{"id":11514,"date":"2023-11-13T20:01:27","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T19:01:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/?p=11514"},"modified":"2023-11-13T20:01:27","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T19:01:27","slug":"blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs\/","title":{"rendered":"Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold Review: A Friendly Guide to Whiskey Connoisseurs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As a bourbon enthusiast, I&#8217;ve always been intrigued by the different expressions and limited releases that come our way. One such rarity that caught my attention is Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, a unique variant of the well-known Blanton&#8217;s brand that is primarily marketed in Japan. This exclusive offering has captured the interest of bourbon aficionados worldwide, and I am excited to share my take on it with my fellow whiskey lovers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-11515 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold.png\" alt=\"Blanton's Takara Gold\" width=\"443\" height=\"755\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold.png 723w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-176x300.png 176w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-469x800.png 469w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-150x256.png 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-350x597.png 350w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-485x827.png 485w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-655x1117.png 655w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Blantons-Takara-Gold-633x1080.png 633w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buffalotracedistillery.com\/our-brands\/blanton-s-single-barrel\/blantons-gold.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.buffalotracedistillery.com<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs\/#Blantons_Takara_Gold_Overview\" title=\"Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold Overview\">Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs\/#Tasting_Notes\" title=\"Tasting Notes\">Tasting Notes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs\/#Mixing_And_Pairing\" title=\"Mixing And Pairing\">Mixing And Pairing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/blantons-takara-gold-review-a-friendly-guide-to-whiskey-connoisseurs\/#Related_Posts\" title=\"Related Posts\">Related Posts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blantons_Takara_Gold_Overview\"><\/span><strong>Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold Overview<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Product History<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Hailing from the renowned Buffalo Trace distillery in the USA, this unique offering is part of their Blanton&#8217;s line. It was specifically created for the Japanese market, providing a distinct twist on the classic Blanton\u2019s Straight from the Barrel bourbon.<\/p>\n<p>Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, rumored to be aged 8 years, boasts an alcohol content of 51.5% ABV, which sets it apart from other Blanton&#8217;s expressions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Price Range<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>In terms of pricing, the Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold can be found at around $499 for a 750ml bottle. While this may be on the higher end for some bourbon drinkers, my personal experience with this bold and flavorful whiskey has been well worth the investment.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tasting_Notes\"><\/span><strong>Tasting Notes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><strong>Aroma<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Upon nosing the Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, I immediately pick up on the delightful aroma of sweet vanilla and caramel, accompanied by a hint of ripe red fruits. As I continue to enjoy the fragrant scents, warm spices such as cinnamon and clove start to appear, with a subtle rye spice lingering in the background.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Flavor<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>On the palate, Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold treats me to a myriad of exquisite flavors. The initial taste offers a luscious blend of creamy honey, toffee, and brown sugar. As the whiskey moves across my tongue, various fruit flavors like orange, apple, and apricot come to the forefront, complemented by a gentle oakiness that adds depth and complexity.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Finish<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The finish of Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold is equally balanced and impressive. Soft notes of tobacco, pepper, and caraway seed provide a smooth and slightly spicy conclusion to this enjoyable bourbon. An aftertaste of dark fruit, charred oak, and a touch of butterscotch lingers in my mouth, inviting me to take another sip.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Rating<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Given my experience with Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, I would rate this American whiskey at a solid <strong>9.5 out of 10<\/strong>. The combination of rich flavors, smoothness, and complexity make it an excellent choice for any bourbon aficionado. With its rumored age of around 8 years and an ABV of 51.5%, it strikes a near-perfect balance in the world of whiskey. Considering the price I paid for it at around $150, it may not be an everyday drink, but it&#8217;s a wonderful treat to savor on special occasions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mixing_And_Pairing\"><\/span><strong>Mixing And Pairing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As a fan of Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, I often find myself exploring various mixers, cocktails, and food pairings to enhance the overall experience. In this section, I&#8217;ll share my recommendations, as well as some widely recognized pairings.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Best Mixers<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-11516 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water.webp\" alt=\"tonic water\" width=\"774\" height=\"516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water.webp 1300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-735x490.webp 735w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-350x233.webp 350w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-1100x734.webp 1100w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-485x323.webp 485w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/tonic-water-655x437.webp 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 774px) 100vw, 774px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rawpixel.com\/image\/5926919\/photo-image-background-public-domain-plant\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.rawpixel.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>When enjoying Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, some might opt for drinking it neat, but sometimes adding a mixer can enhance the flavors. Here are my top picks for mixers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ginger ale<\/strong>: The sharpness of the ginger complements the spicy and earthy notes of the bourbon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tonic water<\/strong>: The quinine in the tonic adds a nice bitterness that plays well with the whiskey&#8217;s flavors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Cocktail Suggestions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-11517 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule.jpg\" alt=\"Kentucky Mule\" width=\"728\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule.jpg 728w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule-485x324.jpg 485w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-Mule-655x437.jpg 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pickpik.com\/lime-drink-mineral-water-ice-mint-glass-10082\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.pickpik.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold is a versatile single barrel bourbon that works well in various cocktails. Here are a couple of suggestions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Kentucky Mule<\/strong>: This twist on the classic Moscow Mule uses Takara Gold, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. Garnished with a lime wedge, it&#8217;s a refreshing and easy-to-make drink.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gold Pineapple Old Fashioned<\/strong>: This is a fruity take on the classic Old Fashioned. Mix Takara Gold with a touch of pineapple juice and a few dashes of angostura bitters. Stir and serve over ice with a pineapple wedge garnish.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Food Pairings<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-11518 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak.webp\" alt=\"A nicely grilled steak\" width=\"767\" height=\"511\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak.webp 1300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-735x490.webp 735w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-150x100.webp 150w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-350x233.webp 350w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-1100x734.webp 1100w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-485x323.webp 485w, https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/A-nicely-grilled-steak-655x437.webp 655w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 100vw, 767px\" \/>photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rawpixel.com\/image\/5927267\/photo-image-background-public-domain-food\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.rawpixel.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Pairing Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold with food can enhance and complement the flavors of both the whiskey and the dish. Here are some options to consider:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cheeses<\/strong>: A good cheese board with a mix of creamy brie, tangy blue, and sharp aged cheddar can truly elevate this bourbon&#8217;s taste profile.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Steaks<\/strong>: A nicely grilled steak with a touch of pepper and garlic pairs excellently with Takara Gold&#8217;s rich and robust flavors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Chocolate<\/strong>: For dessert, consider some dark chocolate or truffles as the bitterness of the cacao complements the sweetness and spiciness of Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the end, though I enjoyed my experience with Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, it&#8217;s essential to remember that taste preferences vary and what appeals to me may not appeal to everyone. However, it certainly deserves recognition for the complexity and smoothness it offers. Cheers!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_Posts\"><\/span><strong>Related Posts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>During my exploration of whiskey reviews, I came across a few interesting articles that I think you, my fellow whiskey enthusiasts, might enjoy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I found an article about <a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/glenglassaugh-reveals-first-ever-wood-finish-whiskies\/\">Glenglassaugh unveiling their first-ever wood finish whiskies<\/a>. It talks about the coastal distillery&#8217;s limited release series of Highland Single Malt Scotch whiskies and their unique wood finish expressions, such as Port Wood and Peated Port.<\/li>\n<li>Another fascinating read is an <a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/in-pictures-toulouse-whisky-festival\/\">insightful pictorial journey of an attendee at the Toulouse Whisky Festival<\/a>. It gives you a glimpse of what it&#8217;s like to be a part of a whiskey festival with a personal touch.<\/li>\n<li>If you&#8217;re looking for a malted escape, I stumbled upon this <a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/malted-escape-oban-skye\/\">captivating travel story of a trip from Oban to Skye<\/a>, filled with beautiful scenery and whiskey adventures.<\/li>\n<li>For those who appreciate the finer side of drams, there&#8217;s an article about <a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/dalmore-unveils-40-year-old-whisky\/\">The Dalmore unveiling a 40-year-old whisky<\/a>. This expression adds a new dimension to The Dalmore&#8217;s repertoire and is definitely worth a read!<\/li>\n<li>Lastly, I came across an intriguing story of an <a href=\"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/edinburgh-attraction-launch-whisky\/\">Edinburgh attraction that launched its own whiskey<\/a>. &#8216;Cask Is King&#8217; is a new experience from The Real Mary King&#8217;s Close, launched during Whisky Month to celebrate Scottish heritage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a bourbon enthusiast, I&#8217;ve always been intrigued by the different expressions and limited releases that come our way. One such rarity that caught my attention is Blanton&#8217;s Takara Gold, a unique variant of the well-known Blanton&#8217;s brand that is primarily marketed in Japan. This exclusive offering has captured the interest of bourbon aficionados worldwide, and I am excited to share my take on it &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11519,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[230],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11514"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11514"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11514\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11521,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11514\/revisions\/11521"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11519"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11514"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11514"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thewhiskylady.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11514"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}