1996. Takara Gold. Derby Edition. 700ml. Blanton’s — a Japanese market exclusive bottling produced through Takara Shuzo, the original Japanese importer for Blanton’s and one of the key relationships that built Blanton’s international reputation decades before the brand achieved its current domestic allocated status.

Japan discovered Blanton’s long before most American consumers did. Takara Shuzo brought Blanton’s to Japan in the 1980s — the same era when Japanese whisky enthusiasts were developing the deep American whiskey appreciation that would eventually feed back into domestic US collector demand. The Takara Gold Derby Edition is a Japan-specific expression produced with Takara’s label design and the Derby-themed presentation that reflects Blanton’s horse racing identity. At nearly 30 years from bottling, the 1996 vintage is a genuine historical artifact from the foundational era of Blanton’s international reach.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Exclusive: Takara Shuzo — Japanese market
• Edition: 1996 Takara Gold Derby Edition
• Size: 700ml

Explore the full exclusive selections at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Blanton’s Takara Gold? A Japanese market exclusive produced through Takara Shuzo — Blanton’s original Japanese importer — with Japan-specific label design and presentation. A different expression from Blanton’s standard domestic lineup.
• Is the 1996 Takara Gold Derby Edition still available? Yes — available now.