Blanton's Original Bourbon

Blanton’s Original is the iconic Kentucky single barrel that defined the ‘super-premium’ era. Drawn from the coveted centre-cut of metal-clad Warehouse H and bottled at 46.5% ABV, it layers orange oil, vanilla and warm baking spice over silky oak. Hand-dumped and individually bottled, it’s a coveted Buffalo Trace classic and a luxurious gift.

Tasting Notes & Experience

A bright waft of citrus peel and toasted oak leads into creamy vanilla and caramel. The palate is plush yet poised—burnt sugar and orange marmalade glide over clove and nutmeg, with hints of honeyed corn and roasted apple. Warm, lingering spice gathers through the finish, where silky oak, vanilla and a flash of citrus invite another measured sip.

Key Details

• Producer: Blanton’s – Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon (Single Barrel)
• Region: Kentucky, USA
• ABV: 46.5%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: New charred American oak; single-barrel selection from the centre-cut of Warehouse H
• Serve: Neat, with a splash of water, or over a large rock

Craftsmanship & Story

Released in 1984 by Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, Blanton’s revived Colonel Blanton’s tradition of handpicking “honey barrels” and bottling them one at a time. Warehouse H’s metal cladding amplifies Kentucky’s temperature swings, encouraging a vivid oak conversation. Each barrel is hand-dumped, bottled at 46.5%, and crowned with the now-famous race-horse stopper.

Special Features

True single-barrel provenance from Warehouse H yields depth with distinctive nuance from barrel to barrel. Charred American oak provides layers of vanilla, caramel and cocoa over bright citrus and warm baking spice. Bottled at a generous 46.5% and individually detailed by barrel, Blanton’s is both a connoisseur’s pour and a collector’s showpiece—its horse-and-jockey stoppers together spell BLANTON’S.

Recognition & Accolades

Celebrated worldwide for setting the benchmark in single-barrel bourbon:

• World’s Best Single Barrel Bourbon – World Whiskies Awards, 2025
• Double Platinum – ASCOT Awards, 2024
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2018
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2014
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013
• Gold & Outstanding – International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2015
• Chairman’s Trophy – Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2013
• Best Single Barrel Bourbon – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013

These honours affirm Blanton’s Original as a touchstone of craftsmanship, character and collectability.

Food Pairing

Sumptuous with flame-seared ribeye or slow-smoked brisket, where char and fat echo the bourbon’s caramelised oak. Try honey-glazed ham, or a board of aged cheddar, mature Gouda and bold blue. For dessert, dark chocolate, pecan pie or crème brûlée amplify vanilla and toffee, while toasted pecan praline adds nutty harmony.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

An emblem of Kentucky heritage and modern luxury—ideal for milestone birthdays, client thank-yous and collectors, yet effortlessly indulgent for a quiet evening pour.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.