15 STARS Fine-Aged Bourbon recently introduced Kentucke County, “a limited-edition line honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the birthplace of bourbon.”
The Bardstown, Kentucky distillery said, “In 1776, the same year the American colonies declared their independence, Kentucke County was established as Virginia’s western frontier county. The region would later evolve into the Kentucke District, within which Bourbon County was created, and bourbon whiskey was named Kentucke County by 15 STARS revives the first naming of Kentucky that started it all.
Kentucke County™ 12 Year-Old American Whiskey
A blend of straight bourbon and American whiskey, distilled from a bourbon mash bill and aged 7 years in second-use oak before an additional 5 years in new charred oak.
Tasting notes (from the distillery):
- Nose: bold notes of oak, palm, vanilla extract, dark chocolate, and nutmeg are mellowed by pear, sweet cherry, herbal tea and honey
- Palate: pear, cherry, and apple are complemented by oak, cinnamon, pepper and caramel
- FInish: fruit sweetness lingers from the palate but fades into the incredibly long caramel, wood, and tobacco finish
SRP: $57.99
ABV: 45%
Kentucke County™ Straight Bourbon Whiskey – Aged 6 Years
A blend of two Kentucky straight bourbon whiskeys each with a minimum age of 6 years.
Tasting notes (from the distillery):
- Nose: floral notes of honeysuckle mixed with banana, candied fruit, caramel, damp forest and seasoned oak.
- Palate: sweet flavors continue with vanilla, apricot, and golden raisin, complemented by cinnamon, old wood and leather.
- Finish: honey and caramel give way to rich notes of maple syrup and tobacco.
SRP: $37.99
ABV: 45%
Source: 15 Stars
"Bourbon, America and Kentucky all began together. We carry the spirit and craftsmanship of early Kentucky in our bones and express it in every bottle, delivering the aged flavor of whiskeys often priced twice as high.”
About 15 STARS
(From the company) 15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon crafts award-winning whiskey from their exclusive high-aged whiskey stocks through expertise in blending. Founded by father and son artisan blenders, Rick and Ricky Johnson, the brand has received nearly 200 of the world’s most coveted whiskey awards since its debut in 2022, included in these awards are many “best in class” recognitions. Always in pursuit of excellence in flavor, 15 STARS distills over a dozen different whiskey mash bills in Bardstown, KY, some of which include proprietary heirloom corn varieties (black, red, white, and blue) that the family grows for its gourmet specialty popcorn business, Black Jewell Popcorn. The 15 STARS portfolio of limited-release fine-aged bourbon is now available in over 20 states, as well as online at 15STARS.com. The name 15 STARS pays homage to Kentucky as the 15th state with Kentucky’s recognition on the second US flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes and was authorized by President George Washington in 1795. The 15 STARS First West lineup extends the brand into a more approachable price category with excellence of flavor still the driver of every release. First West continues the tradition of honoring Kentucky as the first state west of the Appalachians and the original western frontier of the United States. For more information visit 15STARS.com or follow on social @15STARSbourbon.
