Blanton's Miniature Bottles
A wide variety of "minis" have been produced with many slight variations
Currently, there are two varieties of miniature bottles produced. Blanton's Single Barrel and "Takara" Red. Previously a Green "Special Reserve" and "Takara" Black minis were produced. In addition, an extremely rare 80 proof mini was made for a short time for the South Korean market. An oddball 92 proof mini was also released in the early 1990s.
There have been slight label changes as well. Early varieties of Single Barrel and Red minis had the "s" in Blanton's omitted. Also, the casting of the horse and jockey stopper has changed (improved) over time. The list below organizes the minis by known types. There are potentially more that are not listed.
The green, 92 proof, and 80 proof South Korean minis are the rarest, with only a few known to exist with collectors.
Special thanks to just-mini-bourbons.com for many photos.
Type 1
Type 5
Type 2
Type 6
Type 3
Type 4
93
Proof
Single Barrel Minis
Size
50 ml
Produced
Types 1-5 - Pre 1993
Type 6 - 1993-Present
Domestic & International
Market
Notes
-
Types 1-5 had a more crude casting on the stopper as shown under the horse
-
No neck label on types 1-4
-
Tail position also dictates type
-
Note slight variation in rider position in "type 4" vs "type 1"
-
Types 1-5 are generally very rare. Type 6 is currently in production but limited to distribution in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Texas, according to the official Blanton's Bourbon website.
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3
93
Proof
Japanese "Takara Red" Minis
Size
50 ml
Produced
Early 1990's - Present
Market
Japan
Notes
-
Types 1 & 2 had a more crude casting on the stopper as shown under the horse
-
Various stoppers were used as shown by the position of the tail
-
Casting more refined on type 3 stopper
-
Type 1 produced pre-1993. Blanton's spelled without an "s"
-
Rarity is impossible to determine. by type. All are generally very rare.
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3
Notes
-
Types 1 & 2 had a more crude casting on the stopper as shown under the horse
-
Various stoppers were used as shown by the position of the tail
-
Casting more refined on type 3 stopper
-
Rarity is impossible to determine. by type. All are generally very rare.
80
Proof
Japanese "Takara Black" Minis
Size
50 ml
Produced
Mid 1990's
Discontinued
Market
Japan
Korean 80 Proof Mini
Size
50 ml
Produced
Mid 2000's
Market
South Korea
Notes
-
Sold as part of a gift set along side 80 proof 500ml bottle
-
Additional Picture - Box Set
-
Exceptionally Rare
80
Proof
92 Proof Mini
Size
50 ml
Produced
Early 1990's, Pre 1993
Market
Japan
Notes
-
A full size 750ml 92 proof bottle was also produced
-
Exceptionally rare
92
Proof
Size
50 ml
Special Reserve Green Mini
Produced
Early 2000's, Discontinued
Market
International
Notes
-
Exceptionally rare. Likely only produced briefly and distributed to select international markets
80
Proof
Sizes
50 ml, 375ml
Connoisseur Sauce
Produced
2009-2010
Market
Domestic
Notes
-
Sauce with Blanton's in the ingredients
-
Several online references to this sauce from 2009 and 2010
-
375ml size also sold​
-
Additional Picture - Rear of Bottle
BBQ
Time!
Size
50 ml
Unique Neck Label
Produced
Italy
Market
International
Notes
-
Unique neck label, likely added by distributor
-
Italian writing "Distributed by Donato & .."
-
Assumed very rare