All about Blanton's Bourbon Whiskey – history, production and special features
Blanton'sBourbon whiskey is considered one of the most popular premium bourbons in the world. Whether you're just entering the world of whiskey or have some experience, here you'll gain exciting insights into the history of Blanton's, learn how it's made, and discover what makes this bourbon so special.
The History of Blanton's Bourbon Whiskey
When you talk about Blanton's, you're talking about both tradition and innovation. The whiskey comes from the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, known as the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States. Founded in 1775, the distillery has weathered many crises since then, including Prohibition and other economic downturns.
Blanton's takes its name from Albert Bacon Blanton, who ran the Buffalo Trace Distillery in the 1920s. Blanton was known for his high standards of quality. He developed the first "single barrel bourbon," a revolution in the bourbon world.
What is a "Single Barrel Bourbon"?
A "Single Barrel Bourbon," as the name suggests, comes from a single barrel. While other bourbons are often blended from multiple barrels, Blanton's guarantees unique and distinctive flavor profiles for each bottling.
The manufacturing process of Blanton's
The quality of Blanton's begins with its production. While many distilleries use standardized processes, Blanton's consciously focuses on tradition and attention to detail.
1. The selection of grains
For a good bourbon, you need at least 51% corn, and Blanton's is no different. However, the exact recipe for the "mash bill," or grain ratio, remains a closely guarded secret. Corn adds sweetness, rye provides a spicy kick, and barley malt binds the flavors.
2. Fermentation and distillation
After milling the grains, the mixture is fermented with water and yeast. This step takes several days until a so-called "wash" is produced—a fermented liquid with a low alcohol content.
At Blanton's, distillation takes place twice in traditional copper stills, resulting in a distilled raw whiskey that retains its character while remaining pure and clear.
3. Storage in hand-picked barrels
Now comes the exciting part: the whiskey is filled into new American white oak barrels that have been charred. These barrels give Blanton's its characteristic amber color and intense aromas of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
Maturation takes place in warehouses, where temperature and humidity fluctuations play a significant role. The barrels for Blanton's are stored exclusively in specific areas of a warehouse that provide ideal conditions for aging.
4. Filling a single barrel
As mentioned previously, Blanton's is a "single barrel bourbon." This means each bottling comes from a single barrel, without blending with other batches. Each barrel is carefully inspected to ensure it delivers the unmistakable quality and flavor for which Blanton's is known.