Blade and Bow Straight Bourbon is a Kentucky bourbon inspired by the historic legacy of the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, the famed whiskey site once associated with some of the most revered names in bourbon history. Produced by Diageo, the whiskey incorporates a portion of older stocks alongside younger bourbon and is positioned as a tribute to classic Kentucky whiskey traditions. The name references the two keys once given to distillery workers at Stitzel-Weller: a blade key for the distillery and a bow key for the storage warehouses. Each bottle carries one of five collectible key designs symbolizing the values of passion, originality, sophistication, style, and achievement. The bourbon itself leans smooth and approachable in style. The nose offers aromas of vanilla bean, baked apple, honey, toasted oak, and light baking spice. On the palate, it is round and easygoing with notes of caramel, dried fruit, cinnamon, orange peel, and soft charred oak balanced by gentle sweetness and a polished texture. The finish is warm and mellow with lingering vanilla and spice. Blade & Bow works well both neat and in classic bourbon cocktails, making it an appealing bottle for casual bourbon drinkers as well as those drawn to the historical connection to Stitzel-Weller.
