Blanton's Takara Gold Edition is the Japanese market version of Blanton's Gold, imported and distributed in Japan by Takara Shuzo, Blanton's longtime partner there. Blanton's Gold was first created for Japan in 1993, and for decades the Takara bottling was the most recognisable way to find it. Like every Blanton's, it is drawn 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. Retailers report that the Takara barrels are aged around two years longer than standard Gold. It is bottled at 103 proof, and each label is filled in by hand with the barrel's dump date, barrel number, warehouse and rick. What sets the Takara edition apart is its presentation: a shiny gold box embossed with a Kentucky Derby race scene, a maroon wax seal around the horse and jockey stopper, a Japanese neck label, and a 750ml bottle rather than the 700ml used for other export Gold. Expect a rich, oily pour with caramel, honey and vanilla, dark cherry and cinnamon, cooked apple and orange marmalade, and a streak of rye spice over seasoned oak, leading to a long, warming finish. Collectors prize it for its packaging as much as its whiskey. Enjoy it neat, with a few drops of water.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
51.5% |
| Proof |
103 |
| 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 |
Gold box with Kentucky Derby imagery, maroon wax seal |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: Caramel, wild honey and vanilla, with dark cherry, orange zest and spicy rye.
Palate: Rich and oily, with toffee, cinnamon, cooked apple, orange marmalade and a licorice like rye spice over toasted oak.
Finish: Long and warming, with charred oak, cinnamon and vanilla.
FAQ
What is Blanton's Takara Gold?
The Japanese market bottling of Blanton's Gold Edition, imported by Takara Shuzo and presented in a gold box with a maroon wax seal.
How is it different from regular Blanton's Gold?
It has distinct packaging, a 750ml bottle rather than the 700ml export size, and retailers report around two years of extra aging.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 103 proof, or 51.5% 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, with a few drops of water to open the fruit and spice.
Where can I buy Blanton's Takara Gold online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
