Blanton’s 2020 La Maison du Whisky Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 700ml
$1,250.00
Type: Bourbon
Proof: 64.5
Country: United States
Region: Kentucky
Beyond the Name
Blanton’s is a bourbon brand from the portfolio of Age International, the company formed by former Fleischmann’s Distilling director‘s, Bob Baranaskas and Ferdie Falke. They had approached Schenley in the early 1980s with a view to purchasing its Old Charter brand, but were instead offered Ancient Age and the George T. Stagg distillery where it was produced. The deal was completed in 1983, two years before the retirement of George T. Stagg master distiller, Elmer T. Lee, who had served there for 36 years, working his way from the bottom up. One of his final pioneering triumphs before doing so was the introduction of mass produced single barrel bourbon, specifically through the creation of the Blanton’s brand in 1984.
Normally a 6 to 8 year old bourbon, it is aged in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace, which is the only metal-clad warehouse at the distillery, commissioned for construction by Albert B. Blanton, after whom the whiskey is named. The warehouse was built shortly after prohibition and being metal, transfers heat quicker than brick warehouses, allowing for more rapid ageing.
The popularity of these products was particularly high in Japan, coinciding with a market boom for American whiskey there in the 1980s. In 1991, with Age International in some financial trouble, a Japanese company called Takaro Shuzo stepped in and acquired a 22.5% stake in the company. In an unusual series of events, they then scuppered a deal the following year that was to see the remaining shares sold to Heublein (a subsidiary of Grand Metropolitan). Their deal the year before had included a 30 day right of refusal to purchase the shares for themselves should they be put up for sale. With the deal all but done, the Japanese company stepped in on the final day of the window to acquire full control of the company. As it turned out, their only interest was in the brands, and they had used the 30 days to negotiate a deal with the Sazerac Company of New Orleans. This saw the American company take ownership of the distillery (which they renamed Buffalo Trace in 1999), as well as the exclusive production and US distribution rights for the Age International labels. This is an arrangement that is still in place today.
This is the 2020 limited edition bottling from a batch of casks selected annually for La Maison du Whisky in Paris.
Since 1999, every bottle of Blanton’s has one of 8 different stoppers, each depicting a horse and jockey at a different stage of finishing a race. The designs are all lettered so that a complete set laid out side by side will spell “BLANTONS.”
Each bottle of Blanton’s has one of 8 different stoppers, each depicting a horse and jockey at a different stage of finishing a race. The designs are all lettered so that a complete set laid out side by side will spell “BLANTONS.”
Brand History
In the heart of bourbon country, amidst the rolling hills of Kentucky, Blanton’s has etched its legacy as a venerable name in the world of fine whiskey. The journey of Blanton’s is a narrative steeped in history, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to the artistry of bourbon craftsmanship.
Blanton’s traces its origins back to the year 1984 when the renowned master distiller, Elmer T. Lee, embarked on a quest to create a bourbon that would stand apart, a liquid embodiment of the distillery’s heritage. This pivotal moment marked the birth of a legacy that would come to define the brand’s commitment to excellence.
With a keen eye for quality and a reverence for tradition, Elmer T. Lee drew inspiration from Warehouse H, a historic barrel storage facility on the distillery grounds. It was here that the most exceptional barrels matured, developing a character and flavor that set them apart. Lee envisioned a bourbon that would capture the soul of these select barrels, creating a unique and unparalleled drinking experience.
The cornerstone of Blanton’s legacy lies in its unwavering dedication to the single barrel tradition. In a departure from industry norms, where blending barrels was the standard practice, Blanton’s embraced the idea that each barrel was a distinct entity, capable of imparting its own special character to the bourbon it housed. This commitment to the singularity of each barrel became the hallmark of Blanton’s craftsmanship, allowing enthusiasts to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas that unfolded with every sip.
The distinctive bottle design of Blanton’s itself is a nod to the brand’s commitment to individuality. The iconic round bottle, adorned with a horse and jockey stopper, is not merely ornamental; it represents a narrative within the narrative. A set of eight different stoppers, each depicting a unique stage of a horse race, pays homage to the heritage of the Kentucky Derby, a symbol deeply intertwined with the brand’s roots. The collector’s appeal of these stoppers has become a testament to the brand’s attention to detail and the celebration of the rich equestrian culture of Kentucky.
Blanton’s legacy extends beyond the confines of its distillery, weaving itself into the fabric of bourbon culture. The brand has become a symbol of connoisseurship, a choice that reflects a discerning palate and an appreciation for the art of whiskey-making. As Blanton’s popularity has grown, so too has its influence in shaping the perception of what defines a truly exceptional bourbon.
Over the years, Blanton’s has garnered numerous accolades and awards, solidifying its status as a standard-bearer for quality in the bourbon world. However, the essence of its legacy is not merely confined to the contents of a bottle or the trophies on a shelf. It resides in the stories shared over a pour, the moments of quiet contemplation, and the camaraderie fostered by the shared appreciation of a finely crafted spirit.
As the sun sets over the Kentucky distillery, casting long shadows across the aging warehouses, the legacy of Blanton’s continues to evolve. It is a legacy built on a foundation of time-honored traditions, a commitment to individuality, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. Blanton’s remains not just a brand but a living testament to the enduring spirit of bourbon craftsmanship that has captured the hearts and palates of enthusiasts around the world.
2020 La Maison du Whisky
2020 La Maison du Whisky
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