15 STARS First West Launches as a Trio of New Bourbons in Brand Extension

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15 STARS Launches New Bourbon Line, First Time Brand Incorporates its Own Distillate into a Blend.

15 STARS has introduced First West, a new line extension featuring three bourbon expressions: Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged 8-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey. Designed to honor Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, the First West collection combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. The bottle design is inspired by some of the earliest whiskey bottles made in Kentucky, while the whiskey inside is crafted using the brand’s Flavor Proofed™ process to achieve optimal taste.

Heritage Corn and Proprietary Blends

The Small Batch and Toasted Oak releases are composed of a blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old Kentucky bourbons, including proprietary red, white, and blue heritage corn, marking the first time 15 STARS has incorporated its own distillate into a blend. The Extra Aged expression uses 8- and 9-year-old Kentucky bourbons for added depth and complexity.

Commitment to Quality at an Accessible Price

“Our goal with 15 STARS First West was to create the same high-quality, award-winning whiskey at an approachable cost to our consumers,” said Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “In place of double digit age statements seen with 15 STARS, we are able to bring extra flavors into the First West lineup with our heritage grains and continue to use our process of Flavor Proofing™ to create never before crafted blends.”

Pricing and Availability

The First West collection is now available at select retailers nationwide and online at 15STARS.com. Suggested retail prices are $59.99 for the Small Batch (102 proof), $69.99 for the Toasted Oak (98 proof), and $79.99 for the Extra Aged 8-Year-Old (100 proof).

Celebrating Kentucky’s Bourbon Legacy

“We want to capture the spirit of early Kentucky with its epic story of adventure and discovery, in our bourbon,” said Johnson. “Bourbon collectors and connoisseurs are invited to explore new territories in bourbon, expand their palate with flavor proofing, explore heirloom corns, and celebrate the home of bourbon!”

Credit: 15 STARS

First West Small Batch – Aged 5, 6, and 7 years ($59.99 MSRP / 102 Proof)

  • Nose: Subtle sweet notes of banana bread, caramelized apple, sugar cream pie, dried cherry, and honey are balanced by nutmeg, cigar box, and seasoned oak.
  • Palate: Fruit flavors of pear, golden raisin, apple, and vanilla rest on top of notes of damp forest and tobacco.
  • Finish: A burst of honey-sweetened fruit salad quickly fades into a long finish of oak and tobacco.

First West Toasted Oak – Aged 5, 6, and 7 years ($69.99 MSRP / 98 Proof)

  • Nose: Beginning with aged notes of seasoned oak, nutmeg, licorice, and ground pepper the nose opens up to include caramel, peach, plum, banana, and salt water taffy.
  • Palate: Sweet flavors of cherry, orange, banana, toffee, and vanilla are surrounded by ever-present oak.
  • Finish: Apricot and cherry carry over the sweetness from the palate, eventually giving way to rich caramel, toasted oak, tobacco.

First West Extra Aged – Aged 8 and 9 years ($79.99 MSRP / 100 Proof)

  • Nose: Orange peel citrus along with cherry and caramel create a sweet aroma that is contrasted by cinnamon, seasoned oak, leather, and a hint of malted grain.
  • Palate: Cherry and seasoned oak appear first followed by orange marmalade and fresh fruit juice to create a viscous and smooth palate.
  • Finish: The finish begins with rich flavors of plum and cherry with a hint of citrus which give way to enduring oak and caramelized sugar.
Credit: 15 STARS

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