Blanton's Gold is one of those bottles that generates strong opinions — and honestly, I think most of them miss the point. Yes, the collector market has gone sideways. Yes, you'll see these on secondary shelves at absurd markups. But if you can find Blanton's Gold at or near its £105 retail price, you're getting a genuinely well-made single barrel bourbon at a proof point that actually lets the whiskey speak.
For the uninitiated, Blanton's holds a special place in bourbon history as the brand widely credited with popularising the single barrel category. Every bottle comes from one barrel, not a blend of dozens, which means there's natural variation from bottle to bottle. That's part of the appeal — and part of what makes reviewing any single barrel spirit an exercise in honesty. Your bottle may differ slightly from mine.
What sets Blanton's Gold apart from the standard Original Single Barrel is the proof. At 51.5% ABV, it sits comfortably above the 46.5% of the regular expression, and that extra strength makes a real difference. You get more body, more intensity, and more of the barrel character coming through without being diluted down. It's not cask strength territory, but it's got enough muscle to stand up in a cocktail or hold its own neat without feeling like it's been watered into submission.
This is a NAS (no age statement) bourbon, which in the current market is perfectly standard for expressions at this price point. What matters more than a number on the label is what's actually happening in the glass, and Buffalo Trace's operation — where Blanton's is produced — has earned a reputation for consistency at scale that few distilleries can match.
Tasting Notes
I don't have detailed tasting notes to share on this particular bottle, so I won't fabricate them. What I will say is that Blanton's Gold, as a high-proof single barrel bourbon, sits squarely in the wheelhouse of rich, full-bodied American whiskey. Expect the classic bourbon profile — think caramel, vanilla, baking spice — but dialled up by that 51.5% ABV. The single barrel nature means your experience may carry its own individual character, which is half the fun of opening one of these.
The Verdict
At £105, Blanton's Gold occupies a competitive space. You're paying a premium over many excellent bourbons in the £50–£70 range, and some of that premium is undeniably for the brand, the iconic horseback stopper, and the collectability factor. But here's my honest take: the liquid justifies more of that price than the cynics would have you believe. The bump to 51.5% ABV over the standard expression gives it a confidence and depth that I genuinely appreciate. It's a well-constructed bourbon that rewards attention.
I'm giving it a 7.9 out of 10. It loses half a point for the NAS transparency question and another fraction because at this price, I want to be wowed rather than simply impressed. But it's a quality single barrel bourbon that delivers on its promise, and if you're a fan of the category, it belongs on your shelf at least once.
Best Served
This is a bourbon built for an Old Fashioned. That 51.5% ABV is practically begging for a sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura, and a wide orange peel expressed over the top. The proof means it won't collapse under the sweetness — it'll push back, and the result is a cocktail with real backbone. If you prefer it neat, give it five minutes in the glass before your first sip. A single large ice cube works beautifully too, opening it up without drowning it. Whatever you do, don't rush this one.
