Are you a bourbon enthusiast looking for the perfect bottle to add to your collection? Two of the most popular options on the market are Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace. While both come from the same distillery, there are some notable differences between the two that might influence your decision.
Buffalo Trace is a staple in the bourbon world, known for its smooth taste and affordable price point. Blanton’s, on the other hand, is often considered a more premium option with a higher price tag. But is it worth shelling out the extra cash for Blanton’s? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two bourbons to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
History of Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace
photo credit: www.blantonsbourbon.com
Blanton’s History
Blanton’s is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was named after Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who was a former president of the distillery. Blanton’s was first introduced in 1984, and it was the first single barrel bourbon ever produced. The brand has gained a reputation for its smoothness and complexity, and it has won numerous awards over the years.
photo credit: www.buffalotrace.com
Buffalo Trace’s History
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a historic distillery located in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was founded in 1773, making it one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the United States. The distillery has a long and storied history, having survived fires, floods, and even Prohibition. Buffalo Trace produces a wide variety of spirits, including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, and gin. The distillery is known for its high-quality products and its commitment to traditional distilling methods.
Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace are both highly respected brands in the world of bourbon whiskey. While Blanton’s is a relatively new brand, it has quickly gained a reputation for its quality and complexity. Buffalo Trace, on the other hand, has been producing bourbon for over 200 years and is one of the most respected distilleries in the world. Whether you prefer the smoothness of Blanton’s or the rich history of Buffalo Trace, both brands are sure to satisfy your bourbon cravings.
Production Process
Blanton’s Production Process
Blanton’s is a single barrel bourbon, which means that each bottle comes from a single barrel of whiskey. The barrels are hand-selected by the master distiller and aged for a minimum of 6 years. The mash bill for Blanton’s is said to be a high-rye mash bill, which means it contains more rye than other bourbons. The exact mash bill is a closely guarded secret, however.
Once the barrels have aged for the appropriate amount of time, they are dumped, and the whiskey is bottled. Each bottle of Blanton’s is hand-labeled and hand-bottled, which adds to the uniqueness of the product. The bottle also features a horse and jockey on the stopper, which is meant to represent the Kentucky Derby.
Buffalo Trace’s Production Process
The mash bill for Buffalo Trace is also a closely guarded secret, but it is known to be a low-rye mash bill.
Once the barrels have aged for the appropriate amount of time, they are dumped, and the whiskey is bottled. Buffalo Trace is also bottled by hand, but the labeling process is done by machine. The bottle features a picture of the Buffalo Trace distillery on the label.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s are quite different from each other. Buffalo Trace has a sweeter and earthier flavor profile, while Blanton’s has a more complex and rounded profile.
Buffalo Trace has a mash bill of #1, which consists of corn, rye, and malted barley. The corn gives it a sweet and caramel-like flavor, while the rye adds a spicy kick. The malted barley adds a nutty and earthy flavor to the mix. Overall, Buffalo Trace is a smooth and easy-to-drink bourbon that is great for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails.
On the other hand, Blanton’s has a mash bill of #2, which consists of corn, rye, and malted barley. However, the proportions of each ingredient are different from Buffalo Trace, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Blanton’s has a higher alcohol content of 46.5%, which gives it a bit of a burn on the finish. It also has a more complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, butterscotch, and oak. Blanton’s is a great bourbon for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Price Comparison
When it comes to the price comparison between Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, Buffalo Trace is known for being one of the best budget-friendly bourbons on the market. You can typically find a bottle for around $20–$30, which is quite affordable compared to other high-quality bourbons.
On the other hand, Blanton’s pricing is impacted by the secondary bourbon market, which means you may see a bottle anywhere between $65 and $150 on average. This inconsistency in pricing can make it difficult to justify the cost, especially if you are on a budget.
It’s important to note that while Blanton’s may be pricier, it does have a unique taste and is often considered a luxury bourbon. However, if you are looking for a great bourbon at an affordable price, Buffalo Trace is a solid choice.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between Blanton’s and Buffalo Trace comes down to personal preference. Both are high-quality bourbons with their own unique characteristics.
Ultimately, the decision between these two bourbons will depend on your taste preferences and budget. So why not try both and decide for yourself which one you prefer?
Related Posts
If you’re interested in exploring more about whiskey and bourbon, here are some related posts that you might find interesting. Check them out to learn more about different types of whiskey and bourbon!
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