If you think of yourself as a savvy consumer or simply a fan of fine whiskey, you must have come across the bourbons that provide you with unique taste experiences. To name a few, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, Blanton’s Single Barrel, and WL Weller Antique 107 will be on top. They stand out due to their tasteful qualities, intricately forged over years of precision, enduring legacies, and exquisite artistry.

In this blog, you’ll learn why these bourbons are labeled as iconic, how they differ from the Ottoman’s rage, and why they’re sought after by collectors and global connoisseurs.

Blanton's Original Single Barrel: The Pioneer of Prestige

It first came into the market in 1984, and ever since then, it has shifted the fine bourbon market, with Blanton’s Original Single Barrel being the first premium single-barrel bourbon. This marked the start of the boom in the blended bourbon market, along with the guaranteed quality and consistent pieces provided by Blanton’s.

What makes it unique?

First and foremost, every bottle comes from a barrel as a unique single piece, thus not leading to a blend of other pieces, double checked to guarantee uniqueness for every batch released, and it thus accurately captures the artwork of single barrel bourbons, adding a cherry to the cake is the 6 surplus years it requires just to age the bourbons. Alongside garnishing the flamboyant adornment of bourbon carvings in every bottle, it is safe to conclude Blanton's surely did not disappoint with 8 years needed just to age.

  • Single barrel production: Each release carries its unique character, enhancing every bottle that comes from an individual barrel rather than a blend.
  • Aging: Typically aged between 6 to 8 years, it offers smooth vanilla, caramel, and citrus notes.
  • Bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV). 

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel single-handedly helped redefine bourbon’s image by elevating it from a casual drink to a sipping luxury.

Blanton's Single Barrel: Collectability And Other Variants

In addition to referring only to the initial release, Blanton's Single Barrel also contains several export-exclusive and single-release variants, all of which offer slight tweaks to flavor or strength.

Noteworthy variants include:

  • Blanton’s Gold Edition: Bottled at 103 proof, richer and spicier
  • Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel: For the connoisseur, uncut and unfiltered offers unparalleled complexity and full barrel strength.
  • Blanton’s Black Label: Exclusively for Japan, this release boasts longer aging with slightly lower proof for smoother, oak-forward flavors.

Bourbon enthusiasts around the world love collecting the signature horse-and-jockey bottle stoppers, which spell out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S,” with each letter coming in a unique racing pose, making the series stand out among collectors.  

WL Weller Antique 107: The Underrated Powerhouse 

Unlike other Weller Bourbons, WL Weller Antique 107 is often overshadowed by its well-regarded counterparts but still deserves a place on your shelf thanks to its bold flavor and competitively priced compared to older Pappy Van Winkle expressions.

Highlighted Features:

  • 107 proof (53.5% ABV): This warms the body with its strong impact yet a smoother finish.
  • Rich and full-bodied: Look forward to tasting cinnamon, oak, cherry, and brown sugar. 
  • Age range: The duration is usually between six to eight years; this finds a balance of maturity and intensity.   

WL Weller Antique 107 is special because it is more widespread. It is known to share chromosomes with the infamous Pappy Van Winkle, which gives it dynamic flavor while still being offered at a reasonable price. 

Legendary Bourbon: How to Enjoy

The unique distillation process of bourbon provides a flavor that explodes per sip. Tasting it at any point in time is a delight, be it during a special occasion or just to relax. 

  • Neat: The unadulterated form allows for full expression of its individuality. 
  • With a splash of water: A dab of water in whiskey awakens dormant flavors and heat, transforming it into a smoother delight, especially with high-proof options. 
  • In a Glencairn: This whiskey glass enhances the strain and draws out the full flavor, allowing one to appreciate and smell the elixir. 
  • Rarely in cocktails: Compared to the traditionalists, a well-crafted Old Fashioned or Manhattan could redefine the taste with Weller 107.

Allowing a newly poured drink to breathe for 3-5 minutes enhances the aroma and adds to the experience. Don't forget the scent is an essential part of the experience when it comes to enjoying premium bourbon.

Combining Striking Scarcities with Premium Rewards

The best bourbons are hard to come by and nearly impossible to find. Typically only available for limited periods and in high demand, Blanton’s Single Barrel and WL Weller Antique 107 undergo small batch production, making them one of the most sought-after bottles.

The following reasons explain how scarcity increases value:

  • Allocated releases: Distributors limit how much each retailer gets.
  • Collector demand: Items bought for collecting and not consuming raise value.
  • High resale value: Items often sold for 2x or 3x retail price drastically increase value.

Sighting these items in 'the wild' is rare; seize the moment also because these bottles do not sit idly on shelves.

Conclusion: Sipping Bourbon, Completing the Experience

A whiskey connoisseur or not, die-hard fans of Blanton's would get their hands on original or variant single barrel bottles, along with WL Weller Antique 107, because of unmatched craftsmanship, flavor, and collectibility. Each variant has its character, from the spicy cinnamon warmth of Weller 107 to the citrus-vanilla finish of Blanton’s, making them all the more desirable.

Despite a plethora of options available in the market, these brands are still at the top due to their quality, precision, and heritage. Discover them one bottle at a time, and you’ll see why they are respected globally.