Blanton's Takara Red is the Japanese market version of Blanton's Single Barrel, produced exclusively for Japan and imported by Takara Shuzo, Blanton's longtime partner there. Collectors know it as the "Cream Label" Takara, after the cream coloured label it shares with the American bottling. Like every Blanton's, it comes from one individual barrel at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, distilled from the high rye Mash Bill #2 and aged in Warehouse H, the distillery's only metal clad warehouse, where pronounced seasonal temperature swings push the bourbon deep into the charred oak. It is bottled at 93 proof, and retailers and reviewers report that the Takara Red barrels are aged around two years longer than the standard American release. Each label is filled in by hand with the barrel's dump date, barrel number, warehouse and rick, and the neck label carries the Japanese word for whiskey. The bottle arrives in a burgundy presentation box embossed with a gold Kentucky Derby race scene and is topped with Blanton's collectible horse and jockey stopper. Expect a rich, rounded bourbon with vanilla, toffee and caramel on the nose, a palate of fudge, dark cherry, maple and fig with a touch of chocolate, and a warm, gently spiced finish. Enjoy it neat or over a single large ice cube.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
46.5% |
| Proof |
93 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Kentucky |
| Type |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel |
| Distillery |
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky |
| Producer |
Sazerac Company |
| Importer |
Takara Shuzo (Japan) |
| Mashbill |
Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (high rye) |
| Warehouse |
Warehouse H |
| Presentation |
Burgundy box with gold Kentucky Derby imagery |
Tasting Notes
Color: Rich amber.
Nose: Vanilla, toffee and caramel.
Palate: Rounded, with fudge, dark cherry, maple and fig and a touch of chocolate.
Finish: Warm and gently spiced, with lingering oak.
FAQ
What is Blanton's Takara Red?
The Japanese market version of Blanton's Single Barrel, imported by Takara Shuzo and presented in a burgundy box.
How is it different from the US Blanton's Original?
It shares the 93 proof and 750ml size, but carries Japanese labelling and Takara packaging, and retailers report around two years of extra aging.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 93 proof, or 46.5% ABV.
Is every bottle different?
Yes. Each comes from a single barrel and is hand labelled with its dump date, barrel number, warehouse and rick.
How should I drink it?
Neat or over a single large ice cube.
Where can I buy Blanton's Takara Red online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
