Blanton’s Single Barrel Black Label Japanese Edition Bourbon

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Single Barrel | 40% ABV (80 Proof) | Japan-Exclusive Release | 750ml

Discover one of the most sought-after international expressions in the Blanton’s collection with Blanton’s Single Barrel Black Label Japanese Edition Bourbon. Created specifically for the Japanese market, this rare export release combines the legendary single-barrel character of Blanton’s with extended barrel selection and a remarkably smooth 80-proof presentation.

Selected from barrels matured for a minimum of eight years, Blanton’s Black offers additional oak integration and maturity while maintaining the elegant caramel, vanilla, fruit, and spice character that has made Blanton’s one of the world’s most recognizable bourbons.

Produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, each bottle comes from an individual barrel rather than a blend of multiple barrels, giving every release its own subtle personality.

For Blanton’s collectors and enthusiasts searching for harder-to-find Japanese-market bourbon, the Black Label Edition is an essential addition to the collection.

A Blanton’s Bourbon Made for Japan

Blanton’s Black was created specifically for the Japanese market, making it considerably less common in the United States than the familiar Blanton’s Original Single Barrel.

While Blanton’s Original is bottled at 93 proof, Blanton’s Black is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), creating a softer and exceptionally approachable expression.

The lower bottling strength does not mean less character. Extended barrel selection brings additional mature oak, caramel, dark fruit, vanilla, and spice into the profile, resulting in a bourbon that emphasizes refinement and balance over raw power.

Selected From Older Barrels

One of the most important distinctions of the Japanese Black Label is its barrel-selection standard.

Blanton’s Black is selected from barrels matured for a minimum of eight years, giving the whiskey additional time to interact with its new charred American oak barrel.

That extended maturation contributes deeper caramelized sweetness, mature oak, fruit, vanilla, and spice while preserving the silky texture for which the Japanese release is prized.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Rich golden amber.

Nose: Creamy vanilla and caramel layered with orange peel, ripe fruit, honey, subtle chocolate, and fragrant oak.

Palate: Exceptionally smooth with vanilla, caramel, cherry, citrus, dried fruit, gentle rye spice, and increasingly mature oak.

Finish: Refined and lingering with caramel, vanilla, oak, subtle spice, and a gently warming sweetness.

The Legendary Warehouse H

Blanton’s bourbon is matured in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the historic metal-clad warehouse closely associated with Colonel Albert B. Blanton.

Because metal responds rapidly to Kentucky’s seasonal temperature changes, whiskey resting inside Warehouse H experiences dynamic interaction between spirit and oak.

It was from this warehouse that Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee selected barrels when he introduced Blanton’s in 1984, helping establish what became the modern premium single-barrel bourbon category.

What Makes Blanton’s Black Japanese Edition Special?

• Japanese-Market Exclusive: Created specifically for Japan
• Single Barrel Bourbon: Each bottle originates from an individual barrel
• Minimum 8-Year Barrel Selection: Older barrel selection than standard Blanton’s requirements
• 80 Proof: Bottled at 40% ABV for a refined, approachable drinking experience
• Warehouse H Maturation: Aged in Blanton’s legendary metal-clad warehouse
• Buffalo Trace Heritage: Produced at one of Kentucky’s most celebrated distilleries
• Collectible Horse Stopper: Features Blanton’s iconic horse-and-jockey bottle design
• Limited U.S. Availability: Significantly harder to source than standard Blanton’s Original

Blanton’s Black vs. Blanton’s Original Single Barrel

The most noticeable difference is strength and barrel selection.

Blanton’s Original Single Barrel is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV) and delivers a more robust expression of the classic Blanton’s profile.

Blanton’s Black Japanese Edition is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) and uses barrels meeting a longer minimum maturation standard, resulting in a softer, more mature and oak-integrated drinking experience.

For collectors, the Japanese-market provenance also makes Black Label particularly interesting as part of a complete Blanton’s lineup.

How to Enjoy Blanton’s Black

Blanton’s Black is ideally suited to sipping neat in a Glencairn or tulip-shaped whiskey glass, where its vanilla, caramel, fruit, and oak character can fully develop.

A small splash of water can further open the fruit and sweetness, while serving it over a large cube of ice produces an exceptionally smooth and relaxed bourbon experience.

Given its rarity outside Japan, many enthusiasts will also choose to preserve a bottle as part of a broader Blanton’s collection.

Product Details

• Brand: Blanton’s
• Expression: Black Label Japanese Edition
• Producer: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Origin: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
• Category: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Style: Single Barrel Bourbon
• Barrel Selection: Minimum 8 Years
• Maturation: New Charred American Oak
• Warehouse: Warehouse H
• ABV: 40%
• Proof: 80
• Original Market: Japan
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Availability: Limited / Imported

Blanton’s Single Barrel Black Label Japanese Edition brings together extended maturation, legendary Warehouse H provenance, Japanese-market exclusivity, and the unmistakable Blanton’s bottle design in an exceptionally smooth and collectible bourbon.