Blanton's Original Single Barrel is the bourbon that created the modern single-barrel category. Released in 1984 as the final masterpiece of Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, it was the first bourbon commercially marketed as a single-cask expression. Named for Colonel Albert B. Blanton, it honors the tradition of selecting the "center cut" of the rickhouse for the distillery’s most prestigious guests.

The Blanton's "Horse and Jockey" stoppers have generated a massive collecting subculture; there are eight distinct poses, each bearing a letter (B, L, A, N, T, O, N, S) that spell the brand name when collected in sequence. Despite expanded production, allocation remains extremely tight. Every bottle offered is verified for hand-label legibility and the integrity of the specific horse-and-jockey stopper. This is a foundational acquisition for any serious American whiskey portfolio and a mandatory inclusion for Buffalo Trace enthusiasts.

This bourbon is best enjoyed neat at room temperature in a Glencairn glass. The 93-proof strength also tolerates a single large clear cube, which helps to accentuate the citrus and vanilla notes. While highly allocated, its high-rye recipe makes it a peerless choice for a premium Old Fashioned or Manhattan.