Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:10 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 Blanton’s Special Reserve in this 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 Special Reserve: Comparison
Blanton’s Original Single Barrel: A rich and luxurious bourbon that combines vanilla, caramel, and oak with a creamy texture. Perfect for connoisseurs seeking depth and a velvety mouthfeel in their whiskey.
Blanton’s Special Reserve: Known for its smoothness and approachability, it’s a gentler introduction to the Blanton’s range, ideal for those preferring a softer bourbon experience.
Verdict: Blanton’s Original Single Barrel stands out for its complexity and rich flavors, appealing to enthusiasts looking for a premium sip. Blanton’s Special Reserve offers an easier, albeit less intense, entry point into the world of high-quality bourbon, suitable for those who appreciate subtlety over strength, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Rated Blanton’s Bourbons
Blanton’s Single Barrel: A Luxurious Sip
- 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
Blanton’s Single Barrel paints a captivating picture for discerning bourbon lovers. Let’s explore its unique qualities:
Aromatic Allure: Aged leather and oak notes intertwine with hints of sweetness on the nose, hinting at hidden depths.
Velvety Delight: The first sip is a revelation. It coats the palate with a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel, setting the stage for a delightful flavor journey.
Flavorful Symphony: Butterscotch, vanilla, and a touch of rye spice dance on the tongue, creating a harmonious and complex profile. Each sip unfolds new nuances, keeping you engaged.
The Finish: The finish is long and sweet, with a surprising twist – a lingering hint of NyQuil. Some may find it intriguing, while others might be surprised. It’s a unique touch that adds an extra layer of conversation to the experience.
Is it good? Beyond good, it’s exceptional. Blanton’s Single Barrel lives up to its reputation as a smooth and satisfying bourbon. The quality shines through, offering complexity and effortless enjoyment.
Savoring Tips:
- Neat: Optimal way to experience the full flavor spectrum.
- Large ice ball: Chills without diluting the bourbon’s essence.
- Whiskey stones: Another option for chilled enjoyment.
Bonus Facts:
- Crafted with a touch more rye than other Buffalo Trace products.
- Aged for 6-8 years, offering depth and character.
- Double Gold Medal winner, recognized for its excellence.
- Dubbed “liquid gold” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Blanton’s Special Reserve: A Smooth Sipper, But is it Worth the Hunt?
- Nose: Caramel, prunes, banana
- Palate: Caramel, vanilla, banana, baking spice
- Finish: Short, tobacco, oak spice
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Blanton’s Special Reserve entices with its alluringly low proof and unique single-barrel bottling, but does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into its aromatic and flavor profile:
Nose: Burnt butterscotch takes center stage, suggesting potential richness, but…
Palate: Here’s where things get interesting. The smoothness, initially appealing, can feel watery, lacking the expected body. Hints of vanilla emerge, accompanied by a whisper of spice that lingers underdeveloped.
Finish: Short and fleeting, leaving traces of tobacco and a slightly bitter oak spice.
So, is it good? Smooth it is, perhaps overly so for its price point. While not unpleasant, it falls short of expectations for a bourbon in this range. The flavor profile seems closer to a more affordable option, lacking the depth and complexity usually associated with premium pours. Think of it as a watered-down version of Buffalo Trace.
The Verdict: If you prioritize smoothness and appreciate lower-proof experiences, Blanton’s Special Reserve might offer a pleasant sip. However, for those seeking richer, bolder complexities, your search might continue elsewhere. Remember, with limited availability, the “hunt” could further impact your perception of its value.
Bonus Fact: Finding Blanton’s Special Reserve within the U.S. proves challenging, as it primarily caters to international markets.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Blanton’s Original Single Barrel | $130 |
| Blanton’s Special Reserve | $290 |