Blade and Bow Bourbon 750ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon bottled at 45.5% ABV (91 proof) that channels the legacy of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Distinguished by its solera aging method—which incorporates some of the last bourbon ever produced at Stitzel-Weller—this expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.Quick Facts: ABV: 45.5% (91 Proof) | Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA | NAS, Solera-Aged | Distillery: Stitzel-WellerProduction & HeritageStitzel-Weller, founded in 1935 by Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr. in Louisville's Shively neighborhood, closed its distilling operations in 1992 but remains one of American whiskey's most revered names. Blade and Bow is produced by Diageo using a solera aging system in which older whiskey—including some of the final stocks distilled at Stitzel-Weller—is continuously mingled with younger bourbon aged in new charred American oak barrels. The mashbill consists of corn, rye, and malted barley, though exact percentages remain undisclosed. This solera method ensures continuity of flavor across batches, with each release carrying a thread of the distillery's original character.Tasting NotesAroma: Ripe pear and dried apricot arrive first, followed by vanilla and light oak. A gentle wave of warm baking spices—nutmeg and cinnamon—fills in behind the fruit, with a subtle suggestion of sweet roasted grain.Taste: The entry is soft and caramel-forward, quickly developing into toasted oak and dried fruit at mid-palate. Nutmeg, almond, and a touch of light tobacco emerge as the bourbon opens up, balanced by a buttery richness that keeps the proof in check.Finish: Medium in length and surprisingly clean, with grapefruit peel, soft vanilla, and a dry chamomile-tea quality. Charred oak and leather linger at the edges, leaving a warm, spice-driven close.How to Drink Blade and BowAt 91 proof, Blade and Bow drinks well neat or with a single large ice cube that gradually opens up its fruit and oak layers. A few drops of water can coax out more of the apricot and vanilla character. It also works in several classic cocktails: Old Fashioned — The caramel and baking-spice profile meshes naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, requiring no heavy modification. Whiskey Sour — Dried fruit and vanilla stand up to citrus without getting lost, adding depth beyond a standard pour. Manhattan — The oak backbone and dry finish complement sweet vermouth without turning cloying. Best For Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values distillery heritage and production provenance Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly Kentucky bourbon Introducing someone to the Stitzel-Weller legacy at an accessible entry point After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a good cigar Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Blade and Bow taste like? Blade and Bow leads with caramel and dried apricot, develops into toasted oak and nutmeg at mid-palate, and finishes with grapefruit peel, leather, and warm baking spices. The overall impression is balanced and moderately rich, with a clean, medium-length close.How does Blade and Bow compare to Buffalo Trace? Both are Kentucky bourbons in a similar proof range, but Blade and Bow's solera aging method produces a more layered, oak-driven profile with prominent dried fruit, whereas Buffalo Trace tends toward brighter vanilla and cherry notes with a slightly sweeter disposition. Blade and Bow also carries the Stitzel-Weller connection, which distinguishes its heritage from Buffalo Trace's Frankfort distillery lineage.Is Blade and Bow good for sipping neat? Yes—at 91 proof it delivers enough intensity to hold your attention without excessive heat, and the solera-aged complexity rewards slow, undiluted tasting.Where is Blade and Bow made? Blade and Bow is produced at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery campus in Louisville, Kentucky, under Diageo's ownership. The solera system housed there blends historic Stitzel-Weller bourbon stocks with newer whiskey aged in new charred American oak barrels.What foods pair well with Blade and Bow? Smoked pork or brisket complements its oak and spice character. Dark chocolate truffles highlight the bourbon's vanilla and caramel sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère mirrors its nutty, toasted notes. Pecan pie works as a dessert pairing, echoing the warm baking-spice finish. Stone fruit tarts also pick up on the apricot and pear aromatics.What sizes does Blade and Bow come in? The standard expression is widely available in 750ml bottles. Diageo also produces a separate Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old expression, which is a limited annual release at a higher proof and price tier.Is Blade and Bow worth the price? Blade and Bow positions as a mid-premium Kentucky bourbon—above everyday shelf staples but below allocated or age-stated luxury releases. The solera aging process and Stitzel-Weller provenance offer genuine production distinction that justifies its placement in that tier.Why Blade and Bow?The solera aging system is the defining detail here: it is one of the few bourbon expressions on the American market that uses this continuous blending method, and fewer still can claim a direct link to Stitzel-Weller's final distillate. That connection is not merely marketing—liquid from those original barrels remains part of the solera chain, contributing depth that newer bourbon alone cannot replicate. A Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and additional Gold from the ASCOT Awards confirm that the resulting whiskey holds up under professional blind evaluation. For drinkers who want Kentucky bourbon with verifiable provenance and a production method that genuinely differs from the category norm, Blade and Bow delivers on both counts.
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