Blanton's Special Reserve, known to collectors as Blanton's Green Label, is an export only expression of the bourbon that launched the modern single barrel category. Blanton's was created in 1984 by Buffalo Trace master distiller Elmer T. Lee, who named it in honour of Colonel Albert B. Blanton, the distillery's longtime leader. Every bottle is drawn from a single barrel, never blended with any other, and the barrels are aged in Warehouse H, the only metal clad warehouse at Buffalo Trace, where the metal walls amplify seasonal temperature swings and push the bourbon deeper into the wood. The Special Reserve is the same Kentucky straight bourbon as the original Blanton's Single Barrel, bottled at 80 proof for a softer, more approachable character, and it is made exclusively for select markets outside the United States, which is why it comes in a 700ml bottle. Each label is filled in by hand with the date the barrel was dumped, the barrel number, the warehouse and the rick, and the bottle is crowned with one of Blanton's collectible horse and jockey stoppers. Expect a gentle, honeyed bourbon with caramel, vanilla and light citrus on the nose, a smooth palate of toffee, honey and soft baking spice, and a clean, mellow finish. Enjoy it neat or over a large ice cube.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Size |
700ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Warehouse |
Warehouse H |
| Release |
Export only (Special Reserve, Green Label) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light amber.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla and honey with light citrus.
Palate: Smooth and gentle, with toffee, honey and soft baking spice.
Finish: Clean and mellow, with lingering sweet oak.
FAQ
What is Blanton's Green Label?
Blanton's Special Reserve, an export only single barrel bourbon bottled at 80 proof and nicknamed for its green label.
How is it different from Blanton's Original?
It is the same single barrel bourbon, bottled at 80 proof rather than 93 for a softer profile, and sold only outside the United States.
Why is it a 700ml bottle?
It is produced for export markets, where 700ml is the standard size.
Is every bottle different?
Yes. Each comes from a single barrel and is hand labelled with its dump date, barrel number, warehouse and rick. The proof is always 80.
How should I drink it?
Neat or over a large ice cube.
Where can I buy Blanton's Special Reserve Green Label online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
