Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 08:41 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 vs Garrison Brothers 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 vs Garrison Brothers: Which to Buy?
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Smooth and balanced, with notes of honey, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of old leather. Complex and rich, it’s favored by bourbon enthusiasts for its versatility. Best enjoyed with water to unlock its full character.
Garrison Brothers: Bold and oak-forward, appealing to those who enjoy intense wood flavors. Distinctive mash bill highlights corn and wheat, resulting in a robust taste with oak, cinnamon, and maple syrup notes. While water enhances sweetness, its strong oak presence may not suit all palates.
Verdict: Blanton’s offers a versatile, refined experience, while Garrison Brothers caters to oak aficionados. Blanton’s for smoothness, Garrison Brothers for bold oak flavors, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Blanton’s Best Similar Bourbons
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Smooth & Balanced Bourbon Delight
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Honey & Caramel Charm:
Blanton’s opens with inviting aromas of honey, caramel, and subtle oak, with a hint of aged leather. On the palate, it presents classic butterscotch and vanilla notes alongside a moderate rye spice, boasting a rich and creamy mouthfeel that sets it apart.
Long & Captivating Finish:
The finish is lengthy, sweet, and warm, offering a subtle, intriguing medicinal note.
Lives Up to the Hype:
Blanton’s delivers exceptional smoothness and balance, with a luxurious texture and a reasonable price tag. This bourbon strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and oak, creating a complex and captivating experience. Enjoy it neat to appreciate its full character.
Blanton’s in a Nutshell:
- Undisclosed mash bill with around 15% rye.
- Aged for 6 to 8 years.
- Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Nicknamed “liquid gold” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
- Crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery alongside other notable brands.
Garrison Brothers: Bold Bourbon for Oak Lovers
- Alcohol content: 94 proof (47% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Unique Wheat Mash Bill:
Garrison Brothers stands out as a wheated bourbon, crafted with 74% corn, 14% wheat, and 11% barley, offering a distinct flavor profile.
Oak-Forward Experience:
The aroma is dominated by oak, followed by subtle hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The taste is bold with upfront oak, spice, and a touch of warmth, evolving to reveal dry grass, cinnamon, and maple syrup notes. The long finish continues the oak spice with a hint of fruit and banana.
Water’s Influence:
Adding water amplifies the maple syrup sweetness but also intensifies the oak character throughout.
A Bold Choice:
This bourbon caters to those who enjoy prominent oak flavors. Its bold nature might not be for everyone.
Garrison Brothers in a Nutshell:
- Wheated bourbon with a unique mash bill.
- Aged for 3 years in full-sized barrels.
- Silver medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- First legal whiskey distillery in Texas.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Blanton’s Single Barrel | $130 |
| Garrison Brothers | $80 |