🥃 Blanton's Special Reserve
The gentlest Blanton's expression: single barrel bourbon at 80 proof (40% ABV); not sold in the USA.
Blanton's Special Reserve is the lowest-strength expression of Blanton's single barrel bourbon. It is bottled at 80 proof, that is 40% ABV. According to Buffalo Trace, this expression is not available in the USA and is sold only in selected overseas markets. Gear Patrol writes that it is easiest to find in Japan.
It is made at the same Buffalo Trace distillery and from the same Mash Bill #2 as Original. The producer describes its taste as a softer, more delicate take on the Blanton's character. No age is stated on the bottle, and the label carries the barrel dump date. Because of its green label it is sometimes called "Green Label".
Why this matters to you. Special Reserve is a sensible starting point if you want to try a single barrel bourbon without high strength. Original is 93 proof and Gold Edition 103 proof, so the difference is noticeable. When buying abroad, check the strength on the label. The WHO reminds us: no level of alcohol consumption is safe.
Facts
| Alcohol (% vol.) | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
|---|---|
| Raw material | Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 |
| Cask type | new charred oak barrels; every bottle from a single barrel |
| Legal basis | 27 CFR § 5.143 (USA): bourbon whisky |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Blanton's Special Reserve → affects → 🍷 Alcohol and health ← affects ← 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Packed in
- 🐝 American white oak
- Made from
- 🥃 Rye and corn in whisky
- What it contains
- 🍷 Ethanol
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Part of
- 🥃 Blanton's, 🥃 Bourbon whiskey
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Buffalo Trace, 🥃 Blanton's Original Single Barrel, 🥃 Blanton's Original Single Barrel, 🥃 Blanton's Straight From The Barrel, 🥃 Blanton's Straight From The Barrel
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Special Reserve is sold in the USA?
No. Buffalo Trace says this expression is not available in the USA, only in selected overseas markets.
How strong is Special Reserve?
80 proof, that is 40% ABV.
How does it differ from Original?
Mainly in its lower strength: 80 proof against 93 proof; the mash bill is the same.
What to read next
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Ethanol — The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- 🐝 American white oak — A North American oak that gives wine strong vanilla and coconut notes.
- 🥃 Blanton's Original Single Barrel — The core Blanton's expression: single barrel bourbon at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), Mash Bill #2, aged in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace.
- 🍷 Drunk driving — Never drive after drinking wine: alcohol slows your reactions.
Similar
🥃 Blanton's Gold Edition · 🥃 Blanton's Straight From The Barrel · 🥃 Blanton's Original Single Barrel · 🥃 Four Roses Single Barrel · 🥃 Pappy Van Winkle's 20 Year · 🥃 Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- Buffalo Trace Distillery: Blanton's Special Reserve (80 proof, 40 %; Mash Bill #2; not available in the US)
- Gear Patrol: Blanton's expressions explained (Single Barrel 93 proof; Gold 103; Special Reserve 80; Straight From the Barrel at full proof; markets)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)