Blanton’s vs John J. Bowman: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:57 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 John Bowman 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

Blanton’s Single Barrel vs. John J. Bowman Single Barrel: A Refined Showdown

Blanton’s Single Barrel: A mix of vanilla, caramel, and oak with a creamy texture and a hint of spice. It’s rich and balanced, suitable for sipping neat.

John J. Bowman Single Barrel: Oak and vanilla lead, with a creamy palate that includes apple and spice. It’s bold yet sweet, best enjoyed with a bit of water.

Verdict: Both whiskies offer unique experiences. Blanton’s is smooth and complex, while John J. Bowman provides a bold, spicy taste. Each has its appeal for different whiskey appreciators, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Blanton’s Single Barrel: A Balanced Bliss of Honey and Spice

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: Four Roses Single Barrel

Sweet & Sophisticated Scent: Open the bottle and inhale – you’re greeted by a warm embrace of honey and caramel, followed by hints of rich leather and subtle oak. It’s an aroma that speaks of sophistication and promises a delightful experience.

Creamy & Complex Delight: Take a sip, and let the richness wash over your palate. Notes of butterscotch and vanilla dance with moderate rye spice, creating a creamy and luxurious mouthfeel. This bourbon doesn’t just taste good, it feels good.

Perfectly Balanced Act: Blanton’s Single Barrel strikes a masterful balance between sweetness and oak. The sweet notes never become cloying, and the oak adds depth without overwhelming the palate. It’s a complex and captivating expression that keeps you coming back for more.

Lingering Sweetness & A Quirky Twist: The finish lingers long and sweet, leaving you with a pleasant warmth and a unique note reminiscent of NyQuil. This unexpected twist adds an intriguing layer to the experience, without detracting from the overall enjoyment.

Verdict: Smooth Sailing at a Fair Price: This Single Barrel lives up to its reputation, offering exceptional smoothness and a well-balanced flavor profile. The creamy body guarantees a rewarding sip, making it a true delight. And the best part? Its reasonable price and widespread availability make it accessible to many bourbon enthusiasts.

Enjoy It Pure: This bourbon shines on its own. Don’t bother with water or ice, as it’s perfect neat, allowing the complex flavors to unfold naturally.

Bonus Bites:

The mash bill might be a secret, but rumors suggest a 15% rye content, contributing to the spicy touch.
While no official age statement exists, estimates place it around 6-8 years old, allowing for maturity without heaviness.
A 2012 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the title of “liquid gold” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible speak volumes about its quality.

So, raise a glass! If you’re seeking a smooth, balanced, and complex bourbon experience that won’t break the bank, Blanton’s Single Barrel is a fantastic choice. Its unique flavor profile and widespread availability make it a must-try for any bourbon lover. Cheers!

John J. Bowman Single Barrel: A Spicy Sip with Sweet Undertones

Nose: Oak, vanilla, cinnamon
Palate: Oak spice, apple, brown sugar, baking spice
Finish: Apple, oak
Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Bowman Brothers Small Batch

Oak-Forward First Impression: As you raise the glass, the aroma is dominated by oak, with subtle whispers of vanilla and cinnamon peeking through. It’s an upfront and bold introduction, hinting at the character within.

Creamy & Spicy Symphony: Take a sip, and a delightful creaminess washes over your palate. Upfront oak spice takes center stage, joined by hints of brown sugar and crisp apple for a satisfying complexity. Warming notes of baking spice and vanilla emerge, creating a harmonious blend.

Lingering Dry Finish: The finish lingers for a moderate length, leaving a pleasant dryness on your tongue. Oak dominates here, but a touch of leather adds a nuanced depth. The dry bite brings a satisfying conclusion to the sip.

Water Enhances the Journey: A dash of water works wonders, unlocking hidden layers of caramel sweetness and tempering the oak spice for a slightly smoother experience.

Sweet with a Kick: Overall, John Bowman delivers a pleasant and slightly tingling drinking experience. The sweetness plays beautifully with the spice, creating a balanced and engaging profile. Think of it as E.H. Taylor with a touch more fire, making it a delicious option for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Pedigree & Process: This bourbon hails from a renowned Kentucky distillery and undergoes a unique third distillation in Virginia, where it patiently ages for roughly 10 years. This unique journey contributes to its distinct character.

Verdict: Well-Rounded Choice: While not aiming to break new ground, John Bowman Single Barrel offers a solid and enjoyable sipping experience. Its balanced sweetness, spicy kick, and intriguing backstory make it a worthy addition to any bourbon enthusiast’s collection.

Bonus Bites:

Approximately 10 years of aging in Virginia give this bourbon its depth and maturity.
The exact mash bill is a secret, but the rye content is estimated around 10%, adding a touch of peppery spice.
Each bottle comes from a single barrel, ensuring no two bottles are exactly alike.
The triple-distillation process using copper stills contributes to its smooth and complex character.

So, uncork and explore! If you’re seeking a bourbon that offers a balance of sweet and spicy notes with a touch of intrigue, John J. Bowman Single Barrel is definitely worth considering.