A Milestone for the Brand and the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.
Blade and Bow has unveiled its oldest expression to date: a 30-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, representing three decades of aging in the famed rickhouses of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. First barreled in the spring of 1993, the whiskey was selected from some of the oldest stocks in the distillery’s inventory and marks a milestone moment for both Blade and Bow and the aged-bourbon category.
Led by Nicole Austin’s Barrel-by-Barrel Selection
The project was spearheaded by Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities. Austin individually evaluated each barrel to determine whether it was ideal for blending or strong enough to stand on its own. She noted that despite the advanced age, many barrels delivered “incredible depth, rich vanilla, and layered fruit character,” deviating from typical expectations of over-oaked or overly tannic 30-year-old whiskey.
A Blend of 42 Rare Barrels
The final release is a blend sourced from just 42 barrels, bottled at 54.5% ABV and non-chill filtered to preserve the whiskey’s full flavor and character. The expression reflects Blade and Bow’s “Five Keys of Bourbon”: Grain, Yeast, Fermentation, Distillation, and Aging. Each step was cited as foundational in achieving balance, complexity, and structure.
Preservation Through Consolidation
During maturation—prior to Diageo’s ownership—semi-empty barrels were consolidated to retain fuller contact with the wood and avoid the risk of over-oaking as evaporation increased. This decision ultimately contributed to the higher-than-expected yield of quality liquid at 30 years old, a rarity for whiskey of this age. Austin described the barrels as “vibrant” with surprising fruit, vanilla, and structural depth.
Tasting Profile: Bright, Layered, and Luxuriously Textured
The bourbon opens with aromas of zesty lemon, fresh raspberry, warm ginger, and cinnamon. The palate reveals an oily and chewy texture, developing into notes of hazelnut, anise, burnt sugar, blackcurrant, fig, and molasses. The finish is described as cool and menthol-like, offering simultaneous brightness and warmth.
Non-Chill Filtered and Highly Limited
The whiskey’s non-chill-filtered presentation preserves natural oils and congeners, resulting in a richer mouthfeel and the presence of delicate white ‘flocs’ in the bottle. Blade and Bow emphasizes that these are a normal characteristic of high-quality, non-chill-filtered whiskey.
Availability and Pricing
Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old will be available in select U.S. markets beginning November 2025, as well as through the Stitzel-Weller Distillery visitor center. Individual pours will be offered at the Garden & Gun Club for $225, served with premium glassware and keepsake items. The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $1,200, though pricing may vary.
A New Benchmark for Blade and Bow’s Portfolio
This release builds on the brand’s aged collection, including its core Kentucky Straight Bourbon and the 22-Year-Old Limited Release. Blade and Bow notes that the 30-Year-Old expression marks the beginning of a longer-term initiative dedicated to exploring what extended aging, careful curation, and legacy-driven stewardship can achieve.
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