The Blanton's Takara Red and Takara Gold Bundle brings together the two Japanese market editions of the bourbon that launched the modern single barrel category. Both are drawn from individual barrels 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. Both are imported and distributed in Japan by Takara Shuzo, Blanton's longtime partner there, and retailers report that Takara barrels are aged around two years longer than the standard American releases. Takara Red, known to collectors as the Cream Label, is bottled at 93 proof and arrives in a burgundy box embossed with a gold Kentucky Derby scene, offering vanilla, toffee, fudge, dark cherry and maple. Takara Gold steps up to 103 proof in a shiny gold box with a maroon wax seal, bringing richer honey, cinnamon, orange marmalade and a bold streak of rye spice. Tasting them side by side shows how proof shapes the same house character. Each label is filled in by hand with the barrel's dump date, barrel number, warehouse and rick, and each bottle wears a collectible horse and jockey stopper. It is an exceptional gift and a centrepiece for any Blanton's collection.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
46.5% (Takara Red); 51.5% (Takara Gold) |
| Proof |
93 (Takara Red); 103 (Takara Gold) |
| Size |
2 x 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 |
| Includes |
Blanton's Takara Red 750ml (burgundy box); Blanton's Takara Gold Edition 750ml (gold box) |
Tasting Notes
Color: Takara Red: rich amber. Takara Gold: deep amber.
Nose: Takara Red: vanilla, toffee and caramel. Takara Gold: caramel, wild honey, dark cherry and spicy rye.
Palate: Takara Red: rounded fudge, dark cherry, maple and fig. Takara Gold: rich and oily, with toffee, cinnamon, orange marmalade and toasted oak.
Finish: Takara Red: warm and gently spiced. Takara Gold: long and warming, with charred oak and vanilla.
FAQ
What is included in this bundle?
One Blanton's Takara Red 750ml and one Blanton's Takara Gold Edition 750ml, each in its original Takara presentation box.
What is the difference between Takara Red and Takara Gold?
Takara Red is bottled at 93 proof and Takara Gold at 103 proof. Gold is richer and spicier, while Red is softer and more rounded.
Are these Japanese market bottles?
Yes. Both are produced for the Japanese market and imported by Takara Shuzo, with Japanese labelling on each bottle.
Will the barrel details match the photos?
No. Each bottle comes from a single barrel, so dump dates, barrel numbers and rick numbers vary from bottle to bottle.
Is it a good gift?
Yes. The pairing suits Blanton's collectors and makes a striking side by side tasting.
Where can I buy the Blanton's Takara Red and Takara Gold Bundle online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
