Part of what makes any Blanton’s bottle stand out is sitting right on top. On Blanton’s Gold, the stopper is more than just decoration, and it has its own small following.
The Horse and Jockey Design
Every Blanton’s bottle, including Gold, carries a horse and jockey stopper. There are eight different versions in total, each one showing a different stage of a horse race. One letter from the word ‘Blanton’s’ is stamped onto each individual stopper, which is part of what makes them collectible.
Collecting the Full Set
Serious collectors try to gather all eight letters across different bottles. If you send all eight stoppers back to Sazerac, the company that owns Blanton’s, they’ll mount them on a wood barrel stave and ship it back to you as a display piece. It’s a nice reward for years of patient collecting.
The Wax Seal Can Be Fragile
Bottles of Blanton’s Gold use a wax seal around the neck, and it has a reputation for cracking or leaking slightly during shipping. Most of the time, the damage is cosmetic and doesn’t affect what’s inside the bottle at all. Still, it’s worth knowing before your bottle shows up at your door.
What the Gold Color Means
The gold label isn’t random branding tacked on for looks. It signals this is a different, higher-proof release compared to the standard Original. Collectors use the label color to sort bottles at a glance, since the full lineup includes several similar-looking editions on the shelf.
Why Collectors Care About Condition
A stopper with chips or a faded finish can lower resale value, even if the bourbon inside is untouched. Careful handling during shipping and storage keeps both the bottle and the stopper in shape for anyone hoping to sell or trade later.
Displaying an Empty Bottle
Some collectors keep an empty bottle on display purely for the stopper and label design. It’s a low-cost way to show off the collection without needing a full, unopened set sitting around taking up cabinet space.
Want to add this bottle, stopper and all, to your collection? You can check current stock of Blanton’s Gold right here.
A Small Detail Worth Noticing
Take a close look at your stopper the next time you pour a glass. It’s easy to walk past small design details like this once the bottle becomes part of your regular shelf.
None of this changes how the bourbon actually tastes once it’s poured. But for collectors, the packaging on Blanton’s Gold is half the fun of owning a bottle like this in the first place.
Whether you collect the stoppers or simply enjoy the bourbon, these small design touches are part of what keeps this brand feeling special compared to more ordinary bottles on the shelf.
If you’re new to collecting, start by simply saving the stoppers from bottles you already own. You don’t need to chase a full set right away to enjoy the small hobby that comes with it.