Blanton's : Gold Edition

Tasting notes and characteristics of Blanton's Gold Edition

Tasting

Appearance
A deep, warm shade of dark amber, leaning toward mahogany and rich auburn. Long, thick legs slowly trace down the sides of the glass, revealing a beautiful viscosity.

Nose
Rich, complex and layered. The first impression unveils aromas of honey and vanilla, accompanied by delicate floral notes. These are followed by hints of dark fruit, tart apple, citrus and dried tropical fruit. The whole is underpinned by a spicy rye foundation marked by cinnamon, nutmeg and clove, subtly wrapped in touches of tobacco and oak.

Palate
Powerful, structured and highly aromatic. The intense attack gives way to a velvety, enveloping mid-palate. Flavours of green apple, vanilla and caramel intertwine with the liveliness of spices. Indulgent notes of chocolate, honey, dried fruit and butter round out this complex profile. The finish is particularly long and harmonious, marked by returning hints of pecan, maple syrup, oak and a touch of menthol.

Pairings and tasting occasions
This contemplative sipping bourbon is best enjoyed at the end of a meal or in the evening. It is preferably savoured neat, possibly with a few drops of water or a large ice cube to soften its alcoholic strength and release its aromas. On the gastronomic side, it enhances rich desserts such as dark chocolate fondant, pecan pie or crème brûlée. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled or smoked meats, aged hard cheeses, as well as fine cigars.

Mixology
While it is recommended to enjoy it neat to fully appreciate its complexity, this exceptional spirit can find its place in refined classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan or the Boulevardier. It can also be served in a minimalist way over a large clear ice cube, simply enhanced with two dashes of Angostura bitters and an orange zest.

The excellence of a Single Barrel Bourbon: the quintessence of Kentucky whiskey by Blanton's

The pioneering legacy of the Blanton's brand

Born in 1984 at the heart of the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, Blanton's revolutionised the world of Kentucky whiskey by introducing the very first single barrel bourbon to be marketed on a large scale. This pioneering spirit pays tribute to Colonel Albert B. Blanton, the historic figure who ran the distillery from 1912 to 1953 and who was in the habit of selecting exceptional single barrels for his private bottlings. Today, the brand is owned by Sazerac Company, a private, independent family group that takes care to preserve this priceless heritage. Under the technical direction of master distiller Harlen Wheatley, Blanton's perpetuates a tradition of excellence, combining rigorous artisanal craftsmanship with the meticulous selection of barrels, thereby redefining the quality standards of contemporary American whiskey.

The production secrets of the Gold Edition

Regarded as the most accomplished expression of the range, the Gold Edition is an exceptional Bourbon crafted from the famous Mash Bill no. 2 of the Buffalo Trace distillery. This singular recipe stands out for its predominantly corn-based composition enriched with a particularly high proportion of rye, along with a touch of malted barley. The grains, sourced from local farms, are combined with the pure water of the Kentucky River, naturally filtered through limestone rock.

After a meticulous sour mash fermentation and a double distillation taken up to 70% ABV, the distillate is reduced before being filled into new American white oak barrels. These barrels, whose staves have been air-dried for six months, undergo an intense level 4 char. The ageing then takes place exclusively within the legendary Warehouse H, a cellar whose unique thermal conditions encourage intense exchanges between the wood and the spirit.

True to the single barrel philosophy, each bottle comes from a single, carefully selected barrel, without any blending. Bottled at 51.50% ABV (103 proof) after cold filtration, this American whiskey with no age statement is presented in an elegant case. Originally designed for demanding international markets, it now stands as an essential benchmark for connoisseurs.