First West Explorer is the fourth expression in the company’s First West bourbon collection and introduces 15 STARS’ proprietary baby black corn mashbill.
The new release joins First West Small Batch, First West Toasted Oak, and First West Extra Aged, while marking a major milestone as the brand’s first bourbon produced entirely from in-house distilled whiskey.
According to the company, First West Explorer also introduces 15 STARS’ proprietary baby black corn mashbill. The bourbon combines baby black corn and yellow corn alongside rye, wheat, and malted barley, resulting in what the brand describes as a distinctive five-grain bourbon profile. The whiskey was aged for more than five years and refined using the company’s Flavor Proofed™ process.
Proprietary Mashbill Debuts in First Fully Distilled Release
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce our first fully distilled 15 STARS expression, especially as it showcases the very first mashbill we ever produced using our proprietary baby black corn,” said Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “That black corn, paired with wheat as the flavoring grain, creates a bourbon that’s naturally sweet and exceptionally smooth. Blending it with our yellow corn rye bourbon adds another layer of complexity, resulting in a truly distinctive pour.”
The company stated that the blend incorporates Kentucky Straight Bourbons aged five and six years. First West Explorer is bottled at 95 proof with a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Tasting Notes and Packaging Details
According to 15 STARS, the bourbon opens with aromas of cherry, banana pudding, vanilla wafers, meringue, fresh wood, and tobacco. The palate features notes of pear, raisin, sugar, baking spice, herbal tea, cigar box, and seasoned oak. The finish reportedly develops from orange citrus and white pepper into more mature oak characteristics as the whiskey opens in the glass.
First West Explorer is packaged in the brand’s signature blue bottle, designed to reference the first glass bottles produced in Kentucky and historically used for bourbon storage.
First West Collection Continues Kentucky Frontier Theme
The First West collection continues 15 STARS’ broader focus on Kentucky history and the American frontier as the birthplace of bourbon. First West Explorer represents the latest addition to the lineup while also signaling the company’s move into fully proprietary bourbon production.
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