I recently had the pleasure of trying Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition bourbon, and I must say, it is an experience worth sharing. This unique expression, made exclusively for the Japanese market, elevates the classic Blanton’s experience by adding oak, dried ginseng, wood spices, and fruit notes to the rich and developed flavors of the original bourbon.
Aged for an additional two years, this eight-year-old whiskey has a cream-colored label that’s lighter than the standard Blanton’s. It’s similar to the Original Single Barrel Bourbon, but the extended aging process gives it a refined and complex spirit that is simply delightful.
The Takara Red offers a balanced aroma, with hints of caramel and the distinctive Blanton’s cherry note. It’s not quite as fruity as the Blanton’s Gold, but it certainly adds a unique twist to the classic Blanton’s taste profile. This bourbon is a must-try for whiskey enthusiasts and anyone looking to expand their palate with something exclusive and truly special.
Table of Contents
Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition Overview
Product History
Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition is a special bourbon whiskey crafted for bourbon lovers in Japan. This expression bears similarities to the Original Single Barrel Bourbon in taste and profile but sports one key difference – it has spent extra time maturing in the barrels. This exquisite Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery, utilizing their famous Mash Bill #2, which contains around 15% rye.
Like its close cousin, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey, this Japanese edition is aged in the same section of Warehouse H as the legendary Blanton’s Private Reserve, which dates back over 50 years. The tradition and craftsmanship at the heart of this unique bourbon make it a sought-after choice for whiskey enthusiasts.
Price Range
The Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition is premium-priced due to its unique aging and limited availability. You can typically find a bottle for around $299.00, but prices may vary depending on the market demand.
Tasting Notes
With its slightly longer maturation process, the Takara Red offers a darker and drier taste than the standard 46.5% ABV Blanton’s available in the US. On the nose, you’ll experience an appealing combination of herbal and sweet aromas, revealing honey, fennel, roasted oak, tobacco, ginseng, cinnamon, clove, dried cherry, and peach.
As you take your first sip, prepare to be delighted by a blend of butter, cherry, chocolate, and clove flavors. This intricate mix creates a captivating and satisfying experience for your taste buds. Fans of this bourbon often regard it as “Liquid Gold” and consider it one of their favorite Blanton’s expressions.
photo source: www.blantonsbourbon.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
On the nose, I immediately picked up on the rich sweetness of honey and vanilla. There was also an unmistakable hint of cherry that blended well with the overall aroma. As I took more time to explore, I could detect tobacco and a slight hint of caramel, making the bouquet more complex and inviting.
Flavor
Tasting the Blanton’s bourbon, my palate was greeted with a delightful mix of spices, such as cinnamon and clove. The sweetness from the nose carried over to the flavor with the presence of honey and peach. The extra 2 years of aging seemed to enhance these flavors, adding a depth and richness that set it apart.
Finish
The finish was warm and long-lasting, with the sweet fruity notes of cherry and peach lingering. The presence of tobacco and vanilla was more pronounced in the finish, adding a layer of complexity that I truly enjoyed. The alcohol, at 46.5% ABV, was well-integrated and did not overpower the other flavors.
Rating
- Aroma: 4/5
- Flavor:5/5
- Finish: 4/5
- Overall:25/5
The Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition is an exceptional bourbon that showcases a beautiful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The aroma is inviting, the flavor is rich and complex, and the finish leaves a lasting impression. This bourbon is a true treat for the senses.
Mixing and Pairing
Best Mixers
I’ve found that these mixers pair exceptionally well with the bourbon:
- Ginger ale: Its crisp and spicy flavor complements the sweetness and depth of the bourbon.
- Club soda: A little fizz brings out the caramel and vanilla notes of the whiskey.
- Lemonade: The tangy citrus flavor balances the bourbon’s sweetness.
Cocktail Suggestions
While it is amazing on its own, it’s also great in cocktails. Here are a couple of my favorites:
photo source: Shutterstock.com
Old Fashioned: For a classic cocktail, I muddle an orange slice and a maraschino cherry with a bit of simple syrup at the bottom of a glass. Then, I add 2 oz of Blanton’s Red Takara, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, and ice before stirring. Finally, I garnish with a fresh orange peel.
photo source: Shutterstock.com
Highball: In a tall glass, I pour 2 oz Blanton’s Red Takara over ice, then top it off with ginger ale or club soda. For a twist, I add a splash of elderflower liqueur and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Food Pairings
When it comes to food pairings, I like to keep it simple yet scrumptious. I’ve found that the following dishes bring out the rich flavors of the bourbon:
- Charcuterie Board: A variety of cheeses, cured meats, and crackers allow the whiskey’s nuanced flavors to shine through.
- Grilled Steak: The smoky flavors of the meat complement the caramel and vanilla notes in the bourbon.
- Dark Chocolate: The bitterness of dark chocolate amplifies the sweetness of the whiskey.
Conclusion
In my exploration, I found that many reviews and tasting notes share some interesting insights about this unique bourbon. Aged for an additional 2 years compared to the Original Single Barrel Bourbon, the Red Takara Japanese Edition offers a refined and complex spirit for whiskey enthusiasts.
As I’ve seen in various reviews, this bourbon exhibits enjoyable and easy-drinking qualities, although it may not be particularly exceptional when compared to some other whiskeys in its league. The flavor profile is characterized by notes of oak, dried ginseng, clove, honey, licorice, and hints of blueberry on the finish, providing a well-rounded drinking experience.
Throughout my research, I kept a sidebar with links to helpful resources, such as the review archive where I discovered various discussions and opinions about Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition. This collection of reviews and resources allowed me to deepen my understanding of this bourbon and gave me a comprehensive picture of how it is perceived among whiskey enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the information I gathered, I appreciate the unique characteristics of Blanton’s Single Barrel Red Takara Japanese Edition and how it stands apart from the original Blanton’s Single Barrel. While it may not absolutely amaze everyone, it still offers a delightful drinking experience for those looking to explore the nuances of this Japanese Edition bourbon.
Happy sipping!
