Blanton's Black Edition is the Japanese export expression of the world's first single barrel bourbon — produced through Takara Shuzo, Blanton's original Japanese importer, and selected from barrels aged a minimum of 8 years rather than the standard aging program used for the domestic lineup.
Like Blanton's Green Label, the Black Edition is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in a 700ml format for the Japanese and international export market. The key distinction is the barrel selection standard: where the Green Label draws from the standard Warehouse H selection process, the Black Edition requires a minimum 8-year aging period, producing a more complex and refined expression with greater barrel integration. The additional two years in charred American oak amplify the caramel and dark fruit notes while adding depth to the oak and spice character.
The same high-rye Mash Bill #2, the same Warehouse H center-cut barrels, and the same Elmer T. Lee single barrel heritage as the Original — at 80 proof with the added complexity of extended aging. Each bottle carries the black label design and one of the eight collectible racehorse stopper designs spelling B-L-A-N-T-O-N-S.
Blanton's Black Edition is not part of Buffalo Trace's domestic US distribution. Wooden Cork sources it through specialty import channels and ships nationwide when stock is available.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Powerful and dry — honey, rye, dried fruits, vanilla, and dark chocolate with earthy undertones of walnut and hazelnut. Palate: Full and rich at 80 proof — caramel, apple, dark cherry, butter, pepper, honey, and oak with the depth of 8-year minimum aging. Finish: Long with toffee apple developing into pecan and caramel. Smooth and well-rounded with lingering vanilla.
Specs
Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky. Importer: Takara Shuzo (Japan). Mashbill: High-rye Mash Bill #2. Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottling: Single barrel, hand-selected from Warehouse H. Minimum age: 8 years. Proof: 80 (40% ABV). Size: 700ml. Primary market: Japanese export.
Browse the full Blanton's collection at Wooden Cork, including Blanton's Original, Green Label, Straight from the Barrel, and rare Japanese market expressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blanton's Black Edition?
A Japanese export single barrel bourbon produced through Takara Shuzo — Blanton's original Japanese importer — and bottled at 80 proof in a 700ml format. Distinguished from Blanton's Green Label by its 8-year minimum barrel selection requirement, producing a more complex and oak-integrated expression from the same Warehouse H barrels and high-rye Mash Bill #2.
How does Blanton's Black differ from Blanton's Green Label?
Both are 80-proof, 700ml Japanese export expressions from the same Warehouse H barrels and Mash Bill #2. The key difference is the aging requirement: Black Edition requires a minimum of 8 years in barrel, while Green Label draws from the standard selection process. The additional aging in Black delivers more oak integration, deeper caramel and dark fruit, and a more complex overall profile.
How does Blanton's Black differ from Blanton's Original?
Blanton's Original is bottled at 93 proof in a 750ml bottle for the US domestic market. Black Edition is bottled at 80 proof in a 700ml bottle for the Japanese export market with an 8-year minimum aging requirement. Original is more intense and spicy at higher proof; Black is smoother and more approachable with greater barrel complexity from extended aging.
Why is Blanton's Black hard to find in the US?
Black Edition is produced specifically for the Japanese export market through Takara Shuzo and is not part of Buffalo Trace's domestic US distribution. Finding it in the United States requires a specialty retailer with direct import access. Wooden Cork sources and ships it nationwide when allocation is available.
Is Blanton's Black Edition allocated?
Yes — as a Japanese export expression not part of domestic Buffalo Trace distribution, availability in the US is significantly more limited than Blanton's Original. Wooden Cork ships nationwide with adult-signature delivery when stock is available.
Please note: Due to Blanton’s hand-dipped wax seal design, minor cracking or seepage may occur during transit. This is a known characteristic of the packaging rather than a product defect. Shipping protection is strongly recommended. The collector’s box or bag may or may not be included depending on the specific bottle — please refer to the individual listing details.
