The new release blends rare straight rye whiskeys aged 14, 13, 9, and 8 years sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Bottled at 95 proof, Founders Reserve is available in limited quantities through select retailers nationwide and online at 15STARS.com.
Blending Expertise Across State Lines
“With Founders Reserve, we set out to create something extraordinary—combining aged rye mashbills from three whiskey-rich states into one seamless, complex expression,” said Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “This release is a unique blend that is incredibly smooth and complex.” The Founders Reserve showcases the brand’s blending and proofing techniques, emphasizing balance and depth.
Tasting Notes Highlight Complexity and Smoothness
According to the brand, the nose features vanilla, honey, caramel, and floral notes, followed by deeper aromas reminiscent of an old cigar box, nutmeg, raspberry dark chocolate, and black cherry. On the palate, drinkers can expect fresh notes of peach, honey, mandarin orange, caramel apple, sweet mint, and oak. The finish includes cherry, apricot caramel, licorice, mint, and tobacco, ending with lingering flavors of honeycomb and oak.
Premium Offering for Collectors and Connoisseurs
Priced at $139, the Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye aims to appeal to both whiskey collectors and connoisseurs. The release reflects 15 STARS’ dedication to blending craftsmanship, with a focus on creating distinctive, high-aged blends using a variety of mash bills and flavor profiles.
Brand Heritage and Recognition
15 STARS was founded by father and son blending team Rick and Ricky Johnson and has earned more than 150 whiskey awards since its 2022 debut. The brand is known for using unique heirloom corn varieties in some of its mash bills, which are also grown for the family’s Black Jewell Popcorn business. The name “15 STARS” references Kentucky’s position as the 15th U.S. state and its representation on the 1795 American flag. To listen to their story, check out Bourbon Lens Podcast Episode 259 featuring the Father-Son Duo.
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