Are you a fan of Blanton’s bourbon and wondering about the differences between the Red and Black versions? Blanton’s is a popular bourbon brand known for its iconic horse stopper on the bottle and its smooth, flavorful taste. However, the differences between the Red and Black versions can be confusing for some people. In this article, we will explore the key differences between Blanton’s Red and Black bourbon, so you can make an informed decision when choosing which one to try.

History of Blanton’s Red and Black

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Blanton’s is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. Blanton’s Red and Black are two of the most popular variants of the brand. Both variants have a rich history that spans several decades.

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Blanton’s Red’s History

Blanton’s Red was the first single barrel bourbon ever produced. It was named after Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who was the president of the Buffalo Trace Distillery from 1921 to 1952. Blanton’s Red was first introduced in 1984 and quickly became a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts.

Blanton’s Red is aged for at least 8 years and has a smooth, mellow taste with hints of caramel, vanilla, and citrus. It has an alcohol by volume (ABV) content of 46.5% and is bottled at barrel proof, which means that it is not diluted with water before bottling.

Blanton’s Black’s History

Blanton’s Black was introduced in 2016 as a limited edition variant of Blanton’s. It is aged for at least 8 years and has a higher ABV content of 45%. Blanton’s Black is also bottled at barrel proof, which gives it a bold and robust flavor.

Blanton’s Black has a distinct taste with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and charred oak. It is darker in color than Blanton’s Red due to the longer aging process and higher ABV content.

Production Process

Blanton’s Red’s Production Process

Blanton’s Red is a single barrel bourbon that is aged for at least 8 years. The production process starts with the selection of the finest grains, including corn, rye, and barley. These grains are ground and mixed with limestone-filtered water to make a mash. Yeast is then added to the mash to start the fermentation process, which takes around 3 to 5 days.

After fermentation, the mash is distilled to produce a clear liquid called white dog. This liquid is then aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least 8 years. During the aging process, the bourbon undergoes a natural filtration process as it passes through the charcoal layer inside the barrel. This gives Blanton’s Red its unique taste and aroma.

Once the bourbon has aged for at least 8 years, the barrels are carefully selected and bottled one at a time. Each bottle is labeled with the barrel number, the warehouse location, and the date it was bottled. This ensures that every bottle of Blanton’s Red is a unique and special experience.

Blanton’s Black’s Production Process

Blanton’s Black is an export-only version of Blanton’s bourbon that is aged for at least 6 years. The production process is similar to that of Blanton’s Red, with a few key differences. The mash bill for Blanton’s Black contains a slightly higher percentage of rye, which gives it a spicier flavor profile.

After fermentation, the mash is distilled and aged in new, charred oak barrels for at least six years. The barrels used for Blanton’s Black are specially selected for their unique flavor profile. This results in a bourbon that is slightly different from the standard Blanton’s bourbon.

Once the bourbon has aged for at least 6 years, the barrels are carefully selected and bottled one at a time. Each bottle is labeled with the barrel number, the warehouse location, and the date it was bottled. This ensures that every bottle of Blanton’s Black is a unique and special experience.

Taste Comparison

Blanton’s Red and Black are both premium bourbons with distinct differences in taste. Here’s a brief comparison of the two:

Blanton’s Red

Blanton’s Red is a smooth and sweet bourbon with an alcohol content of 46.5%. It has a rich, fruity aroma with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The taste is smooth and light, with notes of honey, citrus, and cherry. The finish is long and sweet, with a slight hint of spice.

Blanton’s Black

Blanton’s Black, on the other hand, has a lower alcohol content of 40% and a deeper, more robust flavor profile. It has a bold, oaky aroma with hints of smoke and leather. The taste is complex and layered, with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and black pepper. The finish is long and warm, with a spicy kick.

Price Comparison

When it comes to choosing between Blanton’s Red and Black, price is definitely a factor to consider. The Red version of Blanton’s can be purchased for around $45–$50 per 750ml bottle, while the Black version retails for around $70–$75 per 750ml bottle.

While the price difference is significant, it’s important to note that both variants are aged for at least four years before being bottled, but can vary slightly based on individual batches or barrels used during the production process.

If you’re on a budget, Blanton’s Red may be the better option for you. However, if you’re willing to spend a little extra for a more complex and refined taste, Blanton’s Black may be worth the investment.

Conclusion

Now that you have tasted both Blanton’s Red and Black, you have a better understanding of the differences between these two bourbons.

Both Blanton’s Red and Black are great bourbons that offer unique tasting experiences. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what you are in the mood for. Whether you choose to enjoy a glass of Blanton’s Red or Black, you are sure to have a great time sipping on one of the finest bourbons available.

Related Posts

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