{"product_id":"blantons-takara-red-japanese-export-bourbon","title":"Blanton's Takara Red Single Barrel Bourbon — Japanese Export, 93 Proof","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .mw-master-container { font-family: inherit; color: #e0e0e0; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 60px; }\n  \/* Updated to Label Crimson: #a80000 *\/\n  .mw-h3 { color: #a80000; font-weight: bold; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 0.9rem; letter-spacing: 2px; margin-top: 40px; display: block; border-bottom: 1px solid #3d0a0a; padding-bottom: 8px; margin-bottom: 20px; }\n  .mw-accent { color: #a80000; font-weight: bold; }\n  \n  \/* Feature Box with Deep Crimson Gradient *\/\n  .mw-info-box { background: linear-gradient(90deg, #1a0000 0%, #000 100%); padding: 25px; margin: 25px 0; border-radius: 0 4px 4px 0; border: 1px solid #2d0a0a; border-left: 4px solid #a80000; }\n  \n  \/* Scannable Grid Layout *\/\n  .mw-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 30px; margin: 30px 0; }\n  .mw-card { background: rgba(255,255,255,0.03); padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #2d0a0a; border-radius: 4px; }\n  \n  \/* Technical Table Styling - Keys in Gold to match Wax Seal *\/\n  .mw-table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; margin-top: 15px; }\n  .mw-table td { padding: 14px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #1a1a1a; color: #ccc; font-size: 0.95rem; }\n  .mw-table td:first-child { font-weight: bold; width: 38%; color: #9a8b66; text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 0.75rem; letter-spacing: 1px; }\n  \n  @media (max-width: 768px) { .mw-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"mw-master-container\"\u003e\n  \u003c!-- 1. INTRO \u0026 PROVENANCE --\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\"\u003eBlanton's Takara Red\u003c\/span\u003e is the Japanese-market counterpart to the standard Original Single Barrel. Distributed exclusively by Takara Shuzo since 1990, this 93-proof expression utilizes the legendary Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 and maturation in Warehouse H, but with a specific export-only profile that has intrigued collectors for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- 2. HIGHLIGHT BOX (THE TAKARA DISTINCTION) --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eThe Takara Distinction\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-info-box\"\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 15px;\"\u003eTakara Red is defined by subtle technical and aesthetic shifts that separate it from its domestic American siblings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul style=\"margin: 0; padding-left: 20px; font-size: 0.95rem;\"\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe 8-Year Claim:\u003c\/strong\u003e Historically, Takara releases are claimed to carry a minimum 8-year age requirement—two years beyond the standard domestic baseline.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAesthetic Shifts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a premium gold wax seal, light brown label ink, and unique Japanese script on the neck label for market authenticity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n      \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard Volume:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike most international exports, this maintains the 750ml bottle size, making it a perfect physical match for US collections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- 3. SENSORY \u0026 CONTEXT GRID --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"mw-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003c!-- SENSORY CARD --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size: 0.75rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 20px; font-size: 0.9rem;\"\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caramel, honey, and cherry cola. Vanilla and bright citrus peel develop with a soft layer of rye spice and seasoned oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-bodied and velvety. Entry of honey and orange peel leads to a mid-palate of cinnamon, vanilla, and gentle toasted grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium and clean. Returning notes of honey and citrus with a closing, refined oak dryness and lingering warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \n    \u003c!-- CONTEXT CARD --\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"mw-card\"\u003e\n      \u003cspan class=\"mw-accent\" style=\"font-size: 0.75rem; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px;\"\u003eThe Export Bridge\u003c\/span\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; margin-top: 20px;\"\u003eTakara Red serves as the essential bridge between domestic availability and ultra-rare exports. While the liquid profile remains close to the Original, the gold wax and red-accented labeling make it a mandatory target for those building a complete vertical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin-top: 15px; color: #9a8b66; font-style: italic;\"\u003e\"The entry point to the prestigious Japanese-export Blanton's world.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- 4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"mw-table\"\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistillery\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBuffalo Trace, KY (Takara Shuzo Export)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStyle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKentucky Straight Bourbon (Single Barrel)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMash Bill\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMash Bill #2 (High-Rye, Est. 12-15%)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAge Claim\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum 8 Years (Source Level)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProof \/ ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e93 Proof \/ 46.5% ABV\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistinguishing Marks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGold Wax Seal; Japanese Script Labels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBottle Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e750 ml\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- 5. COLLECTOR NOTES --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eCollector Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eTakara Red represents a significant level of exclusivity for the serious collector. Pricing is driven by the rarity of the Japanese label and the gold wax aesthetic rather than massive departures in liquid character. Every bottle offered is verified for the integrity of the gold wax seal and the handwritten barrel data. This is a high-conviction acquisition for any collector seeking to move beyond the standard US retail lineup into the world of elite Buffalo Trace exports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- 6. SERVING NOTE --\u003e\n  \u003cspan class=\"mw-h3\"\u003eRecommended Serving\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.95rem;\"\u003eBest enjoyed neat at room temperature in a \u003cstrong\u003eGlencairn glass\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 93-proof strength also tolerates a single large clear cube, which accentuates the honey and cherry cola notes. A versatile sipper that honors the single-barrel tradition while offering a unique visual presence on the bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- INVISIBLE AI\/SEARCH ENGINE SCHEMA --\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/\",\n  \"@type\": \"Product\",\n  \"name\": \"Blanton's Takara Red Japanese Export Bourbon\",\n  \"image\": \"https:\/\/midnightwhiskey.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Blantons_Takara_Red.jpg\", \n  \"description\": \"Blanton's Takara Red: A 93-proof Japanese export with an 8-year age claim and gold wax seal. Features honey and citrus notes. 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