Blanton’s Gold Edition
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Overall Value: 2.75/5
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Comapny Inc., Blanton's Distilling Company
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 103
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Honey
MSRP: $120 (2024)
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Blanton's Gold Edition is a premium single-barrel bourbon that commands attention, both in its presentation and its taste. Priced above its regular counterpart, this bourbon promises a step up in quality from traditional Blanton’s, and it thankfully delivers.
At first whiff, the nose hints of smokiness reminiscent of a charcoal grill, soon giving way to a sweeter aroma of toasted marshmallow. Additional notes of grape add some depth, while a touch of orange cinnamon roll and the essence of the Buffalo Trace rickhouses round it out nicely.
The palate provides a mild sweetness reminiscent of cotton candy, swiftly transitioning to dry oak. However, it doesn't stop there; the flavor evolves into some nice hints of honey and butterscotch.
The finish follows a typical Blanton's profile, with a general sweetness - leaning towards grape - that lasts a while. If you pay attention, you can catch a little of that butterscotch from earlier, but you have to be patient.
All-in-all, Blanton's Gold Edition exceeded our expectations, offering a more complex experience compared to its standard counterpart. However, with it being such a hard bottle to find — and secondary prices topping over $300 — it might leave you disappointed if you paid that much for a bottle.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3/5
THE NOSE:
Initially I got a smokiness similar to a charcoal grill, however, this seemed to dissipate after a few minutes.
It evolved into a more sweet profile of toasted marshmallow. There was also a grape fruitiness present.
The final notes were orange cinnamon roll and the Buffalo Trace rickhouses.
THE TASTE:
I got a mild sweetness that reminded me of cotton candy, but then pretty immediately into a taste of dry oak.
It developed nicely into a sweet grape salt water taffy. Very pleasant oily mouth feel.
THE FINISH:
A common profile I get with Blanton's is grape, and that is very much the case with the finish.
That's a plus in my book! Additionally, the finish has a really good length to it!
BUY OR PASS?
Much happier with this than regular Blanton's! I feel like if I was sipping this informally I would really love this.
The Hunter Says
Score: 6/10
Value: 2.5/5
THE NOSE:
From the start, all I get is subtle sweetness, like a hint of honey — nothing too overpowering.
However, as I took a few sips and let this sit in the glass, I got strong notes of buttery pie crust and sweet nugget.
THE TASTE:
On the first sip, it comes across like a drinking cherry coke. However, on future sips, I started noticing hints of honey and butterscotch.
Surprisingly, there's this youthful flavor that sneaks in — it's not necessarily a bad thing, but you can't help but wonder how good this bourbon could be with some more age.
THE FINISH:
The sweetness lingers on your tongue, and it’s more of that cherry cola flavor.
If you really pay attention, you can catch a little of that butterscotch from earlier, but you have to be patient.
BUY OR PASS?
Blanton's Gold Edition is what I'd call "approachable." It's good, but it's not bringing any complexity — which is frustrating from such a sought-after bottle. Sure, the fancy gold horse on top is a nice touch, but it’s not worth shelling out the money to have it. Save your pennies and explore other options.
