What are the best alternatives to Blanton's?

Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon is arguably the most well known and brilliantly marketed bourbon on the market today. But with so many of you out there chasing the grenade style bottle shape and collecting those iconic racing horses on top in hopes of spelling Blanton's, this popular bottle from Buffalo Trace has become really difficult to find on the shelf at a fair price. So if you have tried Blanton’s in the past and loved whats in the bottle and not just the bottle itself, then this video is for my top alternative
bourbons to Blanton's! Enjoy!
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[@paulring4267]

You do such an excellent job of explaining each bourbon without getting lost in the shuffle. I like your straight forward approach. Thank you 👍 I’ve been taking notes 😊

[@metalman3274]

Haven’t had an opportunity to sip Blantons but the michters has quickly become one of my favorite bourbons I’ve tried. Cheers!

[@whiskeybonded]

Does anyone else love watching the background and trying to name all of the bottles? Just me? Another great video!

[@mrs.tiffiniporter5244]

I work in a liquor store, and by the looks of things, some of my favorites made your list!!

[@vincepeterson2834]

Out of your lineup, the Woodford Reserve is my favorite.

[@jamiereifert2824]

Love all your videos and to be honest envious of your job! Props and keep doing what your doing!

[@carsonbeck853]

Most informative whiskey tube channel out there.... Ya killin it Jason.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks man!! Appreciate that man!!

[@djbeacon1942]

Jason, Great video. I wondered when someone would tackle this topic!! Cheers!! 👍🥃😄

[@douglaspapa9545]

Another great video Jason, love to see some alternatives to Blantons!!!

[@cguy96]

The list of scotches, bourbons, whiskeys, and whiskys that I have removed from my cabinet as the price became more reflective of the hype, rather than the product, continues to grow. It must be at least 5 years since my last bottle of Blantons, and I don’t expect I will be drinking it again. Thankfully, the rise of craft brewing is producing American whiskeys that rival any of these corporate products, and the excitement of hunting down these small producers is much more satisfying than bringing out a bottle of Pappy.

[@hardmember]

New Riff on that craft distillery list?

[@cguy96]

hardmember not yet, i have really enjoyed traveling to get them, and haven’t been back to KY

[@b.whisky9438]

Do you mean distillery??

[@cguy96]

B. Whisky weird, yes. I meant craft distilling. I must have been sampling too much of the good stuff when I wrote that.

[@bobboberson6664]

@@hardmember I've been really pleased with almost everything I've drank from New Riff

[@nairbjc]

Loved this episode. Great information. Keeping notes on this one.

[@ronpriskie6330]

Evan Williams Single Barrel has been a favorite of mine for over 10 years. A steal IMHO!

[@taylornielsen5844]

Ron Priskie so slept on. I love EWSB. Was just recommending it to my brother last week.

[@thebird36]

What's better is the BiB

[@ronpriskie6330]

Paul Callahan never had it. Looking forward to it though.

[@thebird36]

@@ronpriskie6330 super cheap too I think I paid $22 for a 750ml

[@ronpriskie6330]

@Paul Callahan I seldom see this in my part of the world.

[@bbbbb816]

My current choice is Four Roses Small Batch Select, love it's spicy nature.

[@houstonSolo]

Just got given a bottle by a good buddy of mine out of the blue last week. Excited to try it

[@bernerbee6423]

I needed this video... I just started my adventure in to whiskey about 6-7 months ago. As of the last month, I have specifically taken a liking to bourbon. As I continue to look for unique and classic bottles to try, Blanton's is the one that continues to evade me. I actually saw it at a store selling for $250, which I refused to buy. Not long after my hunt to find Blanton's at a reasonable price started, I found out that my young brother, who by the way does NOT drink whiskey, has a bottle of it because he "wanted a cool bottle". When I asked him how much he paid for it he said, $50-60. He didn't remember where he got it of course. My hunt continues but I'm glad I have alternatives to search for now. Thanks!

[@MattSchuster2565]

Yes! One of my favorites is Evan Williams single barrel vintage! It's like $27 a bottle here in oklahoma (which has notoriously high bourbon prices) and is outstanding! I'm spoiled to have this as my everyday pour and now find it hard to pay the price for eagle rare or Blantons. I would honestly be fine with paying $50-$60 a bottle for this, but it would then move into my weekend pour instead of everyday pour. Delicious!

[@Triadboynuke]

I happened to see on-line, that "Old Forester 1910" was placing #1 on a couple of whiskey surveys. I bought a bottle and tried it. I crapped a brick. It's really good.

[@SpookyApparition]

Just bought a bottle because of this video. Absolutely worth it.

[@robertcherry7190]

The 1910 and 1920 are great.

[@robertbaker3174]

If you are still kicking I have a question. I like Woodford Reserve and Knob Creek. Any thoughts on what else to try?

[@jmanswat2457]

@@robertbaker3174 I love those two myself and they're really hard to beat out get away from. But my recommendations would be Eagle Rare, wild turkey rare breed and 1792. As for the 1910, even though it's a brown foreman product and is nearly identical to Woodford double oaked, something about it kept me from draining the bottle. It's the longest lasting bottle of bourbon on my shelf and not because I was trying to save it.

[@robertbaker3174]

@@jmanswat2457 Thanks.I can't forget the first time I tried the Knob Creek and Woodford Reserve. As an allergy sufferer

[@minniesfishies3024]

I toured Bowman distillery 2 years ago and they told me on the tour that despite their juice being outsourced now, that the recipes and in particular the fermentation yeast are theirs alone. I was left with the impression that they don't just take one of BT's mashbills but continue under their own recipes. I wish I had taken notes at the time. They also had a large expansion project underway and the guide indicated they were planning on taking their distillation back in house. Maybe it's time for another tour. :-)

[@TheMashandDrum]

I would think they are closer to having their own distillate at this point.

[@jshapiro34]

There is a rumor that red label is BT and green in bowman’s through and through

[@elveesure4071]

Respect! Old forester is hands down my fav 1920,1910, statesman

[@diygaragedoorparts8206]

Old Forester line up is spot on

[@bo_mccroskey]

The Old Forester 1920 is my favorite of these, and one of my overall favorites.

[@chrishudgins7782]

All great choices! I've loved Blanton's for years, but since it's almost unobtainable now my favorite alternatives are the John J. Bowmans or Blade and Bow. Great video! Thanks!

[@jfeliz5882]

Once again another informative video. This will be relevant for years to come. Cheers🥃

[@WhiskeyStraightAl]

Cracking alternatives offered up there Jason. Top notch!

[@josephbravo4767]

Very informative video, I will try all your recommendations and find my new go to... thanks!

[@mmaontherocks]

Great stuff! The 1910 is my favorite out of all of these. The closest thing I have found to Blanton's taste-wise is FEW bourbon from Illinois. If you can get over the fact that it's bourbon from Illinois, it tastes very similar if you close your eyes. It's not a single barrel, but it is 20% rye and bottled at 93 proof. Give it a pour if you haven't yet - cheers.

[@krisyarish3178]

I have a glass of Woodford in my hand right now. My favorite daily drinker on this list

[@timothymcmahon1563]

I Really enjoy your videos! I agree with all of these except for the Bowman only because I haven’t had that one yet. Keep up the good work.

[@jonsigmund4836]

Can you do this as a series for all the hard to find bourbons/scotch, I like this format of giving a number of choices since I can’t find a lot of variety. Thanks

[@TheMashandDrum]

Sure!

[@MrPauli1nj]

This would be an excellent series. Completely agree.

[@KevinJones-he9ps]

Definitely agree!

[@iamf]

Agree. In our state, we have a lot of allocating which is low low inventory and many that are available in other states but not ours.

[@nsomdaniel6295]

@Adam Gagliano Hi there, if your looking still looking to get a Blanton, shot me a massage on IG at @daniel_loves_bourbons

[@vashonwatchdog]

My wife and the gal at the liquor store frequently conspire to get me bourbon, and Blanton's became a favorite; have 5 of the horses so far... don’t know that’s a good thing. Blanton's is rather expensive. After watching this video I was inspired to try these recommendations; I began with Woodford Double Oaked. I really like it, and the girls are looking into bringing a case into the store. Thanks. I’m looking forward to trying the other picks.

[@GPosner8]

Thank you for all your reviews. Your knowledge of bourbons is only surpassed by the ease and enjoyable viewing style of your channel. No hype, no nonsense, no silliness. Just good honest reviews👍👍

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks so much! appreciate that!

[@paulring4267]

Agreed

[@carolinakayakadventures270]

Great video!!! I have gone to the Bakers for my personal alternative. I was glad to see you included this in you alternate as well. As always you nailed it!!!

[@jordancmccauley]

This was a great review, my man. I love the bit about Bowman. I had no idea there was a linkage between them and Buffalo Trace. Great info! Cheers!

[@gracieki7231]

Enjoy watching you. You helped me to help my customers to pick their bourbon

[@TheMashandDrum]

Appreciate that!

[@michaelreynolds8404]

Great topic and presented very well. Thanks for doing this. I think I'm going to have to get one of each and have fun experimenting. Cheers!

[@erikevenson4303]

i love your nerdy info..it must take along time to get this ready. i admire your filming ability.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Erik!

[@mikedupree832]

Great video, good shopping list. I got introduced to Blanton's by a clerk in a liquor store when I was traveling thru Kentucky and looking for an Anniversary bottle. Great choice hard to find at home now. My laziness and curiosity drove me to trying Larceny. Something with a pleasant taste and flavor and a neat name. Now I find Blanton's when not looking for it. Larceny became my lockdown bottle. Will complete my shopping list to look for a Blanton's alternative. Thanks

[@78darralvg]

Larceny is FANTASTIC!!

[@jlastre]

I lived in Champaign-Urbana, IL and basically was like one of two people who would buy Blanton’s at a chain liquor store. I moved to Peoria, IL and now there is none to be found. Thanks for the video. Helps a lot.

[@ccjacks3]

Thanks so much for this video. That bottle of Blanton's in the video was bottled on my grandad's birthday!!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Whoa! That's awesome!!

[@bronovalter391]

Started drinking Blanton's in the late 80's and I used to buy a bottle for myself on my birthday. Love it and I haven't seen it for years. I like Evan Williams Single Barrel, but the experience is very different for me. The lack of complexity is the stumbling block, but that won't stop me from enjoying it. The Russell's Reserve is much closer IMO. I can't think of anything I don't like from Wild Turkey. I will have to give the Woodford Reserve a try. I very much like their standard offering. Might be to sweet for me though. Eagle Rare is the closest to the Blanton's experience that I have tried. That probably isn't a surprise!

[@DaliaGarces]

I'm glad to say I have 3 of these on my shelf right now, and will be looking to add more. Finding a great flavor alternative is awesome..

[@kitcarson7447]

I love you!

[@susanneconway]

Lol, me too, however the Blanton's now contain soils from various race tracks

[@loulafrate2286]

Great video. Looking forward to trying a few of the ones recommended that I have passed over at my local retailer. Thanks

[@rjaguilar9141]

Just started watching your channel really appreciate the insights as I am a novice Bourbon drinker and just started on that journey. KEEP IT UP.

[@xciceroguy]

Just bought a bottle of Michters. Can’t wait to open it.

[@larryhemsath]

Excellent video buddy, love it🥃

[@bourbonbuddies836]

Thanks for doing the good deed for everyone here! So so soooo many other options out there other than Blanton’s that are equally or way better. Cheers Jason! 🥃

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks buddy!

[@walterrobinson1988]

Great Vid, I've never had Blanton's as it's a bit higher I'm willing to pay on most trips to the liquor store (even if I could get it at MSRP). But you've got three of my Favorites: Russel Reserve, Michter's, and Evan Single Barrel. I need to try the rest clearly. I realize these aren't your favorite bourbons, but I appreciate you helping us find similar flavor profiles for those of us who enjoy it.

[@jordanbenoit8222]

Love it, Blantons is my all time fav but these are some great alternatives.

[@jeffpurnell4359]

Some excellent suggestions (and love the camera shots)! Been wanting to try the Michter's so will be on the hunt for that one. Also love OF, so the 1910 sounds interesting as well. Thanks for the comparisons- always find your show to be informative & well thought-out. Cheers buddy!

[@JRud1978]

The Old Forrester Statesman is delicious as well!

[@kevincampbell4589]

I'm more of a scotch guy than bourbon guy, but I DO like the smoother, less bitey bourbons as well. This comparison was very informative.

[@davidbundesen5867]

Thanks. This gives me some new whisks to try.

[@archipelago93]

I picked up an 8.5 year old bottle of Baker’s SiB and at first thought it was just ok-but then I blinded it against my other best bourbons (including Barrell Bourbon #25, Old Forester 1920, and Bardstown Discovery Series #4), and it actually won. I was blown away! It must have really opened up since I first cracked it opened.

[@WhiskeyQuests]

Awesome video Jason 👍 I like the b-roll you did between each bottle. I’m sure this was a lot of work and all compacted into 16:13 minutes for our viewing pleasure. Never had Blantons never seen it here for under $80. But thanks for doing the comparison 👍 Cheers man 🥃

[@martyp5976]

Si, great content as always!

[@Pondhopper101]

You absolutely nailed it. Great video.

[@carlupthegrove262]

Loved this compare... I have never heard of John J Bowman (in CA) but the rest are known to me and I really enjoy them... thanks.

[@gmoney9961]

Awesome content. Subscribed! 🥃

[@dirtyhairy8884]

Great video and alternatives. Thank you!

[@jeremybroadbent9227]

Great Video. If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone ask for Blanton’s when I was in the liquor store I’d be a rich man! Every time i hear it I look at the shelf and see 10-20 bourbons sitting there that are as good, or better. I honestly haven’t had regular Blanton’s in a while, so I don’t really remember the flavor profile, but all these picks are solid. Only one I haven’t had is the bakers, not really a Beam fan, dont like KC, but maybe ill give this one a try. I like the new label haha!

[@kimdowell5781]

Thanks for the great info!

[@michaelfoecking6129]

Went to the Bowman distillery a couple weeks ago. Tour guide said all distillation and mash bill recipe is completely independent of Buffalo Trace. Whatever it is, it's a great whiskey.

[@lukethreatt6187]

Great video, excellent editing too

[@emilyh7706]

This video was so so helpful! My husband and I waited over a year to get a bottle from out local liquor store. So we will definitely try these other guys!

[@TheSkcookie]

I was surprised to not see Colonel E.H. Taylor on there as it’s a very respectable alternative

[@jsb2277b]

@@TheSkcookie probably because it's just as hard to find if not harder. But I agree i would take it over blantons any day. Cheers

[@moisesrodriguez205]

Another great video thank you 🥃

[@brightdevices]

great idea for a video. Well done.Lots of great info.

[@jaylives0147]

Excellent list. I used to live across the street from Jim Beam on 245. I would suggest trying one I discovered recently: Redemption High Rye. Smooth and sweet, and under $30.

[@chrisdowdy]

You're right on with these reviews. I really like the old Forrester 1910 and think it's underrated. Blantons is good but not for the hype or price at bars. Not bashing Blantons at all. I've got the set of tops to prove it.

[@CalvinsCorner72]

Nice video, very well put together

[@ScottnCarol4JC]

Great list of affordable whiskey to try. Thank you.

[@jasonandjennbeanie2511]

Still new to bourbon, 18 months, but love and have the Michters and the 1910. Also love the 1920

[@whiskywatches]

You were spot on! Cheers! 🥃

[@crackerjack9120]

Basil Haden and Woodford for me, but I am going pick up those others too. Fun video, thanks.

[@stevegellas7869]

Some great ideas! Thanks.

[@krazykanux]

thnx for the list. Been looking for alternatives for awhile for Blanton's and it could not be on a better day... my bday!!!! so i will be looking out for the bourbons you mentioned and enjoy them.

[@TheMashandDrum]

happy birthday!

[@WellBeingWarrior]

Added Russell's Reserve to my collection...really enjoying it. Thanks!

[@devipittman6926]

Thanks for the review

[@rickrichardson245]

GREAT video, Jason. All strong alternative choices to the impossible-to-find Blantons.

[@oldtimerf7602]

The Baker's 7 single is absolutely fantastic. Beats all the rest for my tastes.

[@bewest245]

Very informative video. Great job. One of my fall backs when I cant find Blanton’s has been Basil Haden especially the Caribbean Rye version. Hopefully that won’t go out of stock.

[@ckeats2]

Loved the run down. There is a lot of really good available, affordable bourbon out there for drinking as opposed to hunting

[@benscratchin7017]

I agree... I have 3 bottles of Blanton's in my bar right now. My everyday go to though is Evan Williams BiB.

[@bt1hunter1]

The John J Bowman got my attention. Think I’ll add to my future buy list. Thanks Jason!

[@ericsims91]

bt1hunter1 to me it is by far the closest taste to Blanton’s but at a higher proof making it even better. Used to be the best kept secret out there, but it’s pretty hard to find now too.

[@RareBird101]

Great video Jason!

[@wiscowhiskeyreview]

Just got around to watching this now. Great list! I loved the first bottle of Russell's 10 year I bought and enjoyed the EW SiB as well. 1920 is absolutely delicious and I want to try 1910 just as badly now. Can't seem to find it where I am though. Cheers, man.

[@Bourbinsane]

Phenomenol episode Jason! I agree with every choice, and honestly for most of them I would prefer it to Blantons. Also B roll is looking aweosme!

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks man. New lens and some lighting make a big difference. Cheers buddy

[@johnamartine]

Great video. Glad to see some sanity contrasted with the insanity that is the secondary market. I love several of your picks here. Great job.

[@jonlouis2582]

This channel has helped educate me for my work in a large liquor store, thanks. We stopped selling Blanton's because of greedy resellers, it was easier to just drop it.

[@RPPIII13]

That doesn’t make sense, if your business is selling Blantons and people are buying it, what does it matter what your customers are doing with it? Sounds like your manager/owner doesn’t know how to business.

[@yugen]

Russel's Reserve is an incredible value.

[@kitcarson7447]

My favorite bourbon to date!

[@zombiehou]

My usual go to.

[@aaronadkins3644]

Russell’s 10 year is my favorite bourbon you can find anywhere.

[@yugen]

@@aaronadkins3644 It really is delightful. Cooper's Craft is also another great value imo.

[@paulrust1574]

@@yugen What state are you finding that? Can't find it here in Texas and keep hearing noise about it.

[@jrc480]

The Russsell's Reserve 10 year is the best of this list. IMO

[@jimmueller3525]

I enjoy all of the alternates. Haven't got my 1910 in a while. I'm grabbing a pour right now. Well done.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Thanks Jim!

[@jdfeighner]

Great video! Just subscribed. I really like the way you technically break everything down. Only one that threw me off a little was the woodford double oak. Blantons is sweet but I think I the double oak is wayyyy toooo sweeeet. Don’t really care for it myself. I can definitely see why you picked all the others on the list except maybe the Evan Williams. I love the EV single especially at that price point but it’s been awhile since I’ve had it so I’m going to have to try it again ASAP. Cheers

[@Heiserton]

I always bring back about 10-15 bottles back from Japan with me. bringing back another 8 in a few days!

[@tavarisjones551]

Thanks for the suggestions. As a beginner, I've overlooked several of those.

[@lukeshultz1322]

Michters is a go to when introducing friends and family to bourbon for me as of late.

[@Sweetpjoe]

Since Blanton’s is $100 in Michigan, I am intrigued by the Bakers and the Russell’s. I’ve already fallen in love with the Woodford Double Oaked. Thanks for the great video. Keep em coming.

[@kevinmullins4919]

I've had Russells it's not near as smooth s 4 roses and u can't go wrong with Woodford

[@mrjimmcdaniels]

The day I retired, I went right to the liquor store and bought a bottle of Blanton's for about $60. Evan Williams is such a great buy. I love about everything Michter's puts out. I'm not a fan of Woodford. I'll have to try your other suggestions. Thanks for the tips. I'm surprised that the Four Roses small batch didn't make your list - another great buy. I know, so many good bourbons/so little time.

[@BEAUTYnIQ]

Four Roses Single barrel better than small batch imo .. Blantons yummy but a weird 'sour milk' finish .. whats the best bottle youv ever had ..

[@prestonorrick3498]

@@BEAUTYnIQ Wild Turkey Rare Breed is my current favorite. I'll have to try the Rye version next.

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

The push-in to the 3 Blanton’s bottles was awesome man. That’s a hard style of shot to get without a slider! Thanks for another great video.

[@TheMashandDrum]

Yeah I need to get me a slider soon. Lol

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

The Mash and Drum they’re fun and there’s a couple of really budget friendly options.

[@pumpedupdart6859]

I've avoided this video because I don't really care about Blantons, but it autoplayed while I was busy doing something and damn I'm a dummie. Great job!!! Some real solid recommendations on where to go to get the profile you like the most in Blantons.

[@huntnman]

I have fond Pinhook Bourbon to be pretty similar in it's flavor profile also. it's a higher Rye content, but still tastes very similar. and can be found! :)

[@georgegodfrey540]

Just found your videos! Great stuff. Going to be adding more to my collection based on you recommendations. Before Covid we visited ARUBA. Went to the SuperFoods grocery store - they have a liquor store! I was able to buy 6 bottles of Blanton’s. Normal sell price.

[@tomnadrich3159]

Thank you for a great review and suggestions for alternatives to Blantons. I have to ask why i can not find reviews on a Bourbon that i particularly Like called, " Willett". It used to be hard to find , but now i see it on the shelf a lot. it is a good Bourbon. Another one that is rather easy to find, at least in the Seattle area, is a bourbon called Colonel E. H. Taylor. Another great Bourbon for the money. Again, I love your videos. Keep up the great work for NEWBIE bourbon drinkers, like myself. Thanks again.

[@garyschiavo1761]

great episode, I have all but 3 on your list, time to go get those... the ones I don't have are Bakers, Russell Reserve and John J Bowman, I have and love all of the others, you hit on a bunch of my favorites

[@craig2100]

Brilliant recommendations

[@billrobinson576]

A great value and my favorite alternative to Blanton’s is Legent. Hits all the right notes and has that incredible smooth and sweet finish. A joint effort between Jim Beam and Suntory’s master blenders. Worth getting a bottle and giving it a try.

[@paulring4267]

I haven’t tried Largent. Thank you for sharing.

[@jmanswat2457]

Very interesting... Since Legent has sherry finished bourbon in it while Blantons does not. Huh. Thanks for input.