Bourbon

Blanton’s Gold Edition Review

Discover whether Blanton’s Gold lives up to its premium reputation in Jade Cox's in-depth review of this iconic single barrel bourbon.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Tasting Notes

About:

Blanton’s is a name that needs no introduction among bourbon enthusiasts. Yet for many, it’s not the name but the iconic bottle design, topped with a horse and jockey, that makes it instantly recognisable. Even at its most accessible, Blanton’s is positioned as a premium bourbon, firmly associated with high-end whiskey culture and American pop culture alike.

But Blanton’s is more than just eye-catching packaging. It has the pedigree to back it up. The brand was launched in 1984 as the world’s first commercial single barrel bourbon, a concept that helped shape the modern premium bourbon market. However, the knowledge and expertise behind Blanton’s go back even further, particularly to the late 1940s, when key figures were refining the techniques that would later define the brand.

This particular bottle, Blanton’s Gold, is crafted for those who appreciate complexity and smoothness and are willing to pay for the privilege. So, marketing and history aside, how does the whiskey itself measure up?


Appearance:
Auburn, close to deep Tawny.
Nose:
Sweet honey and rich vanilla are the first to greet the nose, accompanied by delicate floral notes in a gentle but beautifully tight knit medley. Subtle chocolate and tart apple undertones emerge after letting the glass sit a small while. Alcohol burn on nosing is very subtle, surprising for the intensity of the strength.
Palate:
Coats mouth incredibly well, intense burn right up front before being followed by prominent notes of green apple and vanilla. Very apparent oak influence, with a subdued smoky undertone. Small notes of black peppercorn and sticky toffee can be found once acclimatised to the incredibly complex flavour.
Finish:
Clings to the back of the tongue and cheeks nicely. Milk chocolate and mild vanilla gently hum around the tongue, with small honey accents and a spicy, dry overall finish.
Comments:
This is honestly an incredible try, I felt as though every sip brought out a new flavour. Initially on nosing I was unsure how to dissect the complex aroma entirely, but after a few sips it was like I was taught to speak the drams language, as the nosing became far clearer. The intensity and richness of this bourbon cannot be understated, but the dram isn’t overly sweet either. Clearly there is some sweeter notes in there, such as honey, chocolate and apple, but there is also a distinct dry, spicy element to the flavour which helps reign it in and prevent it from being too cloying.

This is absolutely a drink for experienced whiskey enjoyers, drinking it and simply digesting the complex swirl of sensations is a real treat, though I can imagine some who are less experienced may find this bourbon overwhelming. I do, however, believe this flavour to be a “timeless” one, which anyone could come back to at any point in the future and still relish just as much. It’s my hope that individuals too new to the artform who try Blanton’s Gold and find it to be too much for them try it again in a few years with a more refined palette, and finally fully understand this amazing dram.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jade Cox

Jade Cox is an up-and-coming distiller at the new CrownWorks Distillery in the Midlands, as well as a passionate spirits reviewer, and OurWhisky Foundation graduate. Jade has a particular fondness for Bourbon and Irish whiskey, as she feels it embodies her philosophy for life perfectly: “All good things are a perfect blend of proven theory and bold experimentation”.

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