I am not kidding but today my wife and I were on our way home from our first trip on the bourbon trail tour. We left Four Roses and drove right by Buffallo Trace. I looked at my wife and said I wonder if they have anything hard to get in their store. We decided to turn around and go check that place out. It was pouring rain so my wife stayed in the car. I made it into the gift shop soaked but today they had this Blantons out. I could not believe it. I left my phone in the car so I couldn't call my wife to come in and get a bottle. It was pouring and there weren't many bottles left so I just smilled and bought mine and drove home a happy man. By the way the Old Forester tour was the best one I went on.
Fact: Blanton's is the most expensive entry level whiskey in history. Fact: Never shit on someone's love and value of their favorite whiskey. Every person, pallet, and fingerprint is different. The whiskey world's subjective, and no one is really right. I love your view dude.
Ironic. You say never shit on someone's love and value of their favorite whiskey, yet you call Blanton's the most expensive entry level whiskey in history.
@@pardefarmeaurx3720 You make no sense. Blanton's is objectively not entry level bourbon just by comparing it to actual entry level bourbons .. it's far richer. Everyone seems to bad mouth good whiskies that are simply overhyped. The overhype doesn't make it a "bad" whisky, if anything it makes it a god whisky which perhaps, is just not "as" good as it is said to be. But Blanton's is undeniably unique.
Spot on. Blanton’s SB overall is somewhere between good and great. Absolutely worth the MSRP. Not worth spending your time hunting for and not worth secondary mark up prices.
I'll buy it up to 80 also. It's my get together bourbon. It makes people feel special, it's a good conversation starter and people appreciate getting involved with it
I bought a bottle of blanton's for $75 which i had to have a local liquor store order it and my thoughts are simple it's the best damn bourbon I've ever drinked and was definitely worth the price tag. It's my new favorite bourbon in fact i don't think I'll buy nor drink anything else it's that fucking good of a whiskey. I have to thank my uncle for telling me about the almighty blanton's.
Opened a Blanton’s last night after not having it for a long time. And I can see what your saying, to a new Bourbon drinker I could see how they would like it, lower proof and very approachable, then add the sex appeal of the bottle and it does make a good experience. But if judging just the whiskey inside, it is average to slightly above average whiskey. Many many other bottles out there that are a lot better at a lower price point IMO. To the seasoned Bourbon drinker or the Bourbon connoisseurs that maybe drink a little higher proof Bourbon and enjoy the complexity that higher proof Bourbon’s can bring out such as OF1920, Rare breed, Elijah Craig barrel proof, Even Stagg jr. sells for what most people pay for Blanton’s on the secondary market and all those Bourbons are all much easier to find (except Stagg jr.) most of them a good bit cheaper too and IMO a better Bourbon than Blanton’s. To this crown of Whiskey drinkers Blanton’s is a pass. I also find Eagle rare to be a better Bourbon than Blanton’s and at a much cheaper price, although in my area Eagle Rare has also become very hard to find, but not as hard as Blanton’s. Great overview, keep up the good reviews.
I was lucky enough to find a Blanton's At my local store For $68 They was two on the Shelf Thought about buying them both but I left one For the next guy
Hey Drew, enjoyed the video. Nothing I didn't already know but I just enjoy your approach to whatever you are talking about. I first tried Blanton's in a bar about seven years ago. I had really never heard of it but the bartender told me the story and talked me into it. I wasn't super impressed so it was a couple of years before I tried it again at another bar. Same impression. So, when I noticed it occasionally on the shelf at my local Safeway supermarket for $50ish, I passed multiple times. Then, about two years ago, I started following the bourbon forums and Facebook groups and became aware of the hype surrounding the brand and how hard it was for people to find. So, about six months ago, I saw a bottle again at Safeway for $54 and decided to take the plunge and have since been able to get a couple more there as well, one of which I was going to gift to my son but he found his own bottle, lol. Anyway, I totally agree with your assessment. Blanton's is very good; elegant and balanced is how I would describe it. It's not great bourbon but pouring it feels like you're treating yourself to something special. Cheers!
Bought my first bottle of Blantons today! Granted I live In Kentucky and not far from the distillery. Gonna crack it this weekend for a super bowl get together!
Great video. I totally agree. If people want to be all about Blanton's, that's their right to do so and people shouldn't feel the need to trash them. Blanton's is good. Not worth hunting too much or paying too much. Also, I really never thought of the angle that the low proof, mellow profile makes it perfect for someone newer to bourbon to love, when first getting into bourbon. That makes total sense.
I've just started paying attention to whiskey and begun the slow process of educating myself. Your channel (i.e. YOU) seem to take a very sensible approach to the subject and as a new subscriber, I thank you!
Enjoyed your research and take on this 👍. In the early 80's my experiences with KY Bourbon was so bad that from 83 to the mid-2000's, I only drank Jack Daniel's products and Single Malt Scotch. I never criticize other people's preferences in taste and what they're willing to pay. Everyone is different and so are their priorities. I'm more inclined to pay over MSRP on my watches, whereas others are the opposite. It's all about what pleases the person plunking down the $$.
20 years ago had my first Blanton's. That and Booker's were my go-too bourbons. Haven't bought a bourbon in over 15 years after switching back over to scotch. Was at my local shop picking up a bottle of Glendronach and on my way out saw a bottle of Blanton's sitting on the shelf in the little plastic shipping net. Grabbed it. 40 over MSRP, which in my location is about $100 (or more) less than it can apparently be found at other places in the area. Wasn't up on the price gouging much less the internet hate as I haven't looked for it at all since it's become so hyped. Anyway, I'll open it tomorrow for 4th of July. Hope I still like it! I remember it being smooth and easy. Might need to get some more Booker's for that fiery kick though soon... Nice, sensible review! Also, my bottle topper has my last name letter and was bottled on April Fools (4-1-22) 😂 Maybe the joke's on me!
Blanton's was suggested by a retailer. Yes I fell for it and purchased a bottle for $150. Then I find out that was WAY above MSRP. However, I do NOT regret buying it as my first bourbon. It is pretty good. I would buy I again. Maybe not for that price but definitely wanting another bottle
Blanton Bottle is a 9 and the whiskey a 7. So like u said its the experience of the story, bottle and the juice. Its a great sharing bottle for bourbon newbies.
If I see it on the shelf at MSRP I grab it. Last time I saw it I had the option of Blantons or Stagg jr at MSRP and went for the Stagg jr instead. The fact that people are paying upwards of $300 for a bottle is what makes it so hard to find at MSRP.
Same. While hunting this Friday I found two at two different stores at MSRP. I bought it the first time and passed on the second one. But I kind of regret passing up on it now, even for just its trade value. I could have traded for some Stagg JR/OWA/anything else’s I like that is hard to allocated.
Picked up my first JJB last week because I heard of the Blanton's comparisons. I honestly like it more than the bottle of Blanton's I have. The nose is more complex and interesting, palate and finish are similar. Slight edge to the Bowman imo 👍
My wife recently came home from holiday in You're beautiful state of Wisconsin with a Blantons single barrel bourbon that she got for 75 bucks. I'm happy I can finally try it
Never knew what this whiskey was but went to my favorite liquor store and the owner recommended this for under $200. (Purchased it for my Bro in law who loves quality liquor for Xmas). He loved the gift so even if i over paid o well. Goes down smokey smooth
Your channel is way too underappreciated. You give our quality information and not too far off opinions. I have a bottle of Blanton's and I honestly think it's pretty subpar compared to things like Weller or Eagle Rare, especially in regard to the price. I'm not the biggest fan of rye whiskey or high rye bourbon so that may be a part of it but I definitely do think that it's overhyped for what it is.
I enjoy this bourbon. For the price it’s spot on. I actually find it cool hunting for it. Harder to get a hold of but not impossible. Makes the search fun
Dude, I drink a lot of bourbon. I have had some expensive stinkers in the past, but I have never regretted getting anything from Buffalo Trace. Everyone is different on what they like, but all I can say is they are doing something right for me at Sazerac. I love Blanton's. Probably on my 15th bottle by now. It's lovely.
Agreed about all the shade that’s thrown towards Blantons... it’s popular because it’s a great “under 100” single barrel offering out there. I agree it’s overhyped, but I know I’ve contributed to it because I’ve paid $90 for it when I hadn’t seen it in over a year and was out of state and saw it. So yeah, I’d buy it at MSRP and day if the week if I saw it on shelves for $60. I might even do $100 if I don’t have one at home because I’m always looking for fantastic bourbons that I can help newbies get into loving bourbon too. In the meantime, EW SiB, McKenna 10, Bulleit 10, Angels Envy, and Knob Creek 9 SiB are my go to when introducing someone to great available bourbons (well, McKenna isn’t available, but you get the idea).
And I just got to the Bowman SiB suggestion portion of the video. Yep, I agree! Good juice comparison! I’ve also found that Mitchers bourbon is kinda close (it’s like a mix of Blanton and McKenna in caramel sweetness and oak flavors, but slightly more leathery than either).
Blanton's is my favorite bottle to tell the liquor store to share with another good customer. I'll buy them at MSRP for gifts, but I don't need another bottle. While I used to love blantons, the more my palate evolves, I find something with higher proof is more interesting. Quality video! A lot of truth was spoken here.
I hate to admit it...I’m jumping ahead , allow me to back up. I’m 38 years old. When I was in my early 20’s I frequently bought Rare Breed or Crown Reserve ...which was the best whiskey we could get locally. With that being said ...this was before smart phones and you tube ...before the research age and way before the bourbon boom. Recently I’ve started purchasing bottles to stock my bar for the rare occasion that I have company that will appreciate a drink. So I hate to admit it...but I bought Blanton’s for one reason...John Wick 😆😆. I’m not a heavy drinker...I honestly never heard of Blanton’s until I saw him drinking a bottle at the hotel. I’ve bought a few bottles of barrel proofs from other brands and from the variety that I’ve tried since trying Blanton’s ...I feel it holds up as a solid product. I do very much prefer Knob Creek to Blanton’s personally , however, Blanton’s blows Gentleman Jacks away and that’s just my two cents. It’s a good bourbon ...no more but no less.
I'm shamefully one of those people who have passed on Blanton's at retail. That said, I have two bottles currently and don't want to hoard for the sake of hoarding. Great vid! As always - you are on point with this stuff.
I finally got a bottle at MSRP. After tasting it, I won't chase it. It's very good and the bottle is impressive on the shelf. I would never pay secondary though.
Great info on this channel, really appreciate the history and mashbill discussion. As far as value goes, it’s all in the eye of the beholder. I’d never tell anyone how to spend their money. If a bottle of Blanton’s for $200 makes you happy, it’s money well spent.
Just got one of these in the UK. £54($74). 70cl bottle so must have been done as an export as I believe American bottles are 75cl. Definitely worth it to me at that price.
I really liked the no bullshit delivery!! I've bought it at $65 twice and passed on it at $80 twice for different reasons. Although $80 wasn't bad considering the one I saw at $150. [All within the last 12mo]
I get why people don’t like it but I’m a fan for what it is . My first higher end bourbon I had many years ago and I still enjoy it. I agree Eagle Rare is a winner and always grab it when I see it. I’ve never paid more than msrp for either
I’ve never loved Blanton’s but liked the look of it on my bar and always kept an open bottle when it was east to find. Now, I don’t hunt it, but I absolutely buy it when’re I see it at MSRP. I still think it’s silly to pay high secondary prices for it. But I don’t pay secondary for anything.
You are right on with the collectivity angle. It’s an expectation that the average collector will own a bottle of Blanton’s or they are not a true collector nor a successful one. IMHO, it is a good BT expression. It’s not the best bourbon, but it is very tasty neat. It’s sweet and delicious. No, it doesn’t have a ton of notes, but common it’s enjoyable. However, now that I’ve enjoyed a couple of bottles at MSRP, I would not pay anymore than that for it. I would substitute it with the standard BT or ER 10 year before paying more than $70. I have to add that I have never seen a single bottle of Blanton’s Gold nor the Straight From the Barrel expressions. I’ve heard that those are both better than the standard Blanton’s. It’s so frustrating as a new collector that I cannot find certain bottles. If I want a BTAC bottle, it will cost me $1000. That is just ridiculous.
As someone who lives in Virginia and I’ve been to the Bowman distillery multiple times, I can say that John J. Bowman is just as good, if not better than Blantons. Plus they’re a great distillery and give some great tours!
Mitchers small batch is my favorite. If it was priced at 35 to 40 instead of 90 I would have no doubt that it would be the most popular bourbon in existence.
I just keep one bottle around for friends. It’s good and people love it. I never drink it otherwise just so I won’t have to hunt it down again. Will definitely snag an extra if I see one near MSRP though. I dig the look, the marketing, & the experience. Will display my toppers at some point if I ever set up a dedicated liquor display.
Why do you flip your videos? The clock going backwards...it’s not that I don’t like it, I just keep watching it. Your videos are great info btw, great to hear a straight opinion.
Bowman brothers is just down the road from me in Virginia. I had no idea these two companies were related until recently. Bowmans is an easy find here in Virginia.
Blanton’s is just a good bourbon. If it were a $40-50 bottle- I would probably sip it daily & would be a hit with all the bourbon geeks. I think many are bothered by a whiskey they only find OK is so coveted. So instead of doing what you did - and say yeah I like it but won’t overpay for it - they throw some hate at Blanton’s. I have a bottle (not had a pour in 2 months)& will pay up to $70 for next when it’s done!
I managed to get my hands on one for $65. I’m intrigued by it. I had never heard of it before and have never tried any other type of whiskey other than the typical Jack Daniels. I do own a bottle of Joseph Magnus, which I do enjoy quite a bit. I mainly enjoy tequila and mezcales but I’m very interested in branching out to other types of spirits: whiskey, bourbon, scotch whiskeys and the like.
I like Blanton’s. People criticize it all the time but go try to find one. I’m in Kentucky and I can get it every once in a while but it’s not on the shelf. Do I like others better yes but it’s still good bourbon.
My first experience with Blanton's was a blind sample and i rated it as a good simple bourbon...nothing special no depth but its good and solid.. and i would gladly pay 40$ for it... and i stand by that to this day.... its good simple juice!
I wish I could get another one. Bought one at 70CDN about 2 years ago. Now, you have special order it or get lucky when a store has it. Even then, it's around 140$ now. It's a good bourbon, but certainly not 140$ good.
Thanks for this extensive talk about Blanton’s, lots of things I didn’t know about. Luckily here in Europe Blanton’s Gold and Straight from the Barrel, are still available and for fair prices. But with the bourbon booming we are also afraid these bottles will disappear fast. I always really enjoyed Blanton’s 😊🥃
Nailed it! Only bought it once, paid $80, most I'd every pay for it. JJB is spot on, even a bit better IMO, has a little more character than Blanton's. Keep up the awesome job, always enjoy the content
I found a "Honey Hole" of Blanton's, Eagle Rare and E.H.Taylor small batch. I was lucky enough to score two cases of Blanton's at MSRP, 3 bottles of E.H. Taylor and 3 bottles of E.HTaylor.
It’s pretty easy to get SiN at msrp in my area but you have to get to the store early. I just snagged up a store pick but only because i had a false home alarm and had to leave work early. Why waste a false alarm and not go pick up a Blantons
I have a little different view re: the hunting of Blanton's. I like Blanton's, and when I started drinking it in 2001, it was easy to find and cost about $40. It's what I drank on the weekends. Same with Rock Hill Farms. I still have old empty bottles of both from the early 2000's because we are horse people, and I liked the horse on the RHF bottle and the horse top on the Blanton's. Then the bourbon boom happened and they were no longer readily available. The good part about that was it forced me to try other stuff. The bad part was I couldn't readily have my weekend $40 bottle of Blanton's. The three bottles of Blanton's I found this fall came at $68, $70 and $78. It's simply not worth that kind of money, IMO. I can buy so many other bottles for less money that are better, such as Bowman Single Barrel, sourced from Buffalo Trace, for $50. I'll never hate on Blanton's because I like it and have been drinking it for 20 years. But it is way overhyped and not worth over MSRP, IMO.
I though JJB was actually mash bill 1? I suppose BT doesn’t officially acknowledge it either way. Anyone have an opinion or link to someone with good authority on the matter?
I'm in the camp that if it was in a different bottle, it wouldn't have nearly the following. Sure, it would still be allocated because , but the bottle and collectability I think is what does it for most people. I've tried it before and I think just with all the fanfare it gets, was somewhat let down by how it tasted. Like you said, "to each their own" and that's very much the truth with this bottle. I've never seen one in the wild...would I buy one at MSRP if I see it? Probably. Is there other stuff out there with better quality for half the price? You betcha. The irony.
i walked into a random liquor store to buy a cigarette lighter a few months ago and they had a bottle of blantons sitting on the shelf in plain sight. i bought it instantly and forgot all about the lighter. Its the excitement of finding it that make it special to me
Not trying to be "that guy" but was near the front of the line for a couple of allocations with blantons and other bottles that came in; and multiple times I've left it there when I could have grabbed it. Now I do have 3 unopened, including 2 barrel picks, but I leave those for the masses. Would rather buy/drink EH Taylor single barrel instead
Blanton's is a solid pour. I'm not doing backflips over it, but I also won't say it's garbage either. Luckily for me, I'm in a place where It's pretty easy to obtain at retail ($59.99). Maybe, the fact that I can get it easily, may be the reason I walk pass it in the stores. Great vid my dude
Great video man. I particularly like your comment on how the search is part of the experience. I don't really look for Blantons, but I would love to get a bottle of George Stagg at msrp someday. I actually love looking for bourbons that sort of fly under the radar. In my experience, James Pepper 1776 is phenomenal for $27. Best overall for me has been Balcones Texas Blue Corn cask strength.
I was actually surprised last year when I was told of the current demand by a store employee. I have never bought a bottle of Blantons and when I could always find it on the shelf for $60 I thought it was overpriced. At that time I would buy EH Taylor small batch or Bookers. Now I have much broader purchasing interests and I’m one who doesn’t quite get the excitement. For some reason that bottle design and story never resonated with me and I think the bourbon is just good but not great. I do get very excited if I find Stagg Jr at a reasonable price...
finally found my first bottle of Blanton's in NC after about a year of searching. It was not that great IMO. Defiantly not worth the hype but I am guilty of building that hype in my head. Would I ever buy a bottle for myself again? No, but I would pick it up as a gift for a friend.
BENCHMARK OLD#8 is also the same Mash Bill as Buffalo Trace to everyone out there just like Anchient Age although it is only eighty proof sure is damn close to Blanton's flavor structure! Drink what you prefer peeps!
Brick is an insulator and so the bourbon is not subject to the temp fluctuations needed for good aging. The metal building does not insulate so the bourbon is drawn into the wood and pulled out much more dramatically as temps change. Hence better aging. It's not nonsense.
Finally got a hand on my second bottle of a 2021 batch after 2 1/2 years of asking at every liquor store I went to. Worth the $70? Without a doubt. Worth asking around and trying to track down at a decent price for years? Nah.
I am not kidding but today my wife and I were on our way home from our first trip on the bourbon trail tour. We left Four Roses and drove right by Buffallo Trace. I looked at my wife and said I wonder if they have anything hard to get in their store. We decided to turn around and go check that place out. It was pouring rain so my wife stayed in the car. I made it into the gift shop soaked but today they had this Blantons out. I could not believe it. I left my phone in the car so I couldn't call my wife to come in and get a bottle. It was pouring and there weren't many bottles left so I just smilled and bought mine and drove home a happy man. By the way the Old Forester tour was the best one I went on.
Fact: Blanton's is the most expensive entry level whiskey in history.
Fact: Never shit on someone's love and value of their favorite whiskey. Every person, pallet, and fingerprint is different.
The whiskey world's subjective, and no one is really right.
I love your view dude.
Ironic. You say never shit on someone's love and value of their favorite whiskey, yet you call Blanton's the most expensive entry level whiskey in history.
@@levelheadsteve and I'm not shitting on you for drinking it ;)
@@pardefarmeaurx3720 You make no sense. Blanton's is objectively not entry level bourbon just by comparing it to actual entry level bourbons .. it's far richer. Everyone seems to bad mouth good whiskies that are simply overhyped. The overhype doesn't make it a "bad" whisky, if anything it makes it a god whisky which perhaps, is just not "as" good as it is said to be. But Blanton's is undeniably unique.
Guys, go get yourselves a bottle of Very Old Barton 100 proof. You'll never think of Blanton's again.
Spot on. Blanton’s SB overall is somewhere between good and great. Absolutely worth the MSRP. Not worth spending your time hunting for and not worth secondary mark up prices.
I just had one put aside for me at a local store. $100. Sounds high but everywhere else is 150-250
I'll buy it up to 80 also. It's my get together bourbon. It makes people feel special, it's a good conversation starter and people appreciate getting involved with it
I just snagged a bottle for 100. Every other one I saw was 150-250
I bought a bottle of blanton's for $75 which i had to have a local liquor store order it and my thoughts are simple it's the best damn bourbon I've ever drinked and was definitely worth the price tag. It's my new favorite bourbon in fact i don't think I'll buy nor drink anything else it's that fucking good of a whiskey. I have to thank my uncle for telling me about the almighty blanton's.
This whole video is so damned spot on perfect at every point.
Opened a Blanton’s last night after not having it for a long time. And I can see what your saying, to a new Bourbon drinker I could see how they would like it, lower proof and very approachable, then add the sex appeal of the bottle and it does make a good experience. But if judging just the whiskey inside, it is average to slightly above average whiskey. Many many other bottles out there that are a lot better at a lower price point IMO.
To the seasoned Bourbon drinker or the Bourbon connoisseurs that maybe drink a little higher proof Bourbon and enjoy the complexity that higher proof Bourbon’s can bring out such as OF1920, Rare breed, Elijah Craig barrel proof, Even Stagg jr. sells for what most people pay for Blanton’s on the secondary market and all those Bourbons are all much easier to find (except Stagg jr.) most of them a good bit cheaper too and IMO a better Bourbon than Blanton’s. To this crown of Whiskey drinkers Blanton’s is a pass.
I also find Eagle rare to be a better Bourbon than Blanton’s and at a much cheaper price, although in my area Eagle Rare has also become very hard to find, but not as hard as Blanton’s. Great overview, keep up the good reviews.
I was lucky enough to find a Blanton's At my local store For $68 They was two on the Shelf Thought about buying them both but I left one For the next guy
Hey Drew, enjoyed the video. Nothing I didn't already know but I just enjoy your approach to whatever you are talking about. I first tried Blanton's in a bar about seven years ago. I had really never heard of it but the bartender told me the story and talked me into it. I wasn't super impressed so it was a couple of years before I tried it again at another bar. Same impression. So, when I noticed it occasionally on the shelf at my local Safeway supermarket for $50ish, I passed multiple times.
Then, about two years ago, I started following the bourbon forums and Facebook groups and became aware of the hype surrounding the brand and how hard it was for people to find. So, about six months ago, I saw a bottle again at Safeway for $54 and decided to take the plunge and have since been able to get a couple more there as well, one of which I was going to gift to my son but he found his own bottle, lol.
Anyway, I totally agree with your assessment. Blanton's is very good; elegant and balanced is how I would describe it. It's not great bourbon but pouring it feels like you're treating yourself to something special.
Cheers!
Bought my first bottle of Blantons today! Granted I live In Kentucky and not far from the distillery. Gonna crack it this weekend for a super bowl get together!
How was it?
Great video. I totally agree. If people want to be all about Blanton's, that's their right to do so and people shouldn't feel the need to trash them. Blanton's is good. Not worth hunting too much or paying too much. Also, I really never thought of the angle that the low proof, mellow profile makes it perfect for someone newer to bourbon to love, when first getting into bourbon. That makes total sense.
I've just started paying attention to whiskey and begun the slow process of educating myself. Your channel (i.e. YOU) seem to take a very sensible approach to the subject and as a new subscriber, I thank you!
Enjoyed your research and take on this 👍.
In the early 80's my experiences with KY Bourbon was so bad that from 83 to the mid-2000's, I only drank Jack Daniel's products and Single Malt Scotch.
I never criticize other people's preferences in taste and what they're willing to pay. Everyone is different and so are their priorities. I'm more inclined to pay over MSRP on my watches, whereas others are the opposite.
It's all about what pleases the person plunking down the $$.
20 years ago had my first Blanton's. That and Booker's were my go-too bourbons. Haven't bought a bourbon in over 15 years after switching back over to scotch. Was at my local shop picking up a bottle of Glendronach and on my way out saw a bottle of Blanton's sitting on the shelf in the little plastic shipping net. Grabbed it. 40 over MSRP, which in my location is about $100 (or more) less than it can apparently be found at other places in the area. Wasn't up on the price gouging much less the internet hate as I haven't looked for it at all since it's become so hyped. Anyway, I'll open it tomorrow for 4th of July. Hope I still like it! I remember it being smooth and easy. Might need to get some more Booker's for that fiery kick though soon... Nice, sensible review!
Also, my bottle topper has my last name letter and was bottled on April Fools (4-1-22) 😂 Maybe the joke's on me!
Blanton's was suggested by a retailer. Yes I fell for it and purchased a bottle for $150. Then I find out that was WAY above MSRP. However, I do NOT regret buying it as my first bourbon. It is pretty good. I would buy I again. Maybe not for that price but definitely wanting another bottle
I have about 40 bottles of it squirreled away for a special day.
You gonna drink 40 bottles in a single special day? Sounds amazing!
Blanton Bottle is a 9 and the whiskey a 7. So like u said its the experience of the story, bottle and the juice. Its a great sharing bottle for bourbon newbies.
If I see it on the shelf at MSRP I grab it. Last time I saw it I had the option of Blantons or Stagg jr at MSRP and went for the Stagg jr instead. The fact that people are paying upwards of $300 for a bottle is what makes it so hard to find at MSRP.
I would have made the same choice. If the choice was Blanton's only, I would've bough it with plans of trading it for Stagg Jr.
Same. While hunting this Friday I found two at two different stores at MSRP. I bought it the first time and passed on the second one. But I kind of regret passing up on it now, even for just its trade value. I could have traded for some Stagg JR/OWA/anything else’s I like that is hard to allocated.
Picked up my first JJB last week because I heard of the Blanton's comparisons. I honestly like it more than the bottle of Blanton's I have. The nose is more complex and interesting, palate and finish are similar. Slight edge to the Bowman imo 👍
I have been drinking bourbon since 76 and Blanton's is good bourbon but the full bottle on my shelf is more for art deco than drinking. Solid video!
They make gorgeous shelf ornaments!
So you buy Bourbon just to look at it
@@cosmictywlite Nope, just the one for decoration, all others beware.
@@HotButteryRolls Yes they do!
@@cosmictywlite No, it gets drank, but it looks pretty until it's empty!
Glad to see a VA distillery getting a shoutout.
My wife recently came home from holiday in You're beautiful state of Wisconsin with a Blantons single barrel bourbon that she got for 75 bucks. I'm happy I can finally try it
Never knew what this whiskey was but went to my favorite liquor store and the owner recommended this for under $200. (Purchased it for my Bro in law who loves quality liquor for Xmas). He loved the gift so even if i over paid o well. Goes down smokey smooth
Your channel is way too underappreciated. You give our quality information and not too far off opinions. I have a bottle of Blanton's and I honestly think it's pretty subpar compared to things like Weller or Eagle Rare, especially in regard to the price. I'm not the biggest fan of rye whiskey or high rye bourbon so that may be a part of it but I definitely do think that it's overhyped for what it is.
I enjoy this bourbon. For the price it’s spot on. I actually find it cool hunting for it. Harder to get a hold of but not impossible. Makes the search fun
Dude, I drink a lot of bourbon. I have had some expensive stinkers in the past, but I have never regretted getting anything from Buffalo Trace. Everyone is different on what they like, but all I can say is they are doing something right for me at Sazerac. I love Blanton's. Probably on my 15th bottle by now. It's lovely.
Agreed about all the shade that’s thrown towards Blantons... it’s popular because it’s a great “under 100” single barrel offering out there. I agree it’s overhyped, but I know I’ve contributed to it because I’ve paid $90 for it when I hadn’t seen it in over a year and was out of state and saw it. So yeah, I’d buy it at MSRP and day if the week if I saw it on shelves for $60. I might even do $100 if I don’t have one at home because I’m always looking for fantastic bourbons that I can help newbies get into loving bourbon too. In the meantime, EW SiB, McKenna 10, Bulleit 10, Angels Envy, and Knob Creek 9 SiB are my go to when introducing someone to great available bourbons (well, McKenna isn’t available, but you get the idea).
And I just got to the Bowman SiB suggestion portion of the video. Yep, I agree! Good juice comparison! I’ve also found that Mitchers bourbon is kinda close (it’s like a mix of Blanton and McKenna in caramel sweetness and oak flavors, but slightly more leathery than either).
Blanton's is my favorite bottle to tell the liquor store to share with another good customer. I'll buy them at MSRP for gifts, but I don't need another bottle. While I used to love blantons, the more my palate evolves, I find something with higher proof is more interesting. Quality video! A lot of truth was spoken here.
I get so excited any time I hear a John J Bowman shoutout.
Bought a bottle of Blanton's today for $60.00 from the VA ABC. Keeping it for a special occasion. It was dumped on 12-1-20. The top has the letter N.
I hate to admit it...I’m jumping ahead , allow me to back up. I’m 38 years old. When I was in my early 20’s I frequently bought Rare Breed or Crown Reserve ...which was the best whiskey we could get locally. With that being said ...this was before smart phones and you tube ...before the research age and way before the bourbon boom. Recently I’ve started purchasing bottles to stock my bar for the rare occasion that I have company that will appreciate a drink. So I hate to admit it...but I bought Blanton’s for one reason...John Wick 😆😆. I’m not a heavy drinker...I honestly never heard of Blanton’s until I saw him drinking a bottle at the hotel. I’ve bought a few bottles of barrel proofs from other brands and from the variety that I’ve tried since trying Blanton’s ...I feel it holds up as a solid product. I do very much prefer Knob Creek to Blanton’s personally , however, Blanton’s blows Gentleman Jacks away and that’s just my two cents. It’s a good bourbon ...no more but no less.
If you find it at MSRP, buy it. I like it. It all depends on your tastes, but the metal shed makes good stuff.
I'm shamefully one of those people who have passed on Blanton's at retail. That said, I have two bottles currently and don't want to hoard for the sake of hoarding. Great vid! As always - you are on point with this stuff.
I finally got a bottle at MSRP. After tasting it, I won't chase it. It's very good and the bottle is impressive on the shelf. I would never pay secondary though.
Best bourbon I've tried. Have to order online. Can't find in the Midwest. Tried the single barrel, special reserve and gold so far.
Great info on this channel, really appreciate the history and mashbill discussion. As far as value goes, it’s all in the eye of the beholder. I’d never tell anyone how to spend their money. If a bottle of Blanton’s for $200 makes you happy, it’s money well spent.
Just got one of these in the UK. £54($74). 70cl bottle so must have been done as an export as I believe American bottles are 75cl. Definitely worth it to me at that price.
$ 65 in Sweden... I think that’s a fair price, but I wont buy it for over $ 70.
I really liked the no bullshit delivery!! I've bought it at $65 twice and passed on it at $80 twice for different reasons. Although $80 wasn't bad considering the one I saw at $150. [All within the last 12mo]
I found it Meijer , for $58.99 . I was at the right place at the right time . Looks good on my shelf . Tastes good too .🥃👍
Best Blantons Video on the internet without being upitty about it. Great balanced video
I get why people don’t like it but I’m a fan for what it is . My first higher end bourbon I had many years ago and I still enjoy it. I agree Eagle Rare is a winner and always grab it when I see it. I’ve never paid more than msrp for either
Agree on everything. But..... the only question I have is how in the hell is your clock on the wall ticking in reverse? 😁
I’ve never loved Blanton’s but liked the look of it on my bar and always kept an open bottle when it was east to find. Now, I don’t hunt it, but I absolutely buy it when’re I see it at MSRP. I still think it’s silly to pay high secondary prices for it. But I don’t pay secondary for anything.
Drew P. I have never had Blanton's is it worth the $100 price tag
You are right on with the collectivity angle. It’s an expectation that the average collector will own a bottle of Blanton’s or they are not a true collector nor a successful one. IMHO, it is a good BT expression. It’s not the best bourbon, but it is very tasty neat. It’s sweet and delicious. No, it doesn’t have a ton of notes, but common it’s enjoyable. However, now that I’ve enjoyed a couple of bottles at MSRP, I would not pay anymore than that for it. I would substitute it with the standard BT or ER 10 year before paying more than $70.
I have to add that I have never seen a single bottle of Blanton’s Gold nor the Straight From the Barrel expressions. I’ve heard that those are both better than the standard Blanton’s. It’s so frustrating as a new collector that I cannot find certain bottles. If I want a BTAC bottle, it will cost me $1000. That is just ridiculous.
As someone who lives in Virginia and I’ve been to the Bowman distillery multiple times, I can say that John J. Bowman is just as good, if not better than Blantons. Plus they’re a great distillery and give some great tours!
Mitchers small batch is my favorite. If it was priced at 35 to 40 instead of 90 I would have no doubt that it would be the most popular bourbon in existence.
What’s your opinion on 1792 small batch compared to eagle rare?
I got selected through a raffle by Total wine to pick up a bottle at MSRP and I'm driving 2 hours this weekend to go get it. I'm pretty excited. 🥳🥃
Well, have you opened the bottle yet?
I just keep one bottle around for friends. It’s good and people love it. I never drink it otherwise just so I won’t have to hunt it down again. Will definitely snag an extra if I see one near MSRP though. I dig the look, the marketing, & the experience. Will display my toppers at some point if I ever set up a dedicated liquor display.
Why do you flip your videos? The clock going backwards...it’s not that I don’t like it, I just keep watching it.
Your videos are great info btw, great to hear a straight opinion.
Bowman brothers is just down the road from me in Virginia. I had no idea these two companies were related until recently. Bowmans is an easy find here in Virginia.
Blanton’s is just a good bourbon. If it were a $40-50 bottle- I would probably sip it daily & would be a hit with all the bourbon geeks. I think many are bothered by a whiskey they only find OK is so coveted. So instead of doing what you did - and say yeah I like it but won’t overpay for it - they throw some hate at Blanton’s. I have a bottle (not had a pour in 2 months)& will pay up to $70 for next when it’s done!
I managed to get my hands on one for $65. I’m intrigued by it. I had never heard of it before and have never tried any other type of whiskey other than the typical Jack Daniels. I do own a bottle of Joseph Magnus, which I do enjoy quite a bit.
I mainly enjoy tequila and mezcales but I’m very interested in branching out to other types of spirits: whiskey, bourbon, scotch whiskeys and the like.
I like Blanton’s. People criticize it all the time but go try to find one. I’m in Kentucky and I can get it every once in a while but it’s not on the shelf. Do I like others better yes but it’s still good bourbon.
It tastes good and I need all of the horses, I buy it every time I see it, MSRP of course.
Best Bourbon I’ve ever had.
My first experience with Blanton's was a blind sample and i rated it as a good simple bourbon...nothing special no depth but its good and solid.. and i would gladly pay 40$ for it... and i stand by that to this day.... its good simple juice!
I wish I could get another one. Bought one at 70CDN about 2 years ago. Now, you have special order it or get lucky when a store has it. Even then, it's around 140$ now. It's a good bourbon, but certainly not 140$ good.
Thanks for this extensive talk about Blanton’s, lots of things I didn’t know about. Luckily here in Europe Blanton’s Gold and Straight from the Barrel, are still available and for fair prices. But with the bourbon booming we are also afraid these bottles will disappear fast. I always really enjoyed Blanton’s 😊🥃
Nailed it!
Only bought it once, paid $80, most I'd every pay for it.
JJB is spot on, even a bit better IMO, has a little more character than Blanton's.
Keep up the awesome job, always enjoy the content
I found a "Honey Hole" of Blanton's, Eagle Rare and E.H.Taylor small batch. I was lucky enough to score two cases of Blanton's at MSRP, 3 bottles of E.H. Taylor and 3 bottles of E.HTaylor.
What need could someone possible have for 2 cases of blantons. That couldve been a bunch of happy people instead.
Great video. I think you're spot on with everything you had to say in this video 😊
Also what's help Blanton in recent years is product placement in huge movies and TV shows from cool characters
how much do you think a Blantons original and a Gold bottle will be worth in say .. 20 years?
SFTB is my JAM
It’s pretty easy to get SiN at msrp in my area but you have to get to the store early. I just snagged up a store pick but only because i had a false home alarm and had to leave work early. Why waste a false alarm and not go pick up a Blantons
Very thorough and thoughtful review, though I'd say the little jockey figurines in the bottle cap are pewter, not brass. A small thing.
I have a little different view re: the hunting of Blanton's. I like Blanton's, and when I started drinking it in 2001, it was easy to find and cost about $40. It's what I drank on the weekends. Same with Rock Hill Farms. I still have old empty bottles of both from the early 2000's because we are horse people, and I liked the horse on the RHF bottle and the horse top on the Blanton's. Then the bourbon boom happened and they were no longer readily available. The good part about that was it forced me to try other stuff. The bad part was I couldn't readily have my weekend $40 bottle of Blanton's. The three bottles of Blanton's I found this fall came at $68, $70 and $78. It's simply not worth that kind of money, IMO. I can buy so many other bottles for less money that are better, such as Bowman Single Barrel, sourced from Buffalo Trace, for $50. I'll never hate on Blanton's because I like it and have been drinking it for 20 years. But it is way overhyped and not worth over MSRP, IMO.
How different are the green, red, black and gold label Blantons from each other?
@Drew P Whiskey I think it’s great that you do this at lunch time!!
I though JJB was actually mash bill 1? I suppose BT doesn’t officially acknowledge it either way. Anyone have an opinion or link to someone with good authority on the matter?
I'm in the camp that if it was in a different bottle, it wouldn't have nearly the following. Sure, it would still be allocated because , but the bottle and collectability I think is what does it for most people. I've tried it before and I think just with all the fanfare it gets, was somewhat let down by how it tasted. Like you said, "to each their own" and that's very much the truth with this bottle. I've never seen one in the wild...would I buy one at MSRP if I see it? Probably. Is there other stuff out there with better quality for half the price? You betcha. The irony.
This was perfectly executed and accurate in all regards. Well done.
I was a part of an auction not too long ago…. Someone paid $275 for the Blantons… I was flabbergasted
I just bought a bottle for a little bit over MSRP. Store had 6 or 8 bottles. Also got a bottle of Eagle Rare for $37
Great job on the video! You've earned a new subscriber! Keep up the good work!
I agree with the EW single barrel! I've been trying to find EW BiB because I love higher proof bourbon. Never even seen a blanton's on a shelf lol
i walked into a random liquor store to buy a cigarette lighter a few months ago and they had a bottle of blantons sitting on the shelf in plain sight. i bought it instantly and forgot all about the lighter. Its the excitement of finding it that make it special to me
Bought a bottle for $60 recently and will buy again when I see one for $60.
Not trying to be "that guy" but was near the front of the line for a couple of allocations with blantons and other bottles that came in; and multiple times I've left it there when I could have grabbed it.
Now I do have 3 unopened, including 2 barrel picks, but I leave those for the masses. Would rather buy/drink EH Taylor single barrel instead
Blanton's is a solid pour. I'm not doing backflips over it, but I also won't say it's garbage either. Luckily for me, I'm in a place where It's pretty easy to obtain at retail ($59.99). Maybe, the fact that I can get it easily, may be the reason I walk pass it in the stores. Great vid my dude
What state are you in?
Might have to take a road trip if you’re close to me
@@earthsucks9555 PA
Why is your clock running backwards?
Great video man. I particularly like your comment on how the search is part of the experience. I don't really look for Blantons, but I would love to get a bottle of George Stagg at msrp someday. I actually love looking for bourbons that sort of fly under the radar. In my experience, James Pepper 1776 is phenomenal for $27. Best overall for me has been Balcones Texas Blue Corn cask strength.
That clock is freaky. Great video too.
I love it and msrp is about $52 Well worth it to me
I was actually surprised last year when I was told of the current demand by a store employee. I have never bought a bottle of Blantons and when I could always find it on the shelf for $60 I thought it was overpriced. At that time I would buy EH Taylor small batch or Bookers. Now I have much broader purchasing interests and I’m one who doesn’t quite get the excitement. For some reason that bottle design and story never resonated with me and I think the bourbon is just good but not great. I do get very excited if I find Stagg Jr at a reasonable price...
finally found my first bottle of Blanton's in NC after about a year of searching. It was not that great IMO. Defiantly not worth the hype but I am guilty of building that hype in my head. Would I ever buy a bottle for myself again? No, but I would pick it up as a gift for a friend.
Si, great content as always!
BENCHMARK OLD#8 is also the same Mash Bill as Buffalo Trace to everyone out there just like Anchient Age although it is only eighty proof sure is damn close to Blanton's flavor structure! Drink what you prefer peeps!
Brick is an insulator and so the bourbon is not subject to the temp fluctuations needed for good aging. The metal building does not insulate so the bourbon is drawn into the wood and pulled out much more dramatically as temps change. Hence better aging. It's not nonsense.
That clock is so cool
Sharing is caring! Thanks for doing the community a solid at 21:05 :-)
I have 2 bottles that i have never opened, the liquor store approved me to buy them because i spent so much on wine.
Scored one today on sale...$63.99...happy camper.
I get it I spend a lot of money at my local store when I walk in they have me a bottle in the back and l grease the plan just the way it is 👍
Finally got a hand on my second bottle of a 2021 batch after 2 1/2 years of asking at every liquor store I went to. Worth the $70? Without a doubt. Worth asking around and trying to track down at a decent price for years? Nah.
Bought it for $48 at Costco a couple years ago. I’ve got two bottles. One is unopened in the box.
When I see an empty bottle at an antique store or flea mkt for $25, I think that makes Blantons the perfect $35 whiskey.
Beautiful video, great review.