Searching for Elusive Blanton's Bourbon in Washington DC Stores

The Hunt for Blanton's Bourbon in Washington DC

Bourbon enthusiasts in Washington DC are all too familiar with the elusive Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon. This highly sought after bourbon has developed a cult-like following, with many liquor stores unable to keep it on the shelves. So what's the deal with Blanton's, and where can you find it in DC?

What Makes Blanton's So Popular

Blanton's was first distilled by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1984. It was the first single barrel bourbon on the market, meaning each bottle comes from a single barrel of whiskey. This allows for variation and uniqueness in every bottle.

Blanton's uses a mashbill of corn, rye and malted barley. It's aged for around 8 years in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace. The climate controlled warehouse and expert aging process helps create an incredibly smooth and complex bourbon.

Enthusiasts love Blanton's for its balance of sweet flavors like caramel, vanilla and citrus, followed by oak, spice and just the right amount of rye "bite." Finding the perfect bottle with a taste profile you love becomes an obsession for many bourbon hunters.

Why is Blanton's Allocated?

The Buffalo Trace Distillery chooses to produce Blanton's in small batches. This, combined with growing popularity, means supply has a hard time keeping up with demand. Many states now classify Blanton's as an allocated product.

Allocated bourbons are rationed out to liquor stores by distributors. Stores will get just a few bottles at a time, never knowing exactly when the next shipment will arrive. This uncertainty and scarcity is what drives Blanton's fans into such a frenzy trying to find it.

When Will DC Stores Get Blanton's Shipments?

There is no set schedule for deliveries in DC. Some stores may see Blanton's shipments arrive every few months, while others go through long dry spells of a year or more without a single bottle.

Shop owners rarely find out about incoming shipments until the day before or day of delivery. Many keep lists of interested customers and do their best to contact buyers when a shipment arrives.

Others refuse to take lists or hold bottles, choosing to sell on a strict first come, first served basis. This adds to the thrill of the hunt as customers frequently check stores hoping to get lucky.

Where to Find Blanton's in Washington DC

The unpredictable allocation system makes finding Blanton's in DC extremely challenging. Your best resources are liquor store owners who will notify interested buyers when stock arrives. It also pays to check delivery days and ask questions - persistence and timing are key.

Here are a few top spots that are known to receive at least occasional Blanton's shipments:

• Ace Beverage - various DC locations
• Batch 13 - 1200 Maine Ave SW
• Calvert Woodley - 4235 Connecticut Ave NW #A
• Central Liquors - 2401 18th St NW #1
• Harry's Reserve Fine Wine & Spirits - 3000 K St NW #101
• Morris Miller Wine & Liquor - 1113 H St NE
• Schneider's of Capitol Hill - 300 Massachusetts Ave NE
• Sherry's Fine Wine & Spirits - 4916 Wisconsin Ave NW

Expanding Your Search to MD and VA

Don't limit your search to just DC. Many enthusiasts have found success locating Blanton's at stores in neighboring Maryland and Virginia suburbs.

Mom & pop liquor stores in Virginia cities like Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax and Falls Church receive sporadic Blanton's shipments. The same goes for Maryland stores in areas like Bethesda, Rockville and Silver Spring.

Cast a wide net by calling shops throughout the DMV. Building relationships with owners and asking the right questions can lead you to the Blanton's honey hole.

Tips for Scoring Blanton's in DC

Check stores frequently - daily or weekly visits will increase your chances of being there when a shipment arrives.

Ask questions - politely inquire about delivery days, allocation lists and plans for incoming stock.

Spread the word - tell all your bourbon hunting friends which stores to hit up.

Follow deliveries - note when trucks arrive and stores start stocking shelves.

Call ahead - some will hold a bottle if they have one available.

Look everywhere - check bottom and top shelves since Blanton's is often hidden.

Stay flexible - be willing to visit multiple stores across the city and metro area.

Stay patient - keep searching. With commitment, your Blanton's ship will eventually come in.

Is Blanton's Worth the Hype?

This is a matter of personal taste, but most enthusiasts ardently defend Blanton's as wholly worth the effort. Each sip provides a smooth and complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. It's the thrill of the hunt coupled with the taste that drives DC bourbon lovers crazy for Blanton's.

Ultimately, half the fun is in the chase. Bonding with other like-minded bourbon hunters makes locating that rare bottle of Blanton's a shared experience to cherish. Keep up persistence, stay positive and enjoy the adventure.

FAQs

What is Blanton's bourbon?

Blanton's is a premium single barrel bourbon whiskey made by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky. It was the first single barrel bourbon on the market and is highly coveted by bourbon enthusiasts.

Why is Blanton's hard to find in DC?

Blanton's is produced in small batches and allocated in limited quantities to liquor stores. This scarce supply combined with high demand makes Blanton's an elusive find in the DC area.

What DC stores are most likely to have Blanton's?

Some top spots in DC to find Blanton's are Ace Beverage, Batch 13, Calvert Woodley, Central Liquors, Harry's Reserve Fine Wine & Spirits, Morris Miller Wine & Liquor, Schneider's of Capitol Hill, and Sherry's Fine Wine & Spirits.

How can I improve my chances of finding Blanton's?

Frequently check DC liquor stores, ask questions about deliveries, follow shipment schedules, call ahead, look thoroughly on shelves, and stay patient in your search.

Is Blanton's worth all the effort to find it?

Most bourbon enthusiasts agree the smooth flavor profile and thrill of the hunt makes Blanton's worth the challenge to locate a bottle in DC.