The Story
117 proof. Non-chill filtered. Hand-selected one barrel at a time in Colonel Blanton's tradition. A tribute to the 1984 launch of the world's first single barrel bourbon.
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon was created in 1984 by Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee — the first bourbon ever commercially marketed as a single barrel expression. The 2020 Special Release is a tribute to that founding moment: each barrel for this release was hand-selected at exactly 117 proof, then bottled non-chill filtered to preserve the full oils and aromatics that standard filtration would remove.
The non-chill filtered approach at 117 proof is the defining production decision for this release. At 117 proof the high-rye Buffalo Trace mash bill expresses its maximum complexity — bolder and more concentrated than the standard 93 proof Blanton's Original, with a richer mouthfeel from the retained barrel oils. It is the most intense and least mediated Blanton's expression available, short of the international Straight From the Barrel release.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with exceptional viscosity from the non-chill filtered bottling.
- Nose: Dark chocolate, caramel, butter, and a walnut-hazelnut earthiness — the proof opens up the aromatics significantly compared to the standard expression.
- Palate: Warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts, and a rich spiciness with butterscotch and honey. The 117 proof delivers full intensity without becoming harsh.
- Finish: Deep and resonant — long, warm, and complex.
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
- Mash bill: High-rye Buffalo Trace recipe
- Proof: 117 (58.5% ABV)
- Bottling: Non-chill filtered
- Release: 2020 Special Release — tribute to Blanton's 1984 founding
- Size: 750ml
Browse the full bourbon selection at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the 2020 Special Release differ from standard Blanton's Original? Standard Blanton's Original is bottled at 93 proof and chill filtered. The 2020 Special Release is 117 proof and non-chill filtered — dramatically more intense, with a richer mouthfeel from retained barrel oils and a more powerful flavor delivery from the higher proof.
- What does non-chill filtered mean? Standard bourbon undergoes chill filtration to remove fatty acids and esters that can cause cloudiness at cold temperatures. Blanton's 2020 Special Release skips this step — retaining those compounds, which contribute to mouthfeel and flavor. The result is a richer, more viscous bourbon with a slightly different aromatic profile.
- What is Warehouse H? Colonel Albert B. Blanton identified a specific section of Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace as producing exceptional bourbon due to its location and the temperature variations it experiences. All Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is aged in Warehouse H — it is the only warehouse authorized to bear the Blanton's name on its bottles.
- Is the 2020 Special Release still available? In limited quantities. Special Release Blanton's expressions are produced in limited batches and not continuously available.
Description
117 proof. Non-chill filtered. Hand-selected one barrel at a time in Colonel Blanton's tradition. A tribute to the 1984 launch of the world's first single barrel bourbon.
Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon was created in 1984 by Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee — the first bourbon ever commercially marketed as a single barrel expression. The 2020 Special Release is a tribute to that founding moment: each barrel for this release was hand-selected at exactly 117 proof, then bottled non-chill filtered to preserve the full oils and aromatics that standard filtration would remove.
The non-chill filtered approach at 117 proof is the defining production decision for this release. At 117 proof the high-rye Buffalo Trace mash bill expresses its maximum complexity — bolder and more concentrated than the standard 93 proof Blanton's Original, with a richer mouthfeel from the retained barrel oils. It is the most intense and least mediated Blanton's expression available, short of the international Straight From the Barrel release.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance: Deep amber with exceptional viscosity from the non-chill filtered bottling.
- Nose: Dark chocolate, caramel, butter, and a walnut-hazelnut earthiness — the proof opens up the aromatics significantly compared to the standard expression.
- Palate: Warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts, and a rich spiciness with butterscotch and honey. The 117 proof delivers full intensity without becoming harsh.
- Finish: Deep and resonant — long, warm, and complex.
Specs
- Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
- Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
- Mash bill: High-rye Buffalo Trace recipe
- Proof: 117 (58.5% ABV)
- Bottling: Non-chill filtered
- Release: 2020 Special Release — tribute to Blanton's 1984 founding
- Size: 750ml
Browse the full bourbon selection at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does the 2020 Special Release differ from standard Blanton's Original? Standard Blanton's Original is bottled at 93 proof and chill filtered. The 2020 Special Release is 117 proof and non-chill filtered — dramatically more intense, with a richer mouthfeel from retained barrel oils and a more powerful flavor delivery from the higher proof.
- What does non-chill filtered mean? Standard bourbon undergoes chill filtration to remove fatty acids and esters that can cause cloudiness at cold temperatures. Blanton's 2020 Special Release skips this step — retaining those compounds, which contribute to mouthfeel and flavor. The result is a richer, more viscous bourbon with a slightly different aromatic profile.
- What is Warehouse H? Colonel Albert B. Blanton identified a specific section of Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace as producing exceptional bourbon due to its location and the temperature variations it experiences. All Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is aged in Warehouse H — it is the only warehouse authorized to bear the Blanton's name on its bottles.
- Is the 2020 Special Release still available? In limited quantities. Special Release Blanton's expressions are produced in limited batches and not continuously available.
