Blade & Bow vs Blanton's Single Barrel: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:35 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 Blade and Bow vs Blanton’s Single Barrel in this in-depth 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

Blade and Bow vs. Blanton’s Single Barrel: Value vs. Smoothness

Both: Premium Bourbons, smooth profiles, neat or with water

Blade and Bow:

Strengths: Good value, interesting backstory, decent flavor profile with cherry & spice notes.
Weaknesses: Lacks complexity, some find it hot, no age statement.
Verdict: Solid daily sipper for those seeking affordability with historical connection.

Blanton’s Single Barrel:

Strengths: Exceptionally smooth, creamy mouthfeel, honeyed sweetness, balanced & complex.
Weaknesses: Higher price point, NyQuil note might divide opinions, limited availability.
Verdict: Premium smooth sipping experience with intriguing finish, worth the splurge for some.

Key Differences:

Price: Blade and Bow is significantly cheaper.
Complexity: Blanton’s offers more depth and nuanced flavors.
Smoothness: Both are smooth, but Blanton’s takes the crown.
Availability: Blanton’s can be harder to find.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities:

Prioritize value and enjoy a touch of spice? Choose Blade and Bow.
Seeking ultimate smoothness, complexity, and intrigue? Opt for Blanton’s (if you can find it).

Additional Notes:

Blade and Bow uses a solera-style aging system, potentially incorporating older stocks.
Blanton’s mash bill might include 15% rye, contributing to its spicier notes.
Both brands offer interesting stories and unique bottle designs.

Remember: Taste is subjective! Experiment and discover your ideal bourbon experience, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Blade and Bow: Good Value with a Hint of History

Nose: Cherry, vanilla, oak, ethanol
Palate: Fruit, vanilla, brown sugar, baking spice, peanuts
Finish: Oak, spice, roasted peanuts
Alcohol content: 91 proof (45.5% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Buffalo Trace

Cherry & Spice on the Nose: Blade and Bow opens with a touch of alcohol that mellows into pleasant notes of cherry, vanilla, and oak. It’s a straightforward but inviting aroma.

Ripe Cherry & Subtle Warmth: The first sip bursts with juicy cherry flavors, followed by brown sugar, vanilla, and hints of baking spice, oak, and roasted peanuts. This bourbon packs a bit of heat, with a medium-length finish that lingers with spice, oak, and more peanut notes.

Water Brings Depth: A splash of water calms the heat slightly, allowing brown sugar and oak to emerge further. It doesn’t radically change the experience, but offers a touch more complexity.

Daily Sipper, Not a Masterpiece: While Blade and Bow doesn’t stand out with unique features, it serves as a decent daily sipper, especially for those who enjoy a bit of warmth in their bourbon. The price is fair, and you get a nice bottle with an interesting backstory and a collector’s key.

More Than Just the Bottle: The connection to the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery and the inclusion of the key add a layer of interest beyond the liquid itself.

Blade and Bow Facts:

No age statement
Undisclosed mash bill
Honors the legacy of Stitzel-Weller Distillery
Uses a solera-style aging system with some original stocks
Owned by Diageo, the maker of Johnnie Walker

Looking for a good value bourbon with a touch of history? Blade and Bow might be worth a try. Remember, taste is subjective. So, raise a glass and see if this cherry-forward, slightly spicy dram resonates with your palate!

Blanton’s Single Barrel: Smooth-Tasting Journey

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: Noah’s Mill

Honeyed & Aromatic: Blanton’s Single Barrel greets your nose with a warm embrace of honey, caramel, and a whisper of aged leather. Subtle oak rounds out the aroma, hinting at the smooth experience to come.

Butterscotch & Rye Delight: The palate is where Blanton’s magic unfolds. Traditional bourbon notes reign supreme, with butterscotch and vanilla leading the charge, balanced by a touch of spicy rye. Yet, this bourbon is richer and creamier than most, offering a luxurious mouthfeel.

Perfectly Balanced Bliss: This single barrel expression boasts exceptional smoothness. Sweetness and oak waltz in perfect harmony, creating a complex yet easy-drinking experience. Each sip is a journey with delightful surprises.

Lingering Warmth & a Mysterious Touch: The finish leaves you with a long, sweet warmth and a subtle medicinal note. This unexpected twist adds intrigue and keeps you guessing, long after the last drop.

Hype Worthy: Blanton’s lives up to its reputation. It’s super smooth, impeccably balanced, and boasts a satisfying body. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or just starting your journey, this is a rewarding sipper.

Reasonably Priced & Accessible: Despite its quality, Blanton’s remains reasonably priced and widely available, making it a true gem. Enjoy it neat, savoring the full flavor profile without distraction.

Blanton’s Single Barrel Facts:

Undisclosed mash bill rumored to contain 15% rye
Aged for 6-8 years (no age statement)
Won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Dubbed “liquid gold” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible

Ready to embark on a smooth and intriguing bourbon adventure? Blanton’s Single Barrel might just be your perfect companion. Remember, taste is subjective, so raise a glass and discover if this honeyed journey with a touch of mystery resonates with your palate!