Paul Kushner
Blanton’s Bourbon is known for its unique and collectible horse and jockey bottle stoppers that have become a hallmark of the brand.
These stoppers are made of silver or gold and resemble stages of a horse race, including a trot, canter, and gallop. Blanton’s created eight distinct horse and jockey stoppers that now appear on bottles at random, with each stopper having a letter circled on the lower left side to spell out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.”
The history behind Blanton’s horse and jockey bottle stoppers is fascinating and rooted in the brand’s heritage. The Kentucky-based distiller created these toppers with Derby Days and local heritage in mind, paying tribute to the brand’s history and heritage.
These stoppers definitely make bottles of the Sazerac-owned Bourbon producer stand out on back bars and liquor store shelves around the world, and they have become a point of fascination for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Origin of Blanton’s Horse and Jockey Bottle Stoppers
Blanton’s Horse and Jockey Bottle Stoppers are a unique and iconic feature of Blanton’s Bourbon.
The story of these bottle stoppers dates back to 1992 when the idea was first conceived by the former president of Buffalo Trace Distillery, Elmer T. Lee.
The idea behind the horse and jockey stoppers was to create a unique and collectible feature for Blanton’s Bourbon. Lee wanted to create something that would set Blanton’s apart from other bourbons and make it stand out on store shelves. He also wanted to pay homage to the history of horse racing in Kentucky, which is where Buffalo Trace Distillery is located.
Lee worked with a team of designers to create eight different horse and jockey stoppers, each in a different pose. When placed in order, the stoppers spell out “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S,” and the poses of the horse and jockey depict different stages of a horse race, from standing at the gate to crossing the finish line.
The horse and jockey stoppers were an instant success, and they quickly became a collector’s item among bourbon enthusiasts. Today, Blanton’s Horse and Jockey Bottle Stoppers are highly sought after and are considered a symbol of quality and craftsmanship in the bourbon industry.
Blanton’s Bourbon is owned by the Sazerac Company, which acquired Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1992. The company has continued to produce Blanton’s Bourbon using the same recipe and aging process that was developed by Elmer T. Lee over 30 years ago. The horse and jockey stoppers remain a unique and iconic feature of the brand, and they continue to be a popular collectible among bourbon enthusiasts around the world.
Design and Significance of the Stoppers
Blanton’s Bourbon has become synonymous with its unique bottle stoppers, which feature a metal horse and mounted jockey atop every stopper.
The design of the stoppers has evolved since the company’s inception in 1984, with more intricate designs added in 1993.
Symbolism of Horse and Jockey
The horse and jockey on Blanton’s bottle stoppers have a rich history and symbolic significance. The horse represents the spirit of Kentucky, which is known for its horse racing and breeding. The jockey represents the skilled rider who guides the horse to victory. Together, they symbolize the pursuit of excellence and the spirit of competition.
The Letters and Their Meaning
Beginning in 1999, the letters “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S” were added to the stoppers near the rear legs of the horse. The letters are highly collectible and, when assembled, spell out the name of the brand.
Each letter is accompanied by a different stage of a horse race, with the final letter “S” representing the finish line. The letters and stages of the race add an extra layer of symbolism to the stoppers, representing the journey of the horse and rider towards victory.
The gold horse stoppers are used for Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, while the silver stoppers are used for Blanton’s Gold and Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel. The metal horse stoppers are found atop the 375- and 750-milliliter bottles of Blanton’s classic spirits.
Blanton’s Bourbon Varieties and Their Stoppers
Blanton’s is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced and marketed by the Sazerac Company. The brand is known for its unique horse and jockey bottle stoppers, which are a symbol of the brand’s history and tradition.
Each stopper has a letter on it, which when combined with the other stoppers, spells out the word “Blanton’s”. The stoppers are highly collectible and add to the brand’s appeal.
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is the flagship product of the brand. It is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and malted barley and aged in new, charred oak barrels. The bourbon is bottled at 93 proof, or 46.5% alcohol by volume. The bottle is available in both 375- and 750-milliliter sizes.
The stopper for Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon features a horse and jockey in a full gallop. The horse and jockey are a nod to the brand’s history, as they were once used to promote horse racing at the distillery.
Blanton’s Gold
Blanton’s Gold is a higher proof version of the brand’s flagship product. It is bottled at 103 proof, or 51.5% alcohol by volume. The bourbon is made from the same mash bill as the Single Barrel Bourbon and is aged in the same new, charred oak barrels.
The stopper for Blanton’s Gold features a horse and jockey in a slightly different pose than the Single Barrel Bourbon stopper. The horse and jockey are still in a full gallop, but the jockey is holding a whip in his right hand.
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel
Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is the highest proof version of the brand’s bourbon. It is bottled at barrel proof, which varies from batch to batch but is typically around 125 proof, or 62.5% alcohol by volume. The bourbon is made from the same mash bill as the Single Barrel Bourbon and is aged in the same new, charred oak barrels.
The stopper for Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel features a horse and jockey in a different pose than the other two stoppers. The horse and jockey are still in a full gallop, but the jockey is holding a different object in his right hand. The stopper is also marked with the barrel number and the proof of the bourbon.
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