The Fascinating History Behind Blanton’s Whiskey
For whiskey lovers, the name Blanton’s is synonymous with outstanding quality and craftsmanship. But how did this legendary bourbon come to be?
The fascinating story behind Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon began in 1984 when Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee was tasked with creating a bourbon of exceptionally high quality.
Let’s explore the age-old tradition that gave birth to one of the most revered bourbons in the world.
History of Blanton’s whiskey
The Legacy of Colonel Albert B. Blanton
As Mr. Lee near retirement, he recalled the earlier days of his career in the late 1940s when he worked under Colonel Albert B. Blanton, who served as president of the distillery until 1952. Mr.
Lee remembered that whenever Colonel Blanton would entertain dignitaries and other important guests, he would handpick “honey barrels” from the center cut of Warehouse H and have that bourbon bottled one barrel at a time for them to enjoy during their visits.
This practice soon became known as “the Colonel’s private stash,” and it was considered to be among some of the best bourbons ever made by Buffalo Trace Distillery (formerly George T Stagg Distillery).
Blanton’s Becomes Available to Everyone
Inspired by this tradition, Elmer T. Lee decided to name his new bourbon after Colonel Blanton and make it available to everyone — not just select dignitaries — by bottling each barrel separately so that no two bottles would ever have exactly the same flavor profile or strength levels.
This single-barrel approach was revolutionary for its time, but it allowed whiskey connoisseurs worldwide to experience a unique taste every time they opened a bottle of Blanton’s bourbon!
How to drink Blanton’s whiskey
Blanton’s whiskey is beloved among bourbon drinkers because of its classic, smooth taste. The best way to appreciate it is neat or on the rocks.
That means pouring a bit into a whiskey glass and letting it sit for at least ten minutes before taking a sip. Doing this allows the full flavor profile of this premium whiskey to stand out, making for an experience you won’t soon forget!
Pairing food with Blanton’s whiskey
Blanton’s bourbon is a smooth and balanced aperitif with a delightful toffee finish that pairs well with various sweets.
If you’ve got a pecan pie lying around, a splash of Blanton’s gives it a unique flavor and makes for a rich, indulgent experience unlike any other.
Chocolate also is a great companion for the flavor notes in this top-shelf bourbon — Blanton’s truly sharpens the sweet, velvety flavor of a good bar of dark chocolate.
For an even sweeter pairing, try maple syrup or banana bread; both bring out the caramel taste already in Blanton’s and make for an amazing combination.
Finally, let us not overlook the humble berry — whether it’s strawberry, raspberry or blackberry, adding a hint of freshness completes this luxurious experience.
Buying and storing Blanton’s whiskey
When buying Blanton’s, look for the signature horse and jockey stopper on top of the bottle. This is the single barrel release from Buffalo Trace Distillery.
As for storage, it’s ideal to keep Blanton’s in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and other heat sources. It’s best to keep the bottle corked tightly and stored in an upright position.
This will help preserve its flavor and ensure maximum shelf life. With proper storage, Blanton’s can last up to a year or more after opening. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Today, more than 35 years after its creation, Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon remains an icon in the world of spirits, with legions of devoted fans all over the globe!
It has become an integral part of many collections for whiskey aficionados everywhere, thanks to its incomparable taste and exquisite craftsmanship inspired by Colonel Albert B. Blanton himself!
So next time you uncork a bottle of this legendary spirit, take a moment and reflect on its remarkable history! Cheers!
