I needed this video... I just started my adventure in to whiskey about 6-7 months ago. As of the last month, I have specifically taken a liking to bourbon. As I continue to look for unique and classic bottles to try, Blanton's is the one that continues to evade me. I actually saw it at a store selling for $250, which I refused to buy. Not long after my hunt to find Blanton's at a reasonable price started, I found out that my young brother, who by the way does NOT drink whiskey, has a bottle of it because he "wanted a cool bottle". When I asked him how much he paid for it he said, $50-60. He didn't remember where he got it of course. My hunt continues but I'm glad I have alternatives to search for now. Thanks!
You do such an excellent job of explaining each bourbon without getting lost in the shuffle. I like your straight forward approach. Thank you 👍 I’ve been taking notes 😊
Thank you for all your reviews. Your knowledge of bourbons is only surpassed by the ease and enjoyable viewing style of your channel. No hype, no nonsense, no silliness. Just good honest reviews👍👍
All great choices! I've loved Blanton's for years, but since it's almost unobtainable now my favorite alternatives are the John J. Bowmans or Blade and Bow. Great video! Thanks!
Can you do this as a series for all the hard to find bourbons/scotch, I like this format of giving a number of choices since I can’t find a lot of variety. Thanks
I happened to see on-line, that "Old Forester 1910" was placing #1 on a couple of whiskey surveys. I bought a bottle and tried it. I crapped a brick. It's really good.
@@robertbaker3174 I love those two myself and they're really hard to beat out get away from. But my recommendations would be Eagle Rare, wild turkey rare breed and 1792. As for the 1910, even though it's a brown foreman product and is nearly identical to Woodford double oaked, something about it kept me from draining the bottle. It's the longest lasting bottle of bourbon on my shelf and not because I was trying to save it.
Yes! One of my favorites is Evan Williams single barrel vintage! It's like $27 a bottle here in oklahoma (which has notoriously high bourbon prices) and is outstanding! I'm spoiled to have this as my everyday pour and now find it hard to pay the price for eagle rare or Blantons. I would honestly be fine with paying $50-$60 a bottle for this, but it would then move into my weekend pour instead of everyday pour. Delicious!
Great stuff! The 1910 is my favorite out of all of these. The closest thing I have found to Blanton's taste-wise is FEW bourbon from Illinois. If you can get over the fact that it's bourbon from Illinois, it tastes very similar if you close your eyes. It's not a single barrel, but it is 20% rye and bottled at 93 proof. Give it a pour if you haven't yet - cheers.
The list of scotches, bourbons, whiskeys, and whiskys that I have removed from my cabinet as the price became more reflective of the hype, rather than the product, continues to grow. It must be at least 5 years since my last bottle of Blantons, and I don’t expect I will be drinking it again. Thankfully, the rise of craft brewing is producing American whiskeys that rival any of these corporate products, and the excitement of hunting down these small producers is much more satisfying than bringing out a bottle of Pappy.
My wife and the gal at the liquor store frequently conspire to get me bourbon, and Blanton's became a favorite; have 5 of the horses so far... don’t know that’s a good thing. Blanton's is rather expensive. After watching this video I was inspired to try these recommendations; I began with Woodford Double Oaked. I really like it, and the girls are looking into bringing a case into the store. Thanks. I’m looking forward to trying the other picks.
Thanks for doing the good deed for everyone here! So so soooo many other options out there other than Blanton’s that are equally or way better. Cheers Jason! 🥃
The day I retired, I went right to the liquor store and bought a bottle of Blanton's for about $60. Evan Williams is such a great buy. I love about everything Michter's puts out. I'm not a fan of Woodford. I'll have to try your other suggestions. Thanks for the tips. I'm surprised that the Four Roses small batch didn't make your list - another great buy. I know, so many good bourbons/so little time.
I toured Bowman distillery 2 years ago and they told me on the tour that despite their juice being outsourced now, that the recipes and in particular the fermentation yeast are theirs alone. I was left with the impression that they don't just take one of BT's mashbills but continue under their own recipes. I wish I had taken notes at the time. They also had a large expansion project underway and the guide indicated they were planning on taking their distillation back in house. Maybe it's time for another tour. :-)
A great value and my favorite alternative to Blanton’s is Legent. Hits all the right notes and has that incredible smooth and sweet finish. A joint effort between Jim Beam and Suntory’s master blenders. Worth getting a bottle and giving it a try.
Started drinking Blanton's in the late 80's and I used to buy a bottle for myself on my birthday. Love it and I haven't seen it for years. I like Evan Williams Single Barrel, but the experience is very different for me. The lack of complexity is the stumbling block, but that won't stop me from enjoying it. The Russell's Reserve is much closer IMO. I can't think of anything I don't like from Wild Turkey. I will have to give the Woodford Reserve a try. I very much like their standard offering. Might be to sweet for me though. Eagle Rare is the closest to the Blanton's experience that I have tried. That probably isn't a surprise!
I lived in Champaign-Urbana, IL and basically was like one of two people who would buy Blanton’s at a chain liquor store. I moved to Peoria, IL and now there is none to be found. Thanks for the video. Helps a lot.
Great Vid, I've never had Blanton's as it's a bit higher I'm willing to pay on most trips to the liquor store (even if I could get it at MSRP). But you've got three of my Favorites: Russel Reserve, Michter's, and Evan Single Barrel. I need to try the rest clearly. I realize these aren't your favorite bourbons, but I appreciate you helping us find similar flavor profiles for those of us who enjoy it.
I picked up an 8.5 year old bottle of Baker’s SiB and at first thought it was just ok-but then I blinded it against my other best bourbons (including Barrell Bourbon #25, Old Forester 1920, and Bardstown Discovery Series #4), and it actually won. I was blown away! It must have really opened up since I first cracked it opened.
This channel has helped educate me for my work in a large liquor store, thanks. We stopped selling Blanton's because of greedy resellers, it was easier to just drop it.
That doesn’t make sense, if your business is selling Blantons and people are buying it, what does it matter what your customers are doing with it? Sounds like your manager/owner doesn’t know how to business.
Since Blanton’s is $100 in Michigan, I am intrigued by the Bakers and the Russell’s. I’ve already fallen in love with the Woodford Double Oaked. Thanks for the great video. Keep em coming.
You're right on with these reviews. I really like the old Forrester 1910 and think it's underrated. Blantons is good but not for the hype or price at bars. Not bashing Blantons at all. I've got the set of tops to prove it.
After trying Blanton's and loving it, and then finding a bottle to buy 3 years later, I was somewhat disappointed. Having tried so many other bourbons and discovering all the great picks out in the market, and the sucky ones too, I realized that Blanton's is way over hyped. Thanks for all the new information on Blanton's substitutes I can recommend to my customers.
Great Video. If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone ask for Blanton’s when I was in the liquor store I’d be a rich man! Every time i hear it I look at the shelf and see 10-20 bourbons sitting there that are as good, or better. I honestly haven’t had regular Blanton’s in a while, so I don’t really remember the flavor profile, but all these picks are solid. Only one I haven’t had is the bakers, not really a Beam fan, dont like KC, but maybe ill give this one a try. I like the new label haha!
I've avoided this video because I don't really care about Blantons, but it autoplayed while I was busy doing something and damn I'm a dummie. Great job!!! Some real solid recommendations on where to go to get the profile you like the most in Blantons.
Went to the Bowman distillery a couple weeks ago. Tour guide said all distillation and mash bill recipe is completely independent of Buffalo Trace. Whatever it is, it's a great whiskey.
Never had blantons but the woodford double oaked is my favorite right now followed closey by the michters small batch. Havent been real impressed with my russells 10 year. Still havent gotten my hands on amy old forrester yet but i have to say that that jack daniels single barrel is ridiculously good......cant stop pouring it.
I managed to pick up 3 bottle of Elijah Craig barrel proof over the last week and a half!!! I know it doesn’t have a lot to do with this video but I’m a big fan of the channel and had to tell someone lol!!! Great video and keep em coming!!!👍🏻👍🏻
Ha, no shame in sharing in the excitement. Ecbp is some of my absolutley favorite whiskey that you dont have to feel guilty about drinking. A bit hard to find, but delicious and no brainer when you see it.
@@TheMashandDrum I tried hoarding the stuff, but my stock keeps dwindling. It's what I was afraid of when I first bought a bottle. Either it'd be expensive and I wouldn't think it was worth it, or, even worse, I'd decide it was worth it. Worth it.
I have an empty bottle of Blanton's that I fill with AAA10STAR for my Blanton's snob friends. Same mashbill and about 75% of the flavor of Blanton's. Unless they are a true aficionado, the vast majority of people can't tell the difference. Marketing is everything.
My wife picked me up a few different bottles of bourbon one day. If you taste Blanton's side by side with other bourbons, you WILL notice the difference. I thought Blanton's had the best taste and Angel's Envy was the smoothest of a side by side taste test.
@@brettinnj I don't disagree about a side-by-side tasting and the results. My point was is that at the same mashbill, unless you are a true aficionados, If you saw me pouring Ancient Ancient Age 10star out of a Blanton's bottle, the vast majority couldn't tell the difference....
I appreciate the reviews a lot. It helps making blind purchases much easier. What I’m slowly growing weary of is how everyone talks about these coffee, toffee chocolate, cherry, etc.... flavors Really? It’s grain alcohol in a barrel. That’s it! I think all of these flavor descriptions are really reaching and you can convince yourself into identifying these tastes if you are told to often enough. I’m convinced if there were a growing group of people out there proclaiming that a whiskey tasted fettuccini Alfredo, other people would start to feel they tasted it too
Roger Welsh I agree. The more bourbon I try, and I drink it daily, the more im convinced you’re right. I finally had eagle rare 17 last week. Fantastic!! But, no notes of nutmeg, cherry, leather, coffee, tobacco, gunpowder or WD-40. I put it down either to: I like it, I like it a little less, I like it a little more, or holy crap this is fantastic. But that’s all I personally ever get out of a whisky. The only bourbon I didn’t like was garrison bro’s. But, I’ve had all mentioned and like them as much as blantons so good review.
LOL - Admittedly, I'm a bourbon rookie, but when I tried to sniff the flavor notes, all I got was an awesome nasal decongestant. When I find one I like, I enjoy it. That's enough for me. Having said all of that, a friend did give me a glass of Blanton's and I liked it a lot.
@@jflemingsandiego Blanton's is a good bourbon. But the lengths that people go to to them based on the bottle and not what's inside is why I made the video. Cheers.
bt1hunter1 to me it is by far the closest taste to Blanton’s but at a higher proof making it even better. Used to be the best kept secret out there, but it’s pretty hard to find now too.
Excellent list. I used to live across the street from Jim Beam on 245. I would suggest trying one I discovered recently: Redemption High Rye. Smooth and sweet, and under $30.
I’ve said in a couple of comments that Blanton’s is my favorite, and I discovered independent of any publication hype when you could still look through the shelves to pick out letters you needed (yes I have them all) didn’t need to be on a wait list, or be in a lottery at the store to get a bottle. I think too many of those of us that liked it talked about it too much.
@@jmanswat2457Ancient Age actually shares the same mash bill, as does Elmer T Lee. Ancient Age is more readily available though. Another that in my opinion has a similar taste profile is 1792. I highly recommend it, and it’s probably the best value in terms of quality for price that doesn’t come from Wild Turkey.
I was just at Total Wine listening to your vid as I picked out Father's Day gifts for my Blanton's guy. 🥃 The Total Wine bourb dude said your picks were excellent and spot on! He said he thinks some of of your picks taste better than Blantons. Good job! 👍 👏 Not that you need confirmation from the Total Wine guy....but still. ☺ Thank you!
I Finally got my hands on a bottle of Blantons bourbon today at a cost of $149.99. I like it a lot but I will say Old Forester 1910 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are still two of my favorites. 🥃👍🏻
Wolcott BiB from Total Wine is also a very nice alternative. And one that I personally think is superior. It’s the same mash bill but not aged quite as long. Sourced from Barton 1792 so it’s owned by Sazerac as well. Would love to see you do a video on it and other store brand bourbons
Still not fortunate enough to have tried Blantons. The ones you have selected here I will give a go. So far the only one on your list that I've had and is still in my cabinet is Russells. Thanks for the "go-to's."
Great video, good shopping list. I got introduced to Blanton's by a clerk in a liquor store when I was traveling thru Kentucky and looking for an Anniversary bottle. Great choice hard to find at home now. My laziness and curiosity drove me to trying Larceny. Something with a pleasant taste and flavor and a neat name. Now I find Blanton's when not looking for it. Larceny became my lockdown bottle. Will complete my shopping list to look for a Blanton's alternative. Thanks
Can't wait to try your recommendations. I have 4 bottles of Blanton's left so I will enjoy. I can't believe they are up to 180-250 bottle but inflation is inflation until it's not. Thank you m. Keep up the tastings. Seems bourbon has gone the Napa route.... :(
Loved the video fantastic information I just bought my first bottle of Bourbon and I picked up 2 bottles of Blantons original on to collect and one to enjoy. Let’s see if I can be a duel drinker as I got into single malt scotch whiskey drams about 2 years ago.
I'm really digging the Bakers single barrel. I went to Party Source awhile back and picked up a few 8 year old bottles and they were excellent drinkers. Also agree very approachable at 107 proof.
We were at Buffalo Trace last year and they were putting Blanton's out in there visitors room. Scored one apiece. Hope this particular Barrel was a good one.
@@Kru_ton18 Its very random. they put it out I think 1 or 2 days week last I heard but they dont say when. You have to be there right place right time.
I was there last may and they were selling out before they could even get them on the shelves. I love that they charge a reasonable price for it despite its popularity. It's a bummer though people are using that as an excuse to make a grip on them.
I only purchased Blanton once. Never could find it again. This video was great. I’m much less interested in bourbon I can’t get. Almost every one on this list is readily available near me. I’m also a big fan of Jefferson’s.
Just found your videos! Great stuff. Going to be adding more to my collection based on you recommendations. Before Covid we visited ARUBA. Went to the SuperFoods grocery store - they have a liquor store! I was able to buy 6 bottles of Blanton’s. Normal sell price.
Thank you for your research I appreciate you. Woodford Reserve Double Oak is my favorite but in Upstate NY $66.99 is kind of steep. Buffalo Trace & Elijah Craig cheaper & delicious BT $35 & EC $32 cheers
This video was so so helpful! My husband and I waited over a year to get a bottle from out local liquor store. So we will definitely try these other guys!
Thank you for a great review and suggestions for alternatives to Blantons. I have to ask why i can not find reviews on a Bourbon that i particularly Like called, " Willett". It used to be hard to find , but now i see it on the shelf a lot. it is a good Bourbon. Another one that is rather easy to find, at least in the Seattle area, is a bourbon called Colonel E. H. Taylor. Another great Bourbon for the money. Again, I love your videos. Keep up the great work for NEWBIE bourbon drinkers, like myself. Thanks again.
I don’t get the argument that Blantons is all marketing. I never have seen a commercial or any advertising anywhere for Blantons. I find it an incredible bourbon. All bourbons are what you enjoy personally and not what the hype tells you you should.
ssraebel I agree it’s what you like that matters. For instance, I like the older Jim Beam Devil’s Cut at the proper 90 proof (45%alc)... not the locally available 40%. I can’t find any except one bottle at AU$85 (US$55) and I don’t care what anyone says - I’m buying it.
I just started w/bourbons a few years ago .. never knew the wick or horse reference .. went to a bar in Lex, KY and w/all the "bourbon country" signs I did a taste test right there w/what they had : basil hayden, blantons, and a few othrs .. the blantons won hands down and I drank it everytime I came back to the hotel most nights .. had I known it was so HTF I would hav looked into getting a bottle .. elijah craig a bit more "bite", I do like russells and woodford resv but never tried the dbl oaked which will be my next purchase .. this vid is exactly what Iv been looking for but now I want a true second opinion .. lol . are these really to closest or are there ither bourbons similar even at a higher price point .. ?
great episode, I have all but 3 on your list, time to go get those... the ones I don't have are Bakers, Russell Reserve and John J Bowman, I have and love all of the others, you hit on a bunch of my favorites
Does anyone else love watching the background and trying to name all of the bottles? Just me? Another great video!
Haven’t had an opportunity to sip Blantons but the michters has quickly become one of my favorite bourbons I’ve tried. Cheers!
Respect! Old forester is hands down my fav 1920,1910, statesman
Old Forester line up is spot on
The Old Forester 1920 is my favorite of these, and one of my overall favorites.
Evan Williams Single Barrel has been a favorite of mine for over 10 years. A steal IMHO!
Ron Priskie so slept on. I love EWSB. Was just recommending it to my brother last week.
What's better is the BiB
Paul Callahan never had it. Looking forward to it though.
@@ronpriskie6330 super cheap too I think I paid $22 for a 750ml
@Paul Callahan I seldom see this in my part of the world.
I needed this video... I just started my adventure in to whiskey about 6-7 months ago. As of the last month, I have specifically taken a liking to bourbon. As I continue to look for unique and classic bottles to try, Blanton's is the one that continues to evade me. I actually saw it at a store selling for $250, which I refused to buy. Not long after my hunt to find Blanton's at a reasonable price started, I found out that my young brother, who by the way does NOT drink whiskey, has a bottle of it because he "wanted a cool bottle". When I asked him how much he paid for it he said, $50-60. He didn't remember where he got it of course. My hunt continues but I'm glad I have alternatives to search for now. Thanks!
You do such an excellent job of explaining each bourbon without getting lost in the shuffle. I like your straight forward approach. Thank you 👍
I’ve been taking notes 😊
Thank you for all your reviews. Your knowledge of bourbons is only surpassed by the ease and enjoyable viewing style of your channel. No hype, no nonsense, no silliness. Just good honest reviews👍👍
Thanks so much! appreciate that!
Agreed
All great choices! I've loved Blanton's for years, but since it's almost unobtainable now my favorite alternatives are the John J. Bowmans or Blade and Bow. Great video! Thanks!
Can you do this as a series for all the hard to find bourbons/scotch, I like this format of giving a number of choices since I can’t find a lot of variety. Thanks
Sure!
This would be an excellent series. Completely agree.
Definitely agree!
Agree. In our state, we have a lot of allocating which is low low inventory and many that are available in other states but not ours.
@Adam Gagliano Hi there, if your looking still looking to get a Blanton, shot me a massage on IG at @daniel_loves_bourbons
I work in a liquor store, and by the looks of things, some of my favorites made your list!!
I happened to see on-line, that "Old Forester 1910" was placing #1 on a couple of whiskey surveys. I bought a bottle and tried it. I crapped a brick. It's really good.
Just bought a bottle because of this video. Absolutely worth it.
The 1910 and 1920 are great.
If you are still kicking I have a question. I like Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek. Any thoughts on what else to try?
@@robertbaker3174 I love those two myself and they're really hard to beat out get away from. But my recommendations would be Eagle Rare, wild turkey rare breed and 1792. As for the 1910, even though it's a brown foreman product and is nearly identical to Woodford double oaked, something about it kept me from draining the bottle. It's the longest lasting bottle of bourbon on my shelf and not because I was trying to save it.
@@jmanswat2457 Thanks.I can't forget the first time I tried the Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve. As an allergy sufferer
Yes! One of my favorites is Evan Williams single barrel vintage! It's like $27 a bottle here in oklahoma (which has notoriously high bourbon prices) and is outstanding! I'm spoiled to have this as my everyday pour and now find it hard to pay the price for eagle rare or Blantons. I would honestly be fine with paying $50-$60 a bottle for this, but it would then move into my weekend pour instead of everyday pour. Delicious!
Out of your lineup, the Woodford Reserve is my favorite.
Great stuff! The 1910 is my favorite out of all of these. The closest thing I have found to Blanton's taste-wise is FEW bourbon from Illinois. If you can get over the fact that it's bourbon from Illinois, it tastes very similar if you close your eyes. It's not a single barrel, but it is 20% rye and bottled at 93 proof. Give it a pour if you haven't yet - cheers.
The list of scotches, bourbons, whiskeys, and whiskys that I have removed from my cabinet as the price became more reflective of the hype, rather than the product, continues to grow. It must be at least 5 years since my last bottle of Blantons, and I don’t expect I will be drinking it again. Thankfully, the rise of craft brewing is producing American whiskeys that rival any of these corporate products, and the excitement of hunting down these small producers is much more satisfying than bringing out a bottle of Pappy.
New Riff on that craft distillery list?
hardmember not yet, i have really enjoyed traveling to get them, and haven’t been back to KY
Do you mean distillery??
B. Whisky weird, yes. I meant craft distilling. I must have been sampling too much of the good stuff when I wrote that.
@@hardmember I've been really pleased with almost everything I've drank from New Riff
My wife and the gal at the liquor store frequently conspire to get me bourbon, and Blanton's became a favorite; have 5 of the horses so far... don’t know that’s a good thing. Blanton's is rather expensive.
After watching this video I was inspired to try these recommendations; I began with Woodford Double Oaked. I really like it, and the girls are looking into bringing a case into the store.
Thanks. I’m looking forward to trying the other picks.
Thanks for doing the good deed for everyone here! So so soooo many other options out there other than Blanton’s that are equally or way better. Cheers Jason! 🥃
Thanks buddy!
The day I retired, I went right to the liquor store and bought a bottle of Blanton's for about $60. Evan Williams is such a great buy. I love about everything Michter's puts out. I'm not a fan of Woodford. I'll have to try your other suggestions. Thanks for the tips. I'm surprised that the Four Roses small batch didn't make your list - another great buy. I know, so many good bourbons/so little time.
Four Roses Single barrel better than small batch imo .. Blantons yummy but a weird 'sour milk' finish .. whats the best bottle youv ever had ..
@@BEAUTYnIQ Wild Turkey Rare Breed is my current favorite. I'll have to try the Rye version next.
Enjoy watching you. You helped me to help my customers to pick their bourbon
Appreciate that!
I toured Bowman distillery 2 years ago and they told me on the tour that despite their juice being outsourced now, that the recipes and in particular the fermentation yeast are theirs alone. I was left with the impression that they don't just take one of BT's mashbills but continue under their own recipes. I wish I had taken notes at the time. They also had a large expansion project underway and the guide indicated they were planning on taking their distillation back in house. Maybe it's time for another tour. :-)
I would think they are closer to having their own distillate at this point.
There is a rumor that red label is BT and green in bowman’s through and through
Russel's Reserve is an incredible value.
My favorite bourbon to date!
My usual go to.
Russell’s 10 year is my favorite bourbon you can find anywhere.
@@aaronadkins3644 It really is delightful. Cooper's Craft is also another great value imo.
@@yugen What state are you finding that? Can't find it here in Texas and keep hearing noise about it.
My current choice is Four Roses Small Batch Select, love it's spicy nature.
Just got given a bottle by a good buddy of mine out of the blue last week. Excited to try it
A great value and my favorite alternative to Blanton’s is Legent. Hits all the right notes and has that incredible smooth and sweet finish. A joint effort between Jim Beam and Suntory’s master blenders. Worth getting a bottle and giving it a try.
I haven’t tried Largent. Thank you for sharing.
Very interesting... Since Legent has sherry finished bourbon in it while Blantons does not. Huh. Thanks for input.
Started drinking Blanton's in the late 80's and I used to buy a bottle for myself on my birthday. Love it and I haven't seen it for years. I like Evan Williams Single Barrel, but the experience is very different for me. The lack of complexity is the stumbling block, but that won't stop me from enjoying it. The Russell's Reserve is much closer IMO. I can't think of anything I don't like from Wild Turkey. I will have to give the Woodford Reserve a try. I very much like their standard offering. Might be to sweet for me though. Eagle Rare is the closest to the Blanton's experience that I have tried. That probably isn't a surprise!
Loved the run down. There is a lot of really good available, affordable bourbon out there for drinking as opposed to hunting
I agree... I have 3 bottles of Blanton's in my bar right now. My everyday go to though is Evan Williams BiB.
Just bought a bottle of Michters. Can’t wait to open it.
Once again another informative video. This will be relevant for years to come. Cheers🥃
I lived in Champaign-Urbana, IL and basically was like one of two people who would buy Blanton’s at a chain liquor store. I moved to Peoria, IL and now there is none to be found. Thanks for the video. Helps a lot.
You absolutely nailed it. Great video.
Most informative whiskey tube channel out there.... Ya killin it Jason.
Thanks man!! Appreciate that man!!
I have a glass of Woodford in my hand right now. My favorite daily drinker on this list
Great Vid, I've never had Blanton's as it's a bit higher I'm willing to pay on most trips to the liquor store (even if I could get it at MSRP). But you've got three of my Favorites: Russel Reserve, Michter's, and Evan Single Barrel. I need to try the rest clearly. I realize these aren't your favorite bourbons, but I appreciate you helping us find similar flavor profiles for those of us who enjoy it.
I'm glad to say I have 3 of these on my shelf right now, and will be looking to add more. Finding a great flavor alternative is awesome..
I love you!
Lol, me too, however the Blanton's now contain soils from various race tracks
I picked up an 8.5 year old bottle of Baker’s SiB and at first thought it was just ok-but then I blinded it against my other best bourbons (including Barrell Bourbon #25, Old Forester 1920, and Bardstown Discovery Series #4), and it actually won. I was blown away! It must have really opened up since I first cracked it opened.
This channel has helped educate me for my work in a large liquor store, thanks. We stopped selling Blanton's because of greedy resellers, it was easier to just drop it.
That doesn’t make sense, if your business is selling Blantons and people are buying it, what does it matter what your customers are doing with it? Sounds like your manager/owner doesn’t know how to business.
GREAT video, Jason. All strong alternative choices to the impossible-to-find Blantons.
The Russsell's Reserve 10 year is the best of this list. IMO
Jason, Great video. I wondered when someone would tackle this topic!! Cheers!! 👍🥃😄
Since Blanton’s is $100 in Michigan, I am intrigued by the Bakers and the Russell’s. I’ve already fallen in love with the Woodford Double Oaked. Thanks for the great video. Keep em coming.
I've had Russells it's not near as smooth s 4 roses and u can't go wrong with Woodford
You're right on with these reviews. I really like the old Forrester 1910 and think it's underrated. Blantons is good but not for the hype or price at bars. Not bashing Blantons at all. I've got the set of tops to prove it.
Thanks so much for this video. That bottle of Blanton's in the video was bottled on my grandad's birthday!!
Whoa! That's awesome!!
After trying Blanton's and loving it, and then finding a bottle to buy 3 years later, I was somewhat disappointed. Having tried so many other bourbons and discovering all the great picks out in the market, and the sucky ones too, I realized that Blanton's is way over hyped. Thanks for all the new information on Blanton's substitutes I can recommend to my customers.
Just be aware since it's a single barrel, each bottle you buy might be different, especially being that you bought it a few years later.
Great Video. If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone ask for Blanton’s when I was in the liquor store I’d be a rich man! Every time i hear it I look at the shelf and see 10-20 bourbons sitting there that are as good, or better. I honestly haven’t had regular Blanton’s in a while, so I don’t really remember the flavor profile, but all these picks are solid. Only one I haven’t had is the bakers, not really a Beam fan, dont like KC, but maybe ill give this one a try. I like the new label haha!
I've avoided this video because I don't really care about Blantons, but it autoplayed while I was busy doing something and damn I'm a dummie. Great job!!! Some real solid recommendations on where to go to get the profile you like the most in Blantons.
Went to the Bowman distillery a couple weeks ago. Tour guide said all distillation and mash bill recipe is completely independent of Buffalo Trace. Whatever it is, it's a great whiskey.
Never had blantons but the woodford double oaked is my favorite right now followed closey by the michters small batch. Havent been real impressed with my russells 10 year. Still havent gotten my hands on amy old forrester yet but i have to say that that jack daniels single barrel is ridiculously good......cant stop pouring it.
JD single barrel is the only JD product I like. It is pretty excellent
I managed to pick up 3 bottle of Elijah Craig barrel proof over the last week and a half!!! I know it doesn’t have a lot to do with this video but I’m a big fan of the channel and had to tell someone lol!!! Great video and keep em coming!!!👍🏻👍🏻
My favorite bourbon right now! Shout it from the mountain tops.
Ha, no shame in sharing in the excitement. Ecbp is some of my absolutley favorite whiskey that you dont have to feel guilty about drinking. A bit hard to find, but delicious and no brainer when you see it.
Wonder why it’s hard to find..
@@TheMashandDrum I tried hoarding the stuff, but my stock keeps dwindling. It's what I was afraid of when I first bought a bottle. Either it'd be expensive and I wouldn't think it was worth it, or, even worse, I'd decide it was worth it. Worth it.
@@r6si3g36 if you looking for any, I can help you. Dm on Instagram @madmaxwhiskeys and cigars
I have an empty bottle of Blanton's that I fill with AAA10STAR for my Blanton's snob friends.
Same mashbill and about 75% of the flavor of Blanton's. Unless they are a true aficionado, the vast majority of people can't tell the difference.
Marketing is everything.
yea all these things he says is comparable to blantons to way better than the blantons
My wife picked me up a few different bottles of bourbon one day. If you taste Blanton's side by side with other bourbons, you WILL notice the difference. I thought Blanton's had the best taste and Angel's Envy was the smoothest of a side by side taste test.
@@brettinnj I don't disagree about a side-by-side tasting and the results.
My point was is that at the same mashbill, unless you are a true aficionados, If you saw me pouring Ancient Ancient Age 10star out of a Blanton's bottle, the vast majority couldn't tell the difference....
@Bob jones Ancient Ancient Age 10star.... it's a budget bourbon from Buffalo Trace
Thanks. This gives me some new whisks to try.
Another great video Jason, love to see some alternatives to Blantons!!!
Great video.... never understood the hype of Blantons... plus the price is insane.... cant wait to try these more reasonable sippers!!!
I appreciate the reviews a lot. It helps making blind purchases much easier.
What I’m slowly growing weary of is how everyone talks about these coffee, toffee chocolate, cherry, etc.... flavors
Really? It’s grain alcohol in a barrel. That’s it! I think all of these flavor descriptions are really reaching and you can convince yourself into identifying these tastes if you are told to often enough. I’m convinced if there were a growing group of people out there proclaiming that a whiskey tasted fettuccini Alfredo, other people would start to feel they tasted it too
I want a fettuccini Whiskey!!! I'm Italian
Roger Welsh I agree. The more bourbon I try, and I drink it daily, the more im convinced you’re right. I finally had eagle rare 17 last week. Fantastic!! But, no notes of nutmeg, cherry, leather, coffee, tobacco, gunpowder or WD-40. I put it down either to: I like it, I like it a little less, I like it a little more, or holy crap this is fantastic. But that’s all I personally ever get out of a whisky. The only bourbon I didn’t like was garrison bro’s. But, I’ve had all mentioned and like them as much as blantons so good review.
LOL - Admittedly, I'm a bourbon rookie, but when I tried to sniff the flavor notes, all I got was an awesome nasal decongestant. When I find one I like, I enjoy it. That's enough for me. Having said all of that, a friend did give me a glass of Blanton's and I liked it a lot.
@@jflemingsandiego Blanton's is a good bourbon. But the lengths that people go to to them based on the bottle and not what's inside is why I made the video. Cheers.
The John J Bowman got my attention. Think I’ll add to my future buy list. Thanks Jason!
bt1hunter1 to me it is by far the closest taste to Blanton’s but at a higher proof making it even better. Used to be the best kept secret out there, but it’s pretty hard to find now too.
Excellent list. I used to live across the street from Jim Beam on 245. I would suggest trying one I discovered recently: Redemption High Rye. Smooth and sweet, and under $30.
The Baker's 7 single is absolutely fantastic. Beats all the rest for my tastes.
I like all of your choices.
I think I would just add one more bourbon 1792 small batch. Around $30 it is a great buy.
Love all your videos and to be honest envious of your job! Props and keep doing what your doing!
Great video. Looking forward to trying a few of the ones recommended that I have passed over at my local retailer. Thanks
He brought the Evan Williams Single Barrel!! Go Jason!! Blanton’s is outstanding, but there are some great alternatives!! Cheers Jason!!
EWSB is so affordable and drinkable as hell.
Preston Orrick I totally agree!! Good poor that is priced very well!! Cheers Preston!!
Still new to bourbon, 18 months, but love and have the Michters and the 1910. Also love the 1920
Basil Haden and Woodford for me, but I am going pick up those others too. Fun video, thanks.
This was a great review, my man. I love the bit about Bowman. I had no idea there was a linkage between them and Buffalo Trace. Great info! Cheers!
I’ve said in a couple of comments that Blanton’s is my favorite, and I discovered independent of any publication hype when you could still look through the shelves to pick out letters you needed (yes I have them all) didn’t need to be on a wait list, or be in a lottery at the store to get a bottle.
I think too many of those of us that liked it talked about it too much.
I've never tried it and an super curious. Any alternative bourbons you'd personally recommend that taste the most similar?
@@jmanswat2457Ancient Age actually shares the same mash bill, as does Elmer T Lee. Ancient Age is more readily available though.
Another that in my opinion has a similar taste profile is 1792. I highly recommend it, and it’s probably the best value in terms of quality for price that doesn’t come from Wild Turkey.
I Really enjoy your videos! I agree with all of these except for the Bowman only because I haven’t had that one yet. Keep up the good work.
I was just at Total Wine listening to your vid as I picked out Father's Day gifts for my Blanton's guy. 🥃 The Total Wine bourb dude said your picks were excellent and spot on! He said he thinks some of of your picks taste better than Blantons. Good job! 👍 👏 Not that you need confirmation from the Total Wine guy....but still. ☺ Thank you!
Lol. Thanks Erin. Appreciate the feedback. Nothing against Blanton's but there are far superior bourbons available these days. Cheers!
Love it, Blantons is my all time fav but these are some great alternatives.
I Finally got my hands on a bottle of Blantons bourbon today at a cost of $149.99. I like it a lot but I will say Old Forester 1910 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are still two of my favorites. 🥃👍🏻
i love your nerdy info..it must take along time to get this ready. i admire your filming ability.
Thanks Erik!
Wolcott BiB from Total Wine is also a very nice alternative. And one that I personally think is superior. It’s the same mash bill but not aged quite as long. Sourced from Barton 1792 so it’s owned by Sazerac as well. Would love to see you do a video on it and other store brand bourbons
Still not fortunate enough to have tried Blantons. The ones you have selected here I will give a go. So far the only one on your list that I've had and is still in my cabinet is Russells. Thanks for the "go-to's."
The push-in to the 3 Blanton’s bottles was awesome man. That’s a hard style of shot to get without a slider! Thanks for another great video.
Yeah I need to get me a slider soon. Lol
The Mash and Drum they’re fun and there’s a couple of really budget friendly options.
Very fine presentation. Comparison between products helps viewer in their next purchase selection.
I enjoy all of the alternates. Haven't got my 1910 in a while. I'm grabbing a pour right now. Well done.
Thanks Jim!
Great video, good shopping list.
I got introduced to Blanton's by a clerk in a liquor store when I was traveling thru Kentucky and looking for an Anniversary bottle. Great choice hard to find at home now. My laziness and curiosity drove me to trying Larceny. Something with a pleasant taste and flavor and a neat name. Now I find Blanton's when not looking for it.
Larceny became my lockdown bottle.
Will complete my shopping list to look for a Blanton's alternative.
Thanks
Larceny is FANTASTIC!!
Great video. Glad to see some sanity contrasted with the insanity that is the secondary market. I love several of your picks here. Great job.
Can't wait to try your recommendations. I have 4 bottles of Blanton's left so I will enjoy. I can't believe they are up to 180-250 bottle but inflation is inflation until it's not. Thank you m. Keep up the tastings. Seems bourbon has gone the Napa route.... :(
I get Blanton's in Kentucky all the time for about $65. My brother lives in Louisville.
Definitely lucky at that price.
Nice review. I can get Russell’s Reserve 10 year for $32 in my area, and at that price it’s a killer whiskey. Cheers
I love Blantons!!!! And I adore Buffalo Trace!
Brilliant recommendations
Loved the video fantastic information I just bought my first bottle of Bourbon and I picked up 2 bottles of Blantons original on to collect and one to enjoy. Let’s see if I can be a duel drinker as I got into single malt scotch whiskey drams about 2 years ago.
I'm really digging the Bakers single barrel. I went to Party Source awhile back and picked up a few 8 year old bottles and they were excellent drinkers. Also agree very approachable at 107 proof.
We were at Buffalo Trace last year and they were putting Blanton's out in there visitors room. Scored one apiece. Hope this particular Barrel was a good one.
I love when I go there and that happens. Cheers!
@@TheMashandDrum Looking to still make my first Buffalo Trace in person experience. Do they rarely have blantons available to purchase?
@@Kru_ton18 Its very random. they put it out I think 1 or 2 days week last I heard but they dont say when. You have to be there right place right time.
I was there last may and they were selling out before they could even get them on the shelves. I love that they charge a reasonable price for it despite its popularity. It's a bummer though people are using that as an excuse to make a grip on them.
Some great ideas! Thanks.
I love Blantons. My new go to four roses small batch select.
I only purchased Blanton once. Never could find it again. This video was great. I’m much less interested in bourbon I can’t get. Almost every one on this list is readily available near me. I’m also a big fan of Jefferson’s.
Are you looking for a Blonton's? Dm on @shepardmontego on Instagram. I'll help you.
Can’t beat Russel’s 10 for the availability. One if my favorites. Also reminds me of eagle rare
Just found your videos! Great stuff. Going to be adding more to my collection based on you recommendations. Before Covid we visited ARUBA. Went to the SuperFoods grocery store - they have a liquor store! I was able to buy 6 bottles of Blanton’s. Normal sell price.
I'm more of a scotch guy than bourbon guy, but I DO like the smoother, less bitey bourbons as well. This comparison was very informative.
Great list of affordable whiskey to try. Thank you.
Phenomenol episode Jason! I agree with every choice, and honestly for most of them I would prefer it to Blantons. Also B roll is looking aweosme!
Thanks man. New lens and some lighting make a big difference. Cheers buddy
Just picked myself up a bottle today!
Thank you for your research I appreciate you. Woodford Reserve Double Oak is my favorite but in Upstate NY $66.99 is kind of steep. Buffalo Trace & Elijah Craig cheaper & delicious BT $35 & EC $32 cheers
Loved this episode. Great information. Keeping notes on this one.
This video was so so helpful! My husband and I waited over a year to get a bottle from out local liquor store. So we will definitely try these other guys!
I was surprised to not see Colonel E.H. Taylor on there as it’s a very respectable alternative
@@TheSkcookie probably because it's just as hard to find if not harder. But I agree i would take it over blantons any day. Cheers
Si, great content as always!
Thank you for a great review and suggestions for alternatives to Blantons. I have to ask why i can not find reviews on a Bourbon that i particularly Like called, " Willett". It used to be hard to find , but now i see it on the shelf a lot. it is a good Bourbon. Another one that is rather easy to find, at least in the Seattle area, is a bourbon called Colonel E. H. Taylor. Another great Bourbon for the money. Again, I love your videos. Keep up the great work for NEWBIE bourbon drinkers, like myself. Thanks again.
I don’t get the argument that Blantons is all marketing. I never have seen a commercial or any advertising anywhere for Blantons. I find it an incredible bourbon. All bourbons are what you enjoy personally and not what the hype tells you you should.
Its the bottle
ssraebel I agree it’s what you like that matters. For instance, I like the older Jim Beam Devil’s Cut at the proper 90 proof (45%alc)... not the locally available 40%. I can’t find any except one bottle at AU$85 (US$55) and I don’t care what anyone says - I’m buying it.
John Wick advertising, so all the Wick wanna be's buy it all up.
And the Kentucky derby might have something to do with it also.
I just started w/bourbons a few years ago .. never knew the wick or horse reference .. went to a bar in Lex, KY and w/all the "bourbon country" signs I did a taste test right there w/what they had : basil hayden, blantons, and a few othrs .. the blantons won hands down and I drank it everytime I came back to the hotel most nights .. had I known it was so HTF I would hav looked into getting a bottle .. elijah craig a bit more "bite", I do like russells and woodford resv but never tried the dbl oaked which will be my next purchase .. this vid is exactly what Iv been looking for but now I want a true second opinion .. lol . are these really to closest or are there ither bourbons similar even at a higher price point .. ?
Not so much marketing .Corking , labeling , boxing are all done by hand, plus the bottle is very expensive. the bourbon is $20 the rest is $50!
Before it starts I'm going to throw 1792 Full Proof in there as an alternative...but I've only ever had a barrel pick cask strength Blanton's.
Full proof is 125 proof very good but Blanton’s is like 93 proof
@@rthilson That's why stated I had a barrel pick cask strength Blanton's
1792 Full Proof is great. 2020 stellar. I drink it neat - usually without any drops of water. It drinks surprisingly smooth for the proof.
great episode, I have all but 3 on your list, time to go get those... the ones I don't have are Bakers, Russell Reserve and John J Bowman, I have and love all of the others, you hit on a bunch of my favorites