As a whiskey enthusiast among all types of spirits, I’ve had the privilege of sampling some of the finest bourbons in the world. Among my top favorites are two iconic expressions from Blanton’s- Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel Vs. Blanton’s Gold. Each one has its unique appeal, offering something special to the discerning palate. In this post, I’ll take you through my personal experience with both, comparing and contrasting their profiles in a way that’s both fun and informative. Let’s go into this battle of Blanton’s best.
A Battle of Blanton’s Best
When it comes to premium bourbon, Blanton’s is a name that often comes up. But the differences between Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel and Blanton’s Gold have sparked plenty of debate in the whiskey community. Having sampled both bottles, I can confidently say that each has its strengths, but they cater to different moods and occasions.
Blanton’s Gold is often seen as the more refined and smooth of the two, offering a softer, approachable experience. In contrast, Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel packs a punch with its raw intensity and complexity. It’s like choosing between a velvet glove and a sledgehammer, both have their merits, but it depends on what you’re in the mood for.
For me, the beauty of these two bottles lies in how they each bring something special to the table. Sometimes, I’m in the mood for something bold and daring, and that’s when the Straight From the Barrel wins me over. On other nights, I crave the smooth luxury of Blanton’s Gold. Both are unforgettable, but you can only have one at a time.
Blanton’s Gold: A Luxurious and Smooth Experience
Price:
Blanton’s Gold is priced slightly higher than the regular Blanton’s bourbon, but it’s a steal considering its high-end profile. Typically, it’ll run you anywhere between $120 and $200, depending on availability and the store. While this might sound like a splurge, the richness and smoothness you get in return are definitely worth the investment, especially for special occasions.
The first time I tried Blanton’s Gold, I was sitting on my porch with a friend, savoring a warm evening and reminiscing about past adventures. As soon as I took a sip, I knew it was worth every penny. The price reflects the quality, and that smoothness just keeps you coming back for more.
Mash Bill:
Blanton’s Gold shares a similar mash bill to the regular Blanton’s, containing a blend of corn, rye, and malted barley. The exact ratio is a closely guarded secret, but the general consensus is that it’s made with around 70% corn, 15% rye, and 15% malted barley. This mash bill is what gives Blanton’s its distinctive flavor profile, balancing sweetness with a subtle spice.
I remember the first time I read about the mash bill for Blanton’s Gold, and I was curious if I could detect the rye and barley notes more clearly. Sure enough, when I tasted it, I found that the rye provided just enough peppery spice to balance out the sweetness from the corn.
Age:
Blanton’s Gold is typically aged around 6 to 8 years, which is a sweet spot for bourbons. It’s not too young to be sharp, but not so old that it loses its distinct flavor. I love how the age imparts depth without overwhelming the palate.
On one occasion, I shared a bottle of Blanton’s Gold with my cousin, who was visiting from out of town. We compared it to some other best bourbons we had on hand, and both of us agreed that the age of Blanton’s Gold gave it just the right balance of smoothness and complexity.
Proof:
Blanton’s Gold comes in at 93 proof, which is a bit higher than standard Blanton’s, but still smooth enough to drink neat or with a splash of water. This makes it a fantastic option if you’re looking for something with a little more character, but not something that’ll knock you over.
I prefer to enjoy Blanton’s Gold neat, but when I’ve had it with a few drops of water, it opens up in the most delightful way. It was on one such occasion that I realized Blanton’s Gold is incredibly versatile. It can handle the ice, but it’s equally enjoyable without it.
Distillery:
Blanton’s is made at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. This distillery is renowned for producing some of the finest bourbons in the world, and it’s where the magic happens behind Blanton’s Gold. The craftsmanship is evident in every sip.
Every time I visit Buffalo Trace, I make it a point to stop by the Blanton’s section of the distillery. It’s like a pilgrimage for bourbon lovers. I remember getting a behind-the-scenes tour and watching the distillers work their magic—it made every bottle of Blanton’s Gold feel like an experience rather than just a drink.
Color:
Blanton’s Gold has a rich, amber hue that is indicative of its maturity and depth. It’s one of those bourbons that just looks luxurious in the glass. The color alone gives you a hint of the smooth, silky experience that’s to come.
I remember pouring it for the first time at a family gathering, and everyone took a moment to admire the color. It’s almost as if the drink tells you, “I’m special,” before you even take a sip.
Nose:
The nose of Blanton’s Gold is incredibly inviting. You’re greeted with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a touch of orange zest, with subtle hints of oak and leather. It’s an aromatic experience that sets the stage for the rich flavor to come.
I took a deep inhale the first time I tried it, and the complexity on the nose made me eager for that first sip. The scents are not overpowering, just enough to hint at the layers within.
Taste:
Blanton’s Gold has a lush, rounded flavor profile. You’ll find it to be sweet with vanilla, honey, and caramel up front, followed by some gentle baking spices and a little hint of citrus. The flavor is balanced beautifully with no single note dominating the others. It’s smooth and silky, making it incredibly easy to drink.
The first time I had Blanton’s Gold, I was amazed at how well it paired with the quiet evening. It’s not a bourbon you rush, but one you savor slowly as the flavors evolve. Every sip will make you feel like a mini celebration.
Finish:
The finish of Blanton’s Gold is long, smooth, and slightly warming. It leaves behind a soft vanilla and caramel sweetness that lingers, making you eager to take another sip.
I’ve had moments where I’ve been so entranced by the finish that I forgot about the rest of my evening plans. It’s one of those whiskeys that you just don’t want to end.
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel: Bold and Complex
Price:
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel is the premium choice in the Blanton’s lineup, and as such, it comes with a higher price tag—typically ranging from $150 to $250, depending on where you find it. But when you taste it, you’ll see why it’s worth the investment. It’s bottled at cask strength, meaning it’s the bourbon as it comes out of the barrel, without any dilution.
I remember my first time seeing a bottle of Straight From the Barrel on the shelf, and I had to double-check the price. After tasting it, I understood why it was priced higher—this stuff is intense!
Mash Bill:
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel also uses the same mash bill as Blanton’s Gold, with a heavy emphasis on corn, rye, and barley. However, because it’s bottled at cask strength, the flavors are far more intense, allowing the rye and the malted barley to shine through more prominently.
The rye was particularly noticeable when I first tried it, giving it an earthy, peppery spice that paired beautifully with the richness of the corn. It’s a bold contrast to the smoother sweetness of Blanton’s Gold.
Age:
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel is typically aged around 8 years, giving it the time it needs to develop complexity. The longer aging allows the flavors to deepen and intensify, and you’ll notice this as soon as you take a sip.
On one occasion, I had a glass of Straight From the Barrel while sitting by a fire. The age really came through, adding to the overall warmth and depth of the experience. It was perfect for a cool evening.
Proof:
This is where Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel stands apart from the rest. Bottled at cask strength, it can range anywhere from 126 to 130 proof, depending on the batch. That means, it is higher than the 93 proof of Blanton’s Gold and this intense proof gives it a raw, unrefined edge that makes it a thrilling drink for those who love high-proof bourbons.
I’ll never forget the first time I tried Straight From the Barrel—I took a small sip and immediately felt the heat. It was like going into the deep end of bourbon. But after a few sips, the complexity and depth made it all worth it.
Distillery:
Just like I told about the Blanton’s Gold, Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is made at Buffalo Trace Distillery. But unlike Blanton’s Gold, which is carefully crafted for a smooth, luxurious experience, this one is all about boldness and intensity.
Every time I visit Buffalo Trace, I can’t help but feel a sense of reverence for the cask strength bourbons. Straight From the Barrel is a real treat for those who want to experience bourbon in its purest form.
Color:
The color of Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel is a deep amber with rich copper highlights. It’s darker than Blanton’s Gold, which makes sense given its higher proof and longer aging.
I poured a glass of Straight From the Barrel one evening and was instantly captivated by its dark, mysterious color. It looked like liquid gold in the glass, promising something powerful.
Nose:
When compared, the nose of Straight From the Barrel is more bold and intense, with rich vanilla, caramel, and oak notes. There’s a pronounced spice, especially from the rye, and a hint of tobacco and leather that add layers of complexity.
I took a deep breath before my first sip, and I could feel my excitement building. The nose was inviting but daring, signaling that this bourbon meant business.
Taste:
The taste of Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel is intense and complex. You’ll be hit with bold flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak, followed by a spicy rye kick. There’s a noticeable warmth that comes from the high proof, but the flavors hold up well to the intensity, providing a balanced and exciting experience.
The first time I tried Straight From the Barrel, I was amazed at how much flavor was packed into each sip. It’s not a bourbon for the faint of heart, but it’s a rewarding one for those who enjoy complexity and power.
Finish:
The finish is long and warming, with a spicy rye bite that lingers long after the sip. The sweetness from the caramel and vanilla carries through, but the heat from the high proof sticks around, leaving you with a lingering burn.
I remember savoring the finish of Straight From the Barrel as I sat on my back porch, watching the stars. It felt like the bourbon and I were in perfect harmony, the heat from the liquid matching the warmth of the evening air.
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel w/ 5 Drops of H20
When I add a few drops of water to Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel, the complexity opens up in new ways. The heat is tamed, but the rich flavors still shine through. It’s like unveiling a hidden side of the bourbon. I’ve had a few friends tell me they preferred it this way, and I’m inclined to agree—it’s a fantastic way to tame the beast without losing any of its essence.
Best Brands of Each
As for which brands make the best versions of each, it’s hard to say. I’ve sampled various bottles of both Blanton’s Gold and Straight From the Barrel, and while there are occasional batch differences, the quality is consistently high.
Best Brands of Each: My Personal Ratings
I’ve tasted various bottles from both the Blanton’s Gold and Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel lines. Here’s a breakdown of my experiences, including a rating system based on quality and how each bottle stacks up in its respective category.
| Brand/Batch | Expression | Flavor Rating | Smoothness | Complexity | Overall Rating |
| Blanton’s Gold | Standard Edition | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Blanton’s Gold | Barrel #234 (Special Edition) | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 9.3/10 |
| Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel | Batch #06-01-21 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel | Batch #02-15-21 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Blanton’s Gold:
Blanton’s Gold is always a treat, but there are certain batches that elevate the experience. For instance, the Barrel #234 (Special Edition) was especially impressive to me—it had an enhanced vanilla and citrus profile that made it particularly smooth, yet layered in complexity. The regular edition of Blanton’s Gold, while still fantastic, didn’t hit as many complex notes, but it is undeniably smooth and balanced.
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel:
Now, when we move to Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel, the flavor profile gets a lot more intense and complex. The Batch #06-01-21 was nothing short of extraordinary—packed with rich caramel, oak, and peppery rye spice. This batch was particularly bold and had a great deal of warmth that made the sip linger. While the proof is much higher in this expression, the complexity made it a standout. In contrast, Batch #02-15-21 was slightly more approachable, with a smoother texture and a touch less heat, but still highly flavorful. Both batches offered incredible depth, and I found myself savoring them long after the glass was empty.
My Favorite Blanton’s
If I had to choose, Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel takes the crown for me. It’s a more intense, complex experience that keeps me coming back for more. But don’t get me wrong—Blanton’s Gold is a close second, perfect for when I want something smoother and more refined.
FAQs on Blanton’s Straight and Blanton’s Gold
What is the difference between Blanton’s and Blanton’s Gold?
Blanton’s Gold has a slightly higher proof and is smoother, with more complex flavors of honey, vanilla, and caramel. Blanton’s, on the other hand, is more approachable and lighter in comparison.
What is Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel?
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel is a very much cask strength bourbon. This can be bottled without any dilution. This gives it a higher proof and a more intense flavor profile
Which Blanton’s is most rare?
Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel can be considered the rarest and special of the Blanton’s expressions. It’s more difficult to find and often released in limited quantities.
What are the different levels of Blanton’s?
Blanton’s comes in several expressions, including the regular Blanton’s, Blanton’s Gold, Blanton’s Straight From the Barrel, and Blanton’s Special Reserve. Each offers a different experience, from smooth and easy-drinking to bold and cask-strength.
