Description

Blanton’s Black Edition is the Japanese export expression of the world’s first single barrel bourbon — produced through Takara Shuzo, Blanton’s original Japanese importer, and selected from barrels aged a minimum of 8 years rather than the standard aging program used for the domestic lineup.

Like Blanton’s Green Label, the Black Edition is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in a 700ml format for the Japanese and international export market. The key distinction is the barrel selection standard: where the Green Label draws from the standard Warehouse H selection process, the Black Edition requires a minimum 8-year aging period, producing a more complex and refined expression with greater barrel integration. The additional two years in charred American oak amplify the caramel and dark fruit notes while adding depth to the oak and spice character.

The same high-rye Mash Bill #2, the same Warehouse H center-cut barrels, and the same Elmer T. Lee single barrel heritage as the Original — at 80 proof with the added complexity of extended aging. Each bottle carries the black label design and one of the eight collectible racehorse stopper designs spelling B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.

Blanton’s Black Edition is not part of Buffalo Trace’s domestic US distribution. Wooden Cork sources it through specialty import channels and ships nationwide when stock is available.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Powerful and dry — honey, rye, dried fruits, vanilla, and dark chocolate with earthy undertones of walnut and hazelnut. Palate: Full and rich at 80 proof — caramel, apple, dark cherry, butter, pepper, honey, and oak with the depth of 8-year minimum aging. Finish: Long with toffee apple developing into pecan and caramel. Smooth and well-rounded with lingering vanilla.

Specs

Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky. Importer: Takara Shuzo (Japan). Mashbill: High-rye Mash Bill #2. Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottling: Single barrel, hand-selected from Warehouse H. Minimum age: 8 years. Proof: 80 (40% ABV). Size: 700ml. Primary market: Japanese export.