In the whimsical bourbon world, there are legendary bottles that enthusiasts chase with the fervour of treasure hunters searching for gold. Among these mythical spirits, Blanton’s is one of the elusive unicorns that every bourbon hunter dreams of capturing. Known for its rich history, craftsmanship, and probably featuring in John Wick….. Blanton’s isn’t just a drink—it’s a legend in a bottle.

Imagine this: you’re on a bourbon hunting expedition, scanning the shelves with laser-like focus, when suddenly, there it is—Blanton’s Gold, glimmering like a rare gem. Your heart skips a beat, and you can almost hear the angelic chorus. This isn’t just any bourbon; this is the Holy Grail of the bourbon world, the bottle that completes the collection and makes fellow hunters green with envy.

Now, a quick disclaimer: I wasn’t actually on a bourbon-hunting expedition when I got my hands on this bottle. Instead, my friend @whiskeygraeme, during one of his adventurous jaunts to South Africa, picked it up for me. If you’re reading this from the good ol’ US of A, you might be scratching your head at the ease of this acquisition. While Blanton’s might be easier to find stateside, or within the UK at that, that elusive unicorn edition at MSRP is as rare as hen’s teeth. Typically, you’ll find it priced like it’s made of gold itself. But a true hunter knows how to sniff out a deal, and that’s exactly what happened here. This bottle was snagged for a mere £58 (or $73.37 at today’s exchange rate)—a downright steal considering the pricing chaos and high demand for it in the USA.

Just like my review of the Eagle Rare 10-year-old from last year, Blanton’s Gold is one of those coveted “allocated bourbons.” For the uninitiated, this term refers to those special brands or batches of bourbon whiskey that are in sky-high demand but in short supply. Unlike the run-of-the-mill mass-produced bourbons, Blanton’s is a single-barrel bourbon, meaning each bottle is drawn from a single, hand-selected barrel from Warehouse H at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. This meticulous selection process, combined with limited bottling, adds a layer of exclusivity that drives bourbon aficionados wild and sends prices soaring.

Now, let me clear up a fun little misconception: Graeme did not jet off to South Africa on a bourbon-hunting mission (though I wouldn’t put it past him!). It turns out that South Africa isn’t exactly a hotspot for bourbon enthusiasts, so the prices there remain pleasantly at MSRP…..or in this case even less. This delightful twist of fate means I got my bottle without having to fork over a small fortune.

A quick scroll through YouTube and you’ll stumble upon a treasure trove of videos by true bourbonados documenting their epic quests for Blanton’s. These vlogs often feature early morning starts and long queues, all in the name of snagging a bottle of this prized bourbon. But interestingly, you’ll also find videos posing the question, “Is it worth it?” This narrative hints that maybe, just maybe, Blanton’s is another overhyped bourbon riding the wave of clever marketing and a cameo in a (quality)movie. Sure, the bottle with its whimsical collectable topper looks undeniably cool, but the question remains fair. Is Blanton’s Gold truly deserving of its legendary status? That’s the mystery I’ll attempt to unravel.

Blanton’s Gold

Unlike Eagle Rare 10, Blanton’s is crafted using Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #2, which contains a higher rye content, and is aged between 6-8 years. The key distinction between Blanton’s Gold and the ‘standard Blanton’s’ lies in their bottling strengths: the Gold version is bottled at a robust 51.5%, while the standard Blanton’s is bottled at a slightly tamer 46.5%.

Price: £58 (but be prepared to pay triple that…unless you’re willing to fly to South Africa that is….)

Nose: Initially sticky orange marmalade, sweet. There’s a hint of pepperiness which edges through ever so slightly. Caramel and tons of it covered in honey. The usual Madagascan spiced vanilla infused with cinnamon sugar and cocoa drops. There’s a beautiful oaky char and some tobacco leaf too.

Palate: Sweet and creamy, even a little dried fruit. There’s a butteriness to it too, Wether’s Originals infused with cinnamon. Some fizziness too—cola bottles and maybe a little peppermint to finish off the palate. Old school spicy gingerbread throughout as well, quite complex.

Finish: More creaminess, almost spicy custard. A little pepper too.

Conclusion

Another disclaimer, folks: I’ve only tried a handful of bourbons, so while I might not be the ultimate authority on this much sought-after spirit, I bring a fresh perspective to the table.

Alright, so Blanton’s Gold—is probably the nicest bourbon I’ve tried so far. It delivers all the classic bourbon flavours and notes you’d hope for: a delightful blend of sweet and spice. The texture? Pretty much perfect—creamy and full-bodied, making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The balance between sweet and spicy is spot-on, creating a harmonious taste profile that really works.

The bottle itself is a real standout. Personally, I think it’s fantastic. Sure, the horsey on the top might come off as a bit gimmicky to some, but it’s a unique touch that sets it apart from anything else I’ve reviewed. The shape of the bottle, the gold lettering, and that distinctive topper all contribute to its charm. It has an almost vintage feel, reminiscent of those old Dimple bottles. It’s a looker, no doubt about it, and it adds an extra layer of appeal to the whole Blanton’s Gold experience.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. Is it worth what I paid for it? Absolutely! But is it worth the eye-watering prices I see others shelling out (upwards of £150)? Probably not, if I’m honest. It’s a fantastic bourbon, but it might not meet the lofty expectations set by such a steep price tag. In terms of scoring it, I’m basing my judgment on what I paid for it, and for that price, it’s a winner. In the words of a famous gold hunting hero, “I love Gooooooooooolllldddddd.”

Score: 8/10