Blanton's Gold Edition

Producer: Blanton Distilling Company, Frankfort, KY

Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY

Age: No Age Statement, probably 6 years

Bottled: 2020

Proof: 103

Finish: None

This is the original single barrel bourbon bottled 10 proof points higher than the standard version. Blanton's Gold was only available by import from Japan until 2020. That's when Buffalo Trace started selling it in America. This deserves a little back story. The mash bill for Blanton's and a few other Buffalo Trace bourbons is owned by a Japanese company. This is Mash Bill #2, otherwise known as the "high rye" mash bill, though in reality, it's only medium rye. Blanton's was created as the world's first single barrel bourbon in 1984, but the Gold Edition wasn't created until several years later. It's named after Col. Albert B. Blanton, who was the one time president of what became the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Since Blanton's Gold is 10 proof points higher, we should expect the extra ABV to extract more flavors from the wood. It's allocated and new bottles will cost up to $300 on the secondary market.

Color: Red amber

Body: Medium

Nose: Raisin, dried fruits, dates, apricots, cinnamon sugar

Palate: Honey, more cinnamon sugar, peach cobbler, filo dough, pistachio, Baklava, Bit O' Honey, caramel, nutty, water brings Honey Nut Cheerios

Finish: medium, peppery, fruit gone

Score: King

Song: Golden God - Racer X

This is a step down from Blanton's Straight From The Barrel, but it's a step up from typical Blanton's. The extra ABV is a noticeable boost to what is a perfectly ordinary bourbon. I haven't reviewed the typical Blanton's on Bourbon Roxx yet, but I've consumed so many bottles over the years that I can tell you what I think. There's nothing special about Blanton's. It's all the typical bourbon flavors, sweet corn, oak, vanilla, caramel, and maybe a little cherry, but it does those flavors in a perfect way. Blanton's may be the best ordinary bourbon in the world. However, Gold Edition takes Blanton's to a higher level. The predominant flavor is honey, augmented by a slight nuttiness. Honey, filo dough and pistachio gives Blanton's Gold a baklava like flavor, without the bitter walnuts. Honey Nut Cheerios also make an appearance. There are plenty of dried fruits and cinnamon mixed in for good measure. It's not as hot as Blanton's SFTB, but it also lacks the depth of flavor and the cakelike richness of the barrel proof version. Still, Blanton's Gold offers a unique profile that elevates it from the typical Blanton's. I recommend pairing it with Golden God by Racer X. I'm not sure the elevation of flavor justifies the high internet price, but if you can find Blanton's Gold at list price, pick up a bottle.