We’ve had the pleasure of tasting the first two releases from 15 STARS, an emerging brand showcasing their impressively well-aged stocks of bourbon and blending acumen. They just announced two new releases which are sure to draw some attention and further commendation. We’ll have reviews of each up on BourbonLens.com soon, but for now.
Check out the full press release from 15 STARS:
BARDSTOWN, Ky.— Two new fine aged whiskeys from award-winning 15 STARS will hit shelves in Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee beginning March 6. The two new limited releases, Triple Cask and First West Rye will also be available online through 15stars.com.
The Triple Cask release is a blend of two Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys bottled at 105 proof and finished in cognac, port, and rum casks, with one whiskey aged 16 years and the other 8 years old. This blend of two bourbons, one fully mature and the other significantly aged, creates a flavorful mix to which the three cask finishes add additional rich barrel notes.
First West Rye is a select blend of straight rye whiskeys aged 8, 7, and 6 years and bottled at 105 proof. This whiskey showcases distilling from America’s “First West”, which in 1795 was centered on Kentucky, the first state west of the Appalachians, and included the Northwest and Southwest Territories.
“After receiving over 20 significant awards for our first two releases, we look forward to seeing how whiskey lovers respond to these new additions which continue to demonstrate our creative blending and flavor-proofing techniques,” said Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS co-founder. “Each of our whiskeys are meticulously crafted from aged stocks to create the finest drinking experience.”
These new releases also feature 15 STARS classic metal stoppers. Drawing inspiration from the first U.S. coinage which displayed 15 stars representing Kentucky as the 15th state. The designs used on the metal stopper were first created by the American artisan Robert Scot. This serves as a nod to the craftsmanship of early America.
15 STARS NEW RELEASES REVIEWED
Triple Cask Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Details from the Brand:
Aged 16 & 8 years ($179 MSRP) – Awarded Gold in the 2022 John Barleycorn Awards and Gold in the 2022 Proof Awards.
Nose: Layers of baked blackberry with cream, brown sugar, and nutmeg open up into aromas of leather and cigar box to build a complex nose that continues to develop in the glass.
Palate: Dark fruit and nutmeg make an appearance along with vibrant cognac. This gives way to caramel and aged oak, showing the strong character of the aged bourbons in the blend.
Finish: The finish begins with a burst of rich port wine sweetness. This transitions into seasoned oak and worn leather.
First West Rye Whiskey Details from the Brand:
Aged 6, 7, & 8 years ($89 MSRP)
Nose: An exquisite blend of aromas revealing layers of floral, dried fruit, and spice notes.
Palate: Dried apricot, ginger, cinnamon, green tea, and lavender. This leads to a rich palate showcasing the aged rye whiskey components. Deeper on the palate, hints of dark cocoa balance traditional herbal tea, honey, and tobacco.
Finish: A long finish balances light caramel with lingering ground pepper and rye spice.
About 15 STARS
15 STARS was founded by father and son entrepreneurs Rick and Ricky Johnson. The brand is a tribute to more than 225 years of Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship. The name pays homage to Kentucky, America’s 15th state. The new releases can be found at select retail locations in KY, IN, & TN and online at 15STARS.com. Future releases will incorporate innovative grains while still following the founders’ low barrel entry proof, creative blending, and flavor-proofing techniques. 15 STARS distills and bottles at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky.
For More Information on 15 STARS:
https://15stars.com/
