According to the website, “Blanton’s Gold Edition was created for discerning bourbon aficionados who appreciate exceptional smoothness and complexity in their bourbon whiskey. The nose is first marked by spicy rye and tobacco notes. Caramel and honey follow soon after, mingled with dark fruit and citrus notes. The palate emulates the same complex nose with rye, tobacco, and honey at the forefront. Round and bold notes of charred oak and vanilla carry you through to an extremely long and harmonious finish. This bourbon consistently delivers on balance and character, on par with the world’s finest whiskey. Best served neat or with a splash of water. Bottled at 51.5% alcohol by volume.”
A couple of times a year the New Hampshire Liquor Commission holds a raffle that is free to enter that gives the consumer a chance to purchase allocated bottles. The method flat out sucks as you select 12-15 liquors and if you are lucky enough to win you get chosen a bottle from your list. With the liquor stores state controlled we have the benefit of no outrageous after market prices. However finding allocated bourbon is damn near impossible as it’s either sold to high end bars or restaurants and only to consumer via ghost drops or the raffle.
This year I was selected to purchase this bottle after personally being shut out of a winning for the last 3 years.
Bourbon Review: Blanton’s Gold Edition
ABV: 51.5 (103 Proof)
Age: Not Disclosed
Mash Bill: Not Disclosed
Dumped Date: 04-08-24
Rick No.: 35
Barrel No.: 72
Bottle No.: 85
Distillery: Blanton Distilling Company
Location: Frankfort, KY (USA)
The Nose: Deliciously sweet with elements of citrus, raisins and kettle corn. Subsequent pulls from the glass reveal additional corn notes and the addition of pears with a touch of vanilla. It’s a memorable nose but it does set the bar pretty high for the first sip.
The Taste: A subtle butterscotch gives way to pears and tobacco. I am caught off guard by how drying the profile despite how flavorful the bourbon is. Secondary sips see hints of stone fruits, honey and toffee.
The Finish: The initial sips leave a dry finish with an abundance of leather but the second and third sip see notes of toasted oak, cracked pepper and a lingering rye.
Conclusion: We have reviewed all the Blanton’s from the Original Single Barrel to Straight from the Barrel. I can say the Blanton’s Gold Edition blows the Straight from the Barrel out of the water. However, I am left wondering if it was worth nearth double the price of the original single barrel. After some pondering, the answer is no.
The limited production Gold Label is nearly impossible to find at MSRP and despite it not being worth nearly double the price of the original it is worth having in your collection if you can find it at the right price.
Score: 91
Price: $129.99
