We discovered Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon more than 13 years ago at The Benjamin Steakhouse in New York City. Perfectly suited for those cooler nights during the fall, the warm notes of this bourbon paired with the warm tones of a Rolex Sky-Dweller Everose with slate dial ref. 326935 makes a more than a perfect combo. While the law does not require bourbon to be made in Kentucky, the Bluegrass state produces approximately 95% of the world’s supply.
When early settlers of Scottish, German, and Irish descent moved West in search of more land and resources, many settled in what is now Kentucky. These settlers brought with them their stills and distilling knowledge and discovered that Kentucky was the ideal place to make great whiskey because of its vast deposits of limestone rock that filter unwanted minerals out of the water used in the distilling process. A second is the soil and climate are perfect for growing corn; bourbon’s primary ingredient and source of its distinctive sweet flavor profile.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon started in 1984. Nearing retirement, Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee was tasked with creating a bourbon of exceptionally high quality. With careful reflection, he recalled the earlier days of his career in the late 1940s when he worked under Colonel Albert B. Blanton. Colonel Blanton was the president of the distillery until 1952. Mr. Lee remembered that when Colonel Blanton would entertain dignitaries and other important guests, he would handpick ‘honey barrels’ from the center cut of Warehouse H and have that bourbon bottled one barrel at a time. As a tribute to Colonel Blanton’s old tradition, Elmer T. Lee decided to name this new bourbon ‘Blanton’s Single Barrel.’
Colonel Albert Bacon Blanton was born on a farm near the distillery in 1881. In 1897, Colonel Blanton was hired as a clerk at the distillery. As he grew older, he became very familiar with the distillery’s operations, working in every department. He started as an office boy at 16, and finally, in 1921, he was in charge of the entire operation, becoming President of the distillery. Colonel Blanton’s savvy business acumen allowed bourbon production to continue during Prohibition, keeping the distillery operating when many others were closing their doors.
Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Blanton’s Original set the standard for single-barrel bourbons in 1984. Best served neat or on the rocks. Bottled at 46.5% alcohol by volume.
Each bottle of Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon is labeled and numbered by hand, and each bottle features the iconic horse and jockey stoppers. These unmistakable stoppers atop each bottle of Blanton’s are how the brand connects its rich heritage in bourbon to the tradition of horses in Kentucky. Beginning in 1999 a collector's set of eight different stoppers was produced. The set features a horse and jockey in different strides and poses resembling the stages of a horse race, from beginning to end.
Each stopper is marked on the left bottom corner of the horse with a single letter from the word Blanton's. To complete the set, one must collect all the letters that show the horse and jockey in different strides. Once you get to complete the set, the final stopper, marked by the letter “S” —and one of the most scarce letters on these stoppers— shows the horse finishing the race in victory.
Next time you grab a bottle of Blanton’s look for this signature touch that only those in the know knew about decades ago. Just like those that immediately will know that the red square on the dial of the Rolex Sky-Dweller is the month indicator on this annual calendar.
Next time you have on your wrist a Rolex Sky-Dweller Everose with slate dial ref. 326935, and you are looking for the right bourbon to pair it with, rest assured that the amber tones of Blanton’s will make your evening warm and your watch even warmer. One of the finest bourbons out there that have turned impossible to find nowadays.
Sticker Price $220 USD —Rolex Sky-Dweller Everose not included. For more info on Blanton’s click here.
