The American whiskey market shows no sign of slowing down with new companies sprouting up every day – and old ones being revived. Spirit giant DIAGEO has sort of mixed the two paths, creating a new brand but invoking the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The result is Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
Named after the two parts of a skeleton key, the blade shaft and the ornate bow handle, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey derives its inspiration from the Five Keys symbol that can be found throughout the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Representing the five steps of crafting bourbon – grains, yeast, fermentation, distillation and aging – these keys have grown to symbolize the southern traditions of hospitality, warmth and enjoying the finer things in life.
Introduced in two offerings, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each variant possesses its own distinctive liquid characteristics.
Awarded Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (91 proof, 45.5% ABV) is born from some of the oldest remaining stocks to be distilled at Stitzel-Weller before the distillery shut its doors in 1992. Matured using the solera aging method, this last remaining bourbon ever distilled at Stitzel-Weller is mingled with other fine whiskies that have since been aged and bottled at Stitzel-Weller, resulting in a premium liquid that contains a piece of history in every sip.
Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, 46% ABV) won Double Gold and was awarded the title “Best Straight Bourbon” at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Inclusive of whiskies distilled at both the distillery historically located at 17th and Breckinridge in Louisville, Ky. and the distillery historically located at 1001 Wilkinson Blvd. in Frankfort, Ky., this limited release offering was most recently aged and bottled at Stitzel-Weller.
The maker recommends either variation be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey retails for $50, while Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry a heftier price of $150.