Blade and Bow is expanding its portfolio with the introduction of 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve, a new limited annual release that showcases a unique multi-vat finishing process inspired by the brand’s Solera heritage.
Crafted under the direction of Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, the new expression begins with 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon before undergoing a fractional blending process utilizing large-format Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port vats. The result is a whiskey designed to deliver layered complexity without relying on a single finishing cask.
According to Austin, the goal was to capture the fruit character, tannins, and aromatic qualities associated with cask-finished whiskey while avoiding excessive oak influence or overpowering wine notes. By combining multiple vintage vats through a Solera-inspired approach, she sought to create a bourbon that balances vibrant fruit and honey with traditional notes of vanilla, spice, and leather.
“From the start, I wanted to capture the fruit, tannin, and aromatic lift that can be achieved with cask-finished bourbon, without the common pitfalls of one-noteness or overly tannic, new-wood character,” said Austin. “I achieved this while honoring Blade and Bow’s Solera heritage, using the technique to blend new and older whiskey across multiple carefully chosen, large-format vintage vats to create a delicate weave of vibrant fruit and honey, layered over notes of vanilla, spice, and leather.”
Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve opens with aromas of red fruit, dried fig, and currant before revealing a palate featuring caramelized sugar, dried fruit, almond toffee, cocoa, and dark cherry. The finish showcases dark fruit and oak spice, complemented by balanced tannins and subtle acidity. Each finishing vessel contributes distinct characteristics, with Port and Bordeaux bringing structure and dark fruit notes, Cognac adding refined fruit esters, and Moscatel contributing sweetness and aromatic lift.
The release builds on the brand’s longstanding connection to Solera blending, a process that incorporates whiskey from previous batches to create continuity and depth over time. Presented in an enhanced version of the brand’s signature bottle, the expression joins Blade and Bow’s portfolio as an annual release and will become a permanent part of the visitor experience at Stitzel-Weller Distillery beginning in July.
Bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV), Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve carries a suggested retail price of $64.99 per 750 mL bottle. Availability will be limited to select markets, including Kentucky, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Beginning July 17, guests at Stitzel-Weller Distillery will also be able to experience a custom Blade and Bow tasting flight featuring the core expression, the new 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve, and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old.
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