If you’re a fan of Blanton’s bourbon, you’re not alone. This popular brand is known for its smooth, complex flavor and distinctive bottle design. However, if you’re looking to expand your bourbon horizons or simply can’t get your hands on a bottle of Blanton’s, there are plenty of other options out there that offer a similar taste profile.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 8 bourbons that are similar to Blanton’s to help you find a bourbon that meets your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, there’s sure to be a bottle on this list that catches your eye. So sit back, pour yourself a glass, and get ready to discover your new favorite bourbon.
Table of Contents
The Unique Features of Blanton’s
Blanton’s is a premium bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is known for its unique features that set it apart from other bourbons. Here are some of the features that make Blanton’s stand out:
- Distinctive Bottle Design: Blanton’s comes in a distinctive decanter-shaped bottle with a horse and jockey stopper. Each bottle is hand-filled, hand-labeled, and hand-sealed, making it a sought-after collectible for many bourbon enthusiasts..
- Straight from the Barrel: Blanton’s is a single barrel bourbon, which means that each bottle comes from a single barrel. The bourbon is not blended, and each barrel is aged for a minimum of six years. Blanton’s also offers a “Straight from the Barrel” version that is bottled at cask strength, which gives it a higher proof and a more intense flavor.
- Mash Bill #2: Blanton’s is made from Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2, which is a high-rye mash bill that gives the bourbon a spicy and complex flavor profile.
- Fragrant: Blanton’s has a fragrant aroma that is a combination of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The flavor is also complex and well-balanced, with notes of honey, citrus, and spice.
Criteria for Similarity
When looking for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you find a bourbon that meets your expectations. Here are some criteria to keep in mind when searching for a bourbon that is similar to Blanton’s:
Similar Taste
One of the most important criteria for similarity is taste. Blanton’s has a unique flavor profile that is characterized by its balance of sweet and spicy notes, along with its smooth finish. When looking for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, you should consider the flavor profile of the bourbon, including its sweetness, spiciness, and overall complexity.
Age Statement
Blanton’s is a single barrel bourbon that is aged for at least six years. When searching for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, you should consider the age statement of the bourbon. Aged bourbons tend to have more complex flavors and aromas, which can make them more similar to Blanton’s.
Oak Characteristics
Blanton’s is aged in charred oak barrels, which gives it a distinct oaky flavor and aroma. When searching for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, you should consider the type of oak used in the aging process, as well as the level of char on the barrels.
Classic Bourbon Sweetness Characteristics
Blanton’s has a classic bourbon sweetness that is characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey. When searching for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, you should consider whether the bourbon has similar sweet notes, and whether they are balanced with other flavors.
Above Average Amount of Classic Bourbon Sweetness Flavors
Blanton’s has a higher than average amount of classic bourbon sweetness flavors. When searching for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, you should consider whether the bourbon has a similar level of sweetness.
Cinnamon Notes
Blanton’s has a distinct cinnamon note that adds to its complexity. When searching for bourbons similar to Blanton’s, you should consider whether the bourbon has a similar cinnamon note, and whether it adds to the overall flavor profile.
Top 8 Bourbons Similar to Blanton’s
If you’re a fan of Blanton’s bourbon, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of other bourbons out there that share similar characteristics. Here are the top 8 bourbons that you should try if you love Blanton’s:
1. Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
photo credit: www.knobcreek.com
This bourbon is aged for nine years and has a high ABV of 60%. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
2. Elijah Craig Small Batch
photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org
This bourbon is aged for 12 years and has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a slightly lower ABV of 47%.
3. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
photo credit: www.russellsreserve.com
This bourbon is aged for 10 years and has a complex flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It has a slightly higher ABV of 55%.
4. Smooth Ambler Old Scout
photo credit: smoothambler.com
This bourbon is aged for seven years and has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a slightly lower ABV of 49.5%.
5. Ezra Brooks Distillers Collection
photo credit: ezrabrooks.com
This bourbon is aged for seven years and has a rich, complex flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It has a slightly lower ABV of 53.5%.
6. Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18yo
photo credit: elijahcraig.com
This bourbon is aged for 18 years and has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a slightly higher ABV of 45%.
7. John Bowman Single Barrel
photo credit: asmithbowman.com
This bourbon is aged for 10 years and has a complex flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It has a slightly lower ABV of 50%.
8. Four Roses Single Barrel
photo credit: www.fourrosesbourbon.com
This bourbon is aged for at least eight years and has a smooth, mellow flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It has a slightly lower ABV of 50%.
Conclusion
Surely, there are many bourbons out there that are similar to Blanton’s. Whether you’re looking for a cheaper alternative or simply want to try something new, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each of these bourbons has its own unique flavor profile, but all share some similarities with Blanton’s. While some of the bourbons on this list may be harder to find than others, they are all worth seeking out if you’re a fan of Blanton’s.
Ultimately, the best way to find a bourbon that’s similar to Blanton’s is to try a few different options and see which one you like best. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting out, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. So go ahead and try something new – you might just discover your new favorite bourbon.
