly exceptional drinking experience. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress bourbon lovers of all levels.
Bonus Fact:
Each bottle is unique, as it comes from a single barrel and is hand-labeled. So, every sip is a mini adventure!
Ready to embark on your own flavor journey with Russell’s Single Barrel?
P.S. Remember, responsible drinking is always the best way to enjoy any liquor.
How do Blanton’s and Russell’s differ?
Blanton’s bourbon is crafted by Buffalo Trace, utilizing a mash bill that contains a slightly higher proportion of rye compared to the Buffalo Trace and the Eagle Rare.
The barrels used for aging are sourced from warehouse H, a location discovered by Colonel Blanton himself to be ideal for maturing whiskey.
Russell’s Reserve is meticulously crafted by Wild Turkey, utilizing the same mash bill and highly charred barrels as their other offerings.
The key distinction lies in the cask selection process, with Jimmy and Eddie Russell personally hand-picking barrels exclusively from the center of Wild Turkey’s rickhouse.
They consider this area to be the optimal location for maturing bourbon, resulting in a higher-priced product.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Blanton’s Original Single Barrel | $125 |
| Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel | $70 |