Blanton’s Bourbon has long held a special place in the hearts of bourbon enthusiasts. For years, it was considered the quintessential “OG” of single-barrel bourbons—smooth, flavorful, and often difficult to find. Collectors would hunt for bottles, and it was a go-to for those looking to enjoy a premium bourbon. But, in recent years, Blanton’s has started to lose some of its charm. It’s no longer the must-have bottle on everyone’s shelf, and in some cases, it’s even gathering dust on liquor store shelves.
What happened to Blanton’s? Is the “OG” starting to fall out of favor, or is it simply a shift in the bourbon landscape? In this post, we’ll explore why Blanton’s is losing ground with modern bourbon drinkers, particularly focusing on the changes in consumer taste, the rising price point, and the emergence of better alternatives from other brands. Even though Blanton’s remains iconic, its grip on the bourbon world is loosening, and it’s time to take a hard look at why.
The OG Bourbon: Blanton’s Legacy
For many bourbon drinkers, Blanton’s was a gateway to the world of single-barrel, small-batch bourbons. Launched in 1984 by Elmer T. Lee at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Blanton’s became the first commercially available single-barrel bourbon. This was a significant moment in bourbon history, and it created a wave of excitement in the bourbon world. The intricate packaging, with the famous horse-and-jockey stopper and the copper label, added a level of prestige that many bourbon drinkers coveted.
Blanton’s was initially popular for its smoothness, complexity, and rich, caramelized flavor profile. It wasn’t overly aggressive like some bourbons, and its accessibility made it appealing to both newcomers and experienced connoisseurs alike. For a long time, it was seen as the benchmark for quality and craft in the world of bourbon.
However, in the last few years, Blanton’s has started to show cracks in its previously solid foundation. While it is still highly regarded by many, it’s no longer the top choice for a growing number of bourbon aficionados. The reasons are multifaceted, but most prominently, it comes down to shifting tastes, skyrocketing prices, and the rise of worthy competitors in the bourbon market.
The Shift in Consumer Tastes: Bourbon Drinkers Are Evolving
As bourbon drinkers become more educated and their palates mature, they’re moving away from the “mainstream” options like Blanton’s, and they’re seeking new, bolder, or more unique flavors. Bourbon enthusiasts are no longer just looking for a high-quality, smooth pour—they want complexity, variety, and even a bit of experimentation in their whiskey.
Blanton’s, while still a solid bourbon, has become somewhat predictable in comparison. While it’s consistent, many drinkers are finding it lacks the exciting, nuanced qualities they’re looking for. It doesn’t push the envelope like other bourbons from newer brands or established distilleries offering more experimental or daring expressions. As consumers become more aware of the various flavor profiles in the bourbon world, they are discovering that Blanton’s, with its slightly sweeter profile and lack of intense spice or wood notes, doesn’t hit the mark for their evolving tastes.
Take, for example, the growing popularity of higher-proof bourbons, like those from Barrel Craft Spirits or Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof offerings. These bourbons, often bold and full of robust flavors, appeal to a generation of drinkers who crave complexity and strength. While Blanton’s is certainly a well-crafted bourbon, it’s not the powerhouse some of today’s bourbon drinkers are after. For many, the flavor is too light or sweet, especially when compared to newer bottlings that offer deeper, more varied profiles.
Moreover, younger bourbon drinkers are leaning into more craft-centric, boutique distilleries that offer transparency in their production methods and the chance to support smaller, independent operations. Bourbon drinkers, especially those new to the scene, want to explore more than just one or two well-known brands. The desire to venture into different regions, discover rare expressions, and enjoy unique flavor profiles is shifting the focus away from once-popular staples like Blanton’s.
The Price Point: Is It Really Worth It?
While the demand for Blanton’s has always been relatively high, recent shifts in price are making it less appealing to consumers. At one point, Blanton’s was a reasonably priced, premium bourbon that offered a great bang for your buck. However, in the past few years, the price of a bottle has skyrocketed, causing many bourbon drinkers to reconsider their purchases.
The retail price for Blanton’s in recent years has ranged from around $55 to $85 a bottle, depending on the region and availability. But in many places, particularly in the secondary market, the price can easily soar to $200 or more. That’s a far cry from its humble beginnings as a reasonably priced single-barrel bourbon, and it has left many bourbon drinkers scratching their heads.
What’s even more surprising is that, despite these rising prices, Blanton’s doesn’t always live up to the hype. When you’re paying that much for a bottle, you expect something truly extraordinary—a bourbon that not only meets your expectations but exceeds them. But in many cases, Blanton’s is not delivering at its elevated price point.
Let’s face it: there are plenty of bourbons available for less money that provide equal, if not better, quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel (often available for around $30–40) is an excellent example of a bottle that offers great quality without the inflated price tag. Similarly, Wild Turkey 101, a well-balanced bourbon with a higher proof, can be found for half the price of a bottle of Blanton’s, making it an attractive option for those looking for more value from their bourbon selection.
As a result, many bourbon drinkers are growing disillusioned with the idea that Blanton’s is “the one” to have. While its popularity has led to inflated prices, the actual product no longer feels like a “must-have” in the same way it once did. With price inflation comes a sense of buyer’s remorse among many enthusiasts, especially when they realize that other bourbons offer superior taste at a fraction of the cost.
Better Alternatives: Rising Stars in the Bourbon Market
One of the most significant factors contributing to Blanton’s decline in popularity is the rise of other brands offering equal or better quality for a more reasonable price. Bourbon drinkers are increasingly moving toward brands that provide not only high-quality products but also unique, exciting flavor profiles.
Take Buffalo Trace itself, for example. While Blanton’s is made at Buffalo Trace Distillery, other expressions from the distillery, such as Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Evan Williams Single Barrel, have become more popular as alternatives that deliver just as much (if not more) flavor and depth at a more reasonable price. Weller is another great example—while it is also owned by Buffalo Trace, the Weller Special Reserve is often considered a more affordable alternative to Blanton’s, offering a similar flavor profile at a much lower price point.
Other brands are entering the scene with bold expressions that push the boundaries of traditional bourbon. Barrell Craft Spirits has taken the market by storm with its innovative cask-strength bourbons and unique blends. Their offerings—such as the Barrell Bourbon Batch 025—are a hit with enthusiasts, showcasing complexity, boldness, and depth that Blanton’s, for all its reputation, simply doesn’t match.
Even Knob Creek has capitalized on the demand for high-proof, flavorful bourbons, with expressions like Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Knob Creek 120 Proof, offering strong, intense flavors at a competitive price. These bourbons have become favorites for those who want something more exciting and intense than the often smooth but relatively tame profile of Blanton’s.
And let’s not forget about Old Forester. Known for its rich flavor profile and consistency, Old Forester offers a range of expressions, from the Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style to Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, that continually receive rave reviews for their flavor and value, often outperforming Blanton’s in blind tastings and price comparisons.
The Market’s Changing Landscape: A Shifting Perception
Blanton’s may have once been the gold standard for premium bourbon, but in today’s competitive market, it’s losing its status as the go-to bottle for collectors and drinkers alike. As bourbon drinkers continue to evolve and taste preferences change, more people are turning to brands that offer higher proof, bolder flavors, and a better value for money. Additionally, with the price of Blanton’s rising and its availability decreasing, it’s no longer the “must-have” bottle it once was.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that the bourbon market has matured and diversified. Bourbon drinkers are now spoiled for choice, and the selection available today is more exciting and diverse than ever before. Blanton’s was the OG, but the OG is starting to lose ground in an era where innovation and value matter more than ever.
For the bourbon drinkers who once sought out Blanton’s as the pinnacle of quality, the reality is clear: the world of bourbon has moved on. And with better alternatives out there, both in terms of taste and price, it’s no surprise that Blanton’s is no longer the reigning champion.
In conclusion, Blanton’s, for all its historical significance and initial brilliance, has found itself struggling to maintain its place in the hearts of modern bourbon drinkers. The price point, the changing tastes, and the rise of better alternatives have all played a role in its decline. While it will always hold a place in bourbon history, its current status as a bourbon king is under siege. And with bourbon drinkers increasingly turning their attention elsewhere, Blanton’s is finding it harder to reclaim its former glory. The OG may have started it all, but in today’s bourbon world, it’s no longer the undisputed champion.