Blanton's Takara Red Single Barrel (70cl, 46.5%)

Blanton's Takara Red is a single barrel Kentucky bourbon developed for the Japanese market. It is bottled at 46.5% in a 70cl bottle and is understood to be matured for at least eight years, although no age is stated officially. Blanton's is made at the Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, and its stopper takes the form of a racehorse and rider, a nod to the Kentucky Derby. The nose is spicy and complex, with vanilla, toffee, cherry and tobacco. The palate has a very creamy texture, with oak, cloves, marmalade, honey and more toffee. The finish is long and very soft, with peach and cream.