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Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s Single Barrel

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:46 pm

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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 Buffalo Trace 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

Buffalo Trace vs Blanton’s: Comparison

Buffalo Trace Bourbon: A well-rounded, smooth sipper that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment. Priced at $35, it offers great value with its balanced blend of caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors. Ideal for those who appreciate a bourbon that’s easy to drink without any fuss.

Blanton’s Single Barrel: Delivers a premium bourbon experience with a blend of creamy vanilla, honey, and a hint of spice. At $125, it’s a more exclusive choice, renowned for its smooth texture and complex flavor profile. Perfect for connoisseurs looking for a distinguished sip.

Key Difference: Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s, both produced at the same distillery, differ in mash bills and barrel management, with Blanton’s featuring a spicier rye content and single-barrel bottling at a higher proof.

Verdict: Buffalo Trace offers a fantastic bourbon experience at a more accessible price point, making it ideal for both casual sipping and as a versatile cocktail base. Blanton’s Single Barrel, while pricier, caters to those seeking an exquisite, nuanced bourbon for special occasions or as a significant addition to a whiskey collection, states bourbon expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Bourbons for Gift under $50

Buffalo Trace: Your Easygoing Bourbon Buddy

buffalo-trace
  • Nose: Caramel, cinnamon, baking spice, cereal
  • Palate: Caramel, vanilla, oak, espresso coffee, chocolate
  • Finish: Vanilla, baking spice, oak
  • Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
  • How to drink: Neat
  • Similar to: Angel’s Envy

Looking for a bourbon that’s chill and easy to drink? Buffalo Trace might be your new best friend. Here’s why:

The Lowdown:

  • Caramel, vanilla, and baking spices greet your nose, hinting at the good times to come.
  • Spice picks up on the palate, joined by oak and fruity notes. Sweetness hangs around, adding depth.
  • Mouthfeel is smooth and friendly, with a gentle warmth.
  • Finish is medium-length, but leaves a pleasant vanilla and spice aftertaste.
  • No need to fuss: Enjoy it neat for the full experience.

More than Just OK:

  • Buffalo Trace is well-rounded and easy to sip. It’s like your favorite comfy sweater in bourbon form.
  • Medium-full body gives it a satisfying weight without being heavy.
  • Fruity, oaky flavors with a spicy kick make it interesting without being overwhelming.
  • Reliable and enjoyable: This isn’t your fancy-pants bourbon, but it gets the job done well.

Bonus:

  • Made with corn, rye, and malted barley. The exact recipe is a secret, but it works!
  • Unique aging process: Barrels spend 8 years on the middle floors of the warehouse for extra flavor development.
  • Award-winning: Double Gold at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition 2019 and Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018.

So, if you’re looking for a solid, everyday bourbon that’s easy to drink and easy to like, Buffalo Trace is worth a try. It’s a great choice for sipping neat and enjoying the simple pleasures.

Blanton’s Single Barrel: A Smooth Sipper with a Touch of Spice

blantons-single-barrel
  • 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: Blanton’s Gold

Want a bourbon that’s both smooth and flavorful? Blanton’s Single Barrel, from Buffalo Trace, might be your perfect pour. Here’s what you need to know:

The Taste:

  • Honey and caramel notes dance on the nose, with hints of leather and oak for depth.
  • Classic bourbon flavors like butterscotch and vanilla coat your palate, with a touch of peppery rye for a lively kick.
  • Creamy and smooth, it goes down easy but leaves a complex impression. Think “elevated bourbon experience.”
  • The finish is long, warm, and slightly sweet, with a touch of intrigue at the very end.

More than just Hype:

  • Blanton’s lives up to its reputation. It’s smooth, balanced, and downright delicious.
  • The creamy texture makes every sip enjoyable. You won’t need water or ice to appreciate it.
  • It’s reasonably priced and readily available, making it a great choice for everyday sipping.

The Specs:

  • Aged for 6-8 years, though there’s no age statement on the bottle.
  • Mash bill includes 15% rye, adding spice and complexity.
  • Double Gold Medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
  • Named “liquid gold” by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Ready to try it? Blanton’s Single Barrel is a great option for bourbon lovers and newcomers alike. Its smooth character and rich flavors make it a truly enjoyable sipping experience.

Bonus: Enjoy it neat to savor the full taste profile.

Are Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace the same bourbon?

Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s may both be crafted at the same distillery, but there are enough distinctions between them to render them distinctly different whiskeys.

These variations arise from differences in their mash bills and barrel management.

Both Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s undergo an aging process of 6 to 8 years before being bottled.

However, the similarities essentially end there.

Blanton’s employs a mash bill with a higher proportion of rye, giving it a slightly spicier character.

Additionally, Blanton’s is drawn from a single barrel and bottled at a higher proof compared to Buffalo Trace.

This implies that it undergoes less dilution before bottling, preserving its original strength and intensity.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

WhiskeyPrice
Buffalo Trace$35
Blanton’s Single Barrel$125

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