Blade and Bow

Blade and Bow
Stitzel-Weller Distilling Co.
Louisville, Kentucky
ABV: 45.5%
91 Proof

This was another bourbon I picked out when I was in Nashville before the pandemic. It had a cool little key attached to it that grabbed my attention. It’s superficial, but when you are in a liquor store looking over 100s of bottles anything you can do to stand out matters. The bottle describes a unique process for making the bourbon.

The solera liquid is mingled with other fine whiskies aged and bottled at Stitzel-Weller. Aged in new charred American white oak barrels, this bourbon has a subtle aroma of fresh fruit and a taste that includes hints of dried apricot, ripe pear and a sweet roasted grain. The finish has notes of charred oak and warm winter spices.

It sounds like the equivalent of a sourdough starter but for bourbon. Once poured in the glass the bourbon has a nice very subtle sweetness smell with notes of vanilla. That vanilla is much stronger in the flavor profile after taking a sip. I thought I got some floral notes in here as well which made it stand out more for me. Maybe it was from the vanilla flower? At around $45 for the bottle you could do way worse and you get a key!