{"product_id":"blantons-single-barrel-bourbon-japanese-import","title":"Blanton's Special Reserve Red Label 93 Proof - Japanese Import","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlanton's Special Reserve Red Label is a single barrel bourbon produced exclusively for the Japanese market — the same high-rye Buffalo Trace mash bill and Warehouse H aging program as the Original Single Barrel, but aged approximately two additional years, producing a noticeably deeper and more developed character at 93 proof (46.5% ABV) that makes it one of the most sought-after Blanton's expressions among serious collectors outside Japan.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Japanese market has long received expressions from American distilleries that never see domestic release — Blanton's Special Reserve is among the most prominent examples. Where the Original is bottled at 46.5% ABV from barrels selected at the standard aging point, the Special Reserve draws from barrels that have continued aging in the center-cut section of Warehouse H, the specific warehouse location Colonel Blanton identified as producing the finest bourbon on the property. The additional time in oak amplifies the vanilla and caramel character while deepening the spice complexity, producing a bourbon that drinks with more weight and structure than the standard expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Creamy vanilla and caramel with deeper oak than the Original — butterscotch, baking spice, and a hint of dried fruit from the extended aging\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rich and structured — vanilla, caramel, citrus, and warm oak spice. Fuller and more layered than the Original at the same ABV\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and warming with persistent vanilla, clove, and a dry oak note that the additional aging introduces\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDistillery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eProducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sazerac Company\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMash Bill:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-rye Buffalo Trace mash bill (corn, rye, malted barley)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warehouse H center-cut, approximately 2 years longer than the Original\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 46.5% (93 Proof)\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMarket:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japanese import exclusive\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrowse all \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/blantons\"\u003eBlanton's expressions at Wooden Cork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003ePlease note: Due to Blanton's wax seal design, minor cracking or seepage may occur during transit. We will provide resolution options if this occurs and shipping protection has been purchased. Please be advised replacements\/exchanges will not be offered. Boxes or bags may or may not be included.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between Blanton's Special Reserve and the Original Single Barrel?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Special Reserve Red Label is aged approximately two years longer than the Original in the same Warehouse H center-cut location. Both are single barrel expressions from the same high-rye Buffalo Trace mash bill at 46.5% ABV, but the extended aging produces a deeper vanilla and oak character with more structural complexity on the palate and finish. The Special Reserve was created specifically for the Japanese market, where consumers have historically favored more developed, well-aged bourbon expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhy was Blanton's Special Reserve made exclusively for Japan?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eJapanese whisky culture has long placed a premium on aged, complex spirits, and American distilleries have responded by producing exclusive expressions for that market. Blanton's Special Reserve was developed to meet Japanese consumer preferences for more developed aged character. Because it was never officially released in the US, bottles in the American market are imports — typically commanding a significant premium over the domestic Original.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow should I serve Blanton's Special Reserve?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eNeat in a Glencairn or rocks glass, at room temperature or with a single ice cube to open the aromatics. The additional aging complexity rewards slow sipping without dilution. It can be used in elevated bourbon cocktails, but the extra depth it offers over the Original is best appreciated straight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between Blanton's Special Reserve and the Original Single Barrel?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The Special Reserve Red Label is aged approximately two years longer than the Original in the same Warehouse H center-cut location. Both are single barrel expressions at 46.5% ABV from the same high-rye Buffalo Trace mash bill, but extended aging produces deeper vanilla, oak, and structural complexity.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why was Blanton's Special Reserve made exclusively for Japan?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Japanese whisky culture favors more developed, well-aged spirits. Blanton's Special Reserve was created to meet those preferences. It was never officially released in the US, so American bottles are imports that typically carry a premium over the domestic Original.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How should I serve Blanton's Special Reserve?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Neat in a Glencairn or rocks glass at room temperature or with a single ice cube. The additional aging complexity rewards slow sipping without dilution.\"}}]}\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"Blanton's","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49127987544316,"sku":"4904670306911","price":227.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0800\/6605\/2348\/files\/BlantonsRedJapan.png?v=1779539267","url":"https:\/\/thebourbonvaulthq.com\/products\/blantons-single-barrel-bourbon-japanese-import","provider":"THE BOURBONVAULT HQ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}