Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is the world’s first single barrel bourbon, according to Buffalo Trace, being created in 1984 by Elmer T. Lee. Named after former distillery president Colonel Albert B. Blanton, it is said Elmer recalled how Colonel Blanton would handpick “honey barrels” from the center cut of Warehouse H for the many parties Blanton held. Many years later, Buffalo Trace called upon Elmer to create a new bourbon in 1984 and Blanton’s was born.
Though American drinkers are familiar with the 93 proof Blanton’s Original Single Barrel, hard core lovers of this brand know there are variants of it available in other global markets which are said to be even more enjoyable than this one. These fans have long lobbied for one of them, Blanton’s Gold Edition, to come stateside, and now that is actually the plan via a limited release once a year starting this year.
The 103 proof Blanton’s Gold Edition is the same recipe as Blanton’s Original, but the proof is greater. The bottle showcases a horse and jockey atop its stopper, in various poses to mimic running a horse race. The eight different horse and jockey stoppers feature a letter that collectors save to spell out the brand name “B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.” The horse and jockey on the Gold Edition is gold in color.
“We’ve seen Blanton’s soar in popularity over the last few years, and fans have asked us for the Gold version in the U.S. too,” said Kris Comstock, Buffalo Trace senior marketing director, in a prepared statement. “We’re thrilled to fulfill their requests this summer.”
As you just read, plans call for Gold to have a summer release, priced at around $120 per 750 ml bottle. Official tasting notes for it describe it as “having a nose marked by honey, heavy rye, dried fruits, vanilla, and chocolate. The taste is described as full and rich, marked by apricot, butter, pepper, light honey, and oak. The finish has been called long, with toffee and apple, developing on pecan and caramel.”
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