Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon whiskey headerLast week, while binge-watching NCIS New Orleans Season 3, a bottle of whiskey caught my eye. Pride and Gregorio were sharing a whiskey from a very distinctive bottle. As I scrutinized the screen, I realized it was none other than Blanton’s Gold edition bourbon whiskey—a bottle I had in my own collection. I knew I had to join the NCIS team and savour it.

Blanton’s Gold edition bourbon boasts the iconic Blanton’s bottle shape – short, round, and crowned with a unique stopper. This particular release, Blanton’s Gold, is a rare gem in the bourbon world, bottled at an impressive 51.5% ABV.

The origins of Blanton’s bourbon trace back to 1984, when it was introduced as a single barrel bourbon. This spirit is created at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and owned by the Sazerac Company.

In the world of whiskey, a single-barrel bourbon like Blanton’s is distinctive because each batch originates from the contents of a single barrel, never blended with other barrels.

Now, what sets the Blanton’s bottle truly apart, besides its elegant stature, are the eight different stopper designs. These ornate stoppers each feature a figurine of a racehorse and jockey, capturing various scenes of a horse race, from the starting gate to the thrilling finish line. Will I be collecting more stoppers, or will this solitary horse stand alone in my collection?

Blanton’s Gold Edition bourbon whiskey undergoes aging for a commendable 6 to 8 years. The mashbill has a higher rye percentage, and each bottle is meticulously hand-filled, sealed, labelled, and individually numbered.

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Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Blanton's Gold bourbon whiskey with glassCOUNTRY: USA

ABV: 51.5%

COLOUR: Dark amber

NOSE: Prepare for an aromatic journey with robust oak, warming rye, condensed milk, subtle hints of sun-dried oranges, and the inviting embrace of vanilla. The nose alone is a testament to the excellence of this bourbon.

PALATE: While there’s a hint of alcohol burn initially, give it some time to breathe. The palate is an symphony of flavours featuring toasted oak, fudge, notes of cinnamon, chocolate-covered oranges, a touch of Sichuan pepper, whispers of cherries, honey, and the soothing essence of vanilla.

It’s big, beautiful, and complex. If you choose to add water, proceed cautiously, as only a few drops are needed to unlock further intricacies while taming the alcohol intensity.

FINISH: The bourbon’s grandeur extends to its long-lasting finish, filled with the delightful aftertaste of fudge, cinnamon, a pinch of pepper, and subtle hints of orange peel.

RATING: DIVINE

Blanton’s Gold Edition is a bourbon whiskey that left me and John in awe. We’ve savoured many outstanding bourbon whiskeys, including the beloved Maker’s 46 and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon, but none have earned the “divine” label until now.

The Gold Edition bourbon is more than just a whiskey; it’s a special occasion dram. Its sophistication and complexity command your full attention, making it a treasure worth savouring. In fact, it almost made us cancel our dinner plans, as it enticed us to spend the evening getting better acquainted with its exceptional character.

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