Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon 750ML

Blanton’s Gold Edition Bourbon 750ML is a 103-proof (51.5% ABV) single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Bottled at a higher proof than the flagship Original Single Barrel, the Gold Edition delivers greater flavor intensity and concentration while maintaining the signature Blanton’s profile — a hallmark of what many credit as the brand that launched the modern single barrel bourbon category.
Quick Facts: ABV: 51.5% (103 Proof)  |  Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA  |  Single Barrel Bourbon  |  Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Production & Heritage
Blanton’s Gold is distilled at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky — a site with a distilling history stretching back to 1773. The bourbon is made using Buffalo Trace’s Mashbill #2, a high-rye recipe containing roughly 10–15% rye, which contributes notable spice and complexity. Each barrel is filled into new charred American white oak that has been air-dried for six months, then aged in Warehouse H, a single-story metal-clad rickhouse. Unlike blended bourbons, every bottle of Blanton’s Gold comes from a single barrel that is periodically sampled by the Master Distiller before being deemed ready for bottling. The liquid is chill filtered prior to bottling at 103 proof — six proof points above the Original Single Barrel’s 93 proof — allowing more barrel character to come through without requiring a water addition.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The nose opens with warm honey and dried fruit before giving way to layers of vanilla, dark chocolate, and a pronounced rye grain spice. A subtle citrus note — reminiscent of dried orange zest — weaves through the heavier aromatics.
Taste: Entry is full-bodied with an initial tingly warmth that quickly reveals rich vanilla custard and ripe apricot. Mid-palate, peppery rye spice rises alongside butter and light honey, while dark chocolate and oak tannins provide depth and structure. The higher proof amplifies each flavor stage without overwhelming the palate.
Finish: Exceptionally long. Crème brûlée sweetness lingers alongside chocolate shavings, dark fudge, and a trailing cream note that slowly gives way to dry oak and a final whisper of citrus. The finish is where the Gold Edition most clearly separates itself from its lower-proof sibling.
How to Drink Blanton’s Gold
At 103 proof, Blanton’s Gold is outstanding neat, though a few drops of water can open up the sweeter custard and fruit notes for those who prefer a gentler experience. On the rocks, it holds its structure well as the ice slowly dilutes.
Old Fashioned: The bourbon’s dark chocolate and orange zest character pairs naturally with an expressed orange peel and a dash of Angostura bitters. Gold Rush: Honey and lemon juice complement the existing honey and citrus notes already present in the spirit, creating a cohesive and bright cocktail. Boulevardier: The high-rye spice and full body stand up to Campari and sweet vermouth without getting lost, resulting in a rich and balanced pour.
Best For
Gifting a bourbon collector who already owns the Original Single Barrel
Side-by-side tastings comparing proof impact within the Blanton’s lineup
After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or a dessert course
Adding a higher-proof anchor to a curated home bourbon shelf
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Blanton’s Gold taste like? Blanton’s Gold delivers a full, rich palate dominated by vanilla custard, apricot, peppery rye spice, dark chocolate, and honey, finishing with an exceptionally long crème brûlée sweetness and lingering oak.
How does Blanton’s Gold compare to E.H. Taylor Single Barrel? Both are single barrel bourbons distilled at Buffalo Trace at similar proof points, but they use different mashbills — Blanton’s Gold uses the high-rye Mashbill #2 while E.H. Taylor Single Barrel uses the lower-rye Mashbill #1. This gives Blanton’s Gold a spicier, more pepper-forward profile, whereas E.H. Taylor tends to lean toward caramel and baking spice.
Is Blanton’s Gold good for sipping neat? Yes — at 51.5% ABV it carries enough proof to deliver bold, concentrated flavor while remaining approachable for experienced bourbon drinkers without requiring dilution.
Where is Blanton’s Gold made? Blanton’s Gold is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distillery sites in the United States, with roots tracing to 1773.
What foods pair well with Blanton’s Gold? Dark chocolate truffles complement the bourbon’s cocoa and cream notes. Grilled stone fruit, particularly peaches, echoes the apricot character. Smoked pork belly or barbecue ribs match the oak and pepper spice. A sharp aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory tang. Crème brûlée mirrors the dessert-like finish almost exactly.
What sizes does Blanton’s Gold come in? Blanton’s Gold is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.
Is Blanton’s Gold worth the price? Blanton’s Gold positions as a premium single barrel bourbon that sits above the Original Single Barrel in both proof and flavor intensity, placing it in the upper tier of allocated Kentucky bourbon — its single barrel nature, higher proof, and collectible packaging support its premium standing within the category.
Why Blanton’s Gold?
Blanton’s is widely credited as the first commercially marketed single barrel bourbon, introduced in 1984, and the Gold Edition builds on that legacy by pushing the proof to 103 without sacrificing balance. The high-rye Mashbill #2 delivers a spice-driven complexity that distinguishes it from many competing single barrels in the same proof range. Each barrel is individually selected and never blended, meaning every bottle carries a unique fingerprint — a genuine expression of a single point in time and place within Warehouse H. For drinkers who appreciate the Blanton’s profile but want more intensity and a longer finish, the Gold Edition represents a meaningful step up from the Original.