Blanton’s Takara Red Review

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Bottle Basics

Name: Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Red Edition (Note: The word “Takara” is not actually included as part of the name but is commonly used to discern the Japanese version from the normal version.)
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (exact recipe is undisclosed)
Proof: 93
ABV: 46.5%
Age: NAS. Rumored to be 8yrs.
Size: 750ml
MSRP: $60 – $90 USD

Additional Details

Bottling Date: March 2, 2022
Barrel Number: 94
Warehouse: H
Rick Number: 61
Distiller Notes:

Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world’s first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Blanton’s Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons in 1984. Best served neat or on the rocks. Bottled at 46.5% alcohol by volume. — Source

貯蔵庫で長い眠りの時を過ごした原酒を、ひと樽ごとに厳格にテイスティングし、その中から熟成のピークを迎えたものだけが選ばれる。どこまでも芳醇で濃密な味わい。時間と手間を惜しまず造りあげた至高のシングルバレルバーボンウイスキー。

[English Translation] Each cask of the base spirit, which has spent a long time in storage, is rigorously tasted to select only those that have reached the peak of maturity. The taste is rich and aromatic, and the process of making this supreme single barrel bourbon whiskey is never rushed, sparing no time or effort. — Source

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Introduction

Blanton’s Takara Red holds the distinction of being a Blanton’s release exclusively available in Japan. Similar to Blanton’s Takara Gold and Blanton’s Takara Black, the name “Takara” is not officially part of the version’s name, but it can be found in Japanese characters on the neck label. This reference is in reference to Takara Shuzo, the marketing and distribution company responsible for these sought-after releases in Japan.

This particular expression, like with all other Blanton’s releases, still remains a bit of a mystery when it comes to its age, as no official disclosure is provided. However, speculation suggests that it is aged for two additional years compared to the regular Blanton’s, potentially reaching an aging period of 8 years. Bottled at 46.5% ABV, it promises a compelling drinking experience for enthusiasts seeking a touch of rarity.

Living in Japan, I have had the pleasure of exploring multiple bottles of Blanton’s Takara Red. Luckily, it is relatively accessible and can be found at or near its suggested retail price, depending on the store you visit. Even online platforms like Amazon Japan offer listings that fall within a reasonable range of the MSRP. While I haven’t personally ordered it online, the fact that it is available as an option provides convenience and peace of mind.

I remember the time when I stumbled upon a bottle of Blanton’s Takara Red for the first time. It was in this cozy little liquor shop in Sapporo, located in the middle of the city. I was still in exploratory mode at the time and not necessarily hunting for anything in particular, but rather just checking out the selection. Of course as I was checking everything out, there it was, shining on the shelf (quite literally) like a diamond in the rough. And you know what? It was priced at just ¥7760 JPY ($57 USD). No tricks, no gimmicks. It’s like this store knew they had something special and wanted to share the love with their loyal customers…

Or, then again, maybe they’ve just been sitting there, tucked away in the corners of the shop, collecting a fine layer of dust (which I came to realize). But hey, sometimes those dusty bottles hold the greatest surprises, right?

But enough reminiscing — let’s dive right into the review and see what kind of pour this is!

Appearance

Looking at it within the bottle, a deep amber hue with intriguing hints of red catches the eye. However, when poured into a Glencairn glass, the color takes on a solid copper tone. As I give the glass a gentle swirl, I notice the formation of long, slow-moving legs — this is a promising sign. It suggests that this whiskey has more in store for us — more flavors, more barrel extracts, and a richer texture. And for a bottle like Blanton’s Takara Red, I wouldn’t expect anything less.

Nose

Upon pouring, I’m greeted with a strong wood and oak aroma. Initially, it bears a striking resemblance to the regular Blanton’s expression, but with an intensified presence of wood and oak. Allowing the whiskey to breathe for a few minutes, sweeter notes start to emerge, with hints of butterscotch and cherries. There’s a medley of fruit aromas at play, reminiscent of citrus-based fruits. I detect subtle hints of dried peel from red and green apples. As it develops further, sweet nuances of honey and vanilla come to the forefront, now reminding me of… Honey Nut Cheerios.

Palate

When it comes to the palate, Blanton’s Takara Red takes a departure from the normal Blanton’s and presents a noticeably sweeter profile. In fact, this pour sets itself apart entirely from the regular expression. While it maintains the foundation of Blanton’s flavor profile, it offers a heightened level of complexity that catches you off guard — in a good way. If Takara Red indeed undergoes a longer aging process, it would explain the discernible differences in flavor profiles. Of course, let’s not forget that these are all single barrels, so slight variations across bottles are expected due to that factor alone. Now, with the additional age factor, we find ourselves with a truly distinct tasting experience.

The sweetness found in Takara Red evokes notes of burnt caramel and brown sugar, and it’s a delightful surprise given the intensity of wood and oak on the nose. However, the body of the whiskey does lean towards being somewhat light and thin, though not quite as light as the regular Blanton’s or Takara Black. Nevertheless, the fruity sweetness harmoniously balances with the wood and oak notes, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable sip.

Now, let’s talk about an interesting observation I made while exploring this bottle over a span of 9-10 months. As the liquid level dipped below the label, something interesting happened — the pours became even more noticeable in sweetness, particularly showcasing pronounced notes of honey and fruit-forward flavors. It was a pleasant surprise upon revisiting the whiskey for this review, after some time had passed. This enhancement in sweetness added an extra layer of enjoyment and truly showcased the evolving nature of Blanton’s Takara Red. It’s the kind of experience that reminds us why we appreciate and explore the complexities of fine whiskey.

Finish

When it comes to the finish of Blanton’s Takara Red, we’re looking at a short to medium length that delivers a delightful surprise. As the flavors linger on the palate, there’s a distinct presence of cinnamon and honey that adds a pleasant touch. Now, I’ll be honest with you — this finish may not have the extended duration that some would expect from a whiskey of this caliber. It leaves you wanting just a little bit more, longing for those lingering moments of indulgence. However, let’s not overshadow the fact that it still brings a satisfying conclusion to the overall tasting experience. It’s like a sweet farewell that leaves you with a warm and contented feeling.

Conclusion

Blanton’s Takara Red is undeniably an enjoyable whiskey that warrants seeking out if the opportunity presents itself. It’s a worthy addition to any bourbon enthusiast’s shelf and certainly a step up from the standard Blanton’s Single Barrel. While maintaining the familiar flavors that Blanton’s is known for, what truly sets Takara Red apart is its intensified wood and oak notes on the nose resulting from added aging, accompanied by a delightful sweetness on the palate.

And as for that finish, it may not have the length and lingering presence that some aficionados crave, but let’s not get too hung up on that minor detail. In the grand scheme of things, this whiskey shines brightly and delivers an overall excellent experience.

So, would I buy it again? Well, here’s the deal. If I come across it at its suggested retail price (which, fortunately, has been the case thus far) and I find myself running low or without a bottle at home, I’ll gladly pick one up. However, I won’t be losing my mind and going on a wild goose chase to stockpile it. Let’s be real here, folks — paying over $100 USD for Takara Red is simply not justifiable. It’s a fantastic whiskey, no doubt, but it doesn’t command such exorbitant prices, especially at the prices I’ve been seeing it for on US-based online retailers.

Besides, while I’m here in Japan, there are plenty of other daily drinkers that I might gravitate towards instead. Old Ezra 7-year, Wild Turkey 12-year, and Evan Williams 12-year immediately come to mind. These are all solid choices that offer exceptional value for the price.

So, my friends, keep an eye out for Blanton’s Takara Red if you come to Japan (probably the only area where you can acquire it easily, and for reasonable pricing), enjoy it when the opportunity arises, but remember to keep things in perspective.

Additional Images

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