Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

BOTTLES DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Blade and Bow
• MASH BILL: Undisclosed
• AGE: 22 years
• YEAR: 2020
• PROOF: 92 Proof (46% ABV)
• MSRP: None suggested by Diageo, though online retailers’ prices are $1,100-$1,400
• BUY ONLINE: Wine-Searcher.com

STEVE'S NOTES

NOSE: Cough Syrup | Dark Cherry | Blackberries | Spiced Gumdrops | Lemon rind

TASTE: Bitter Chocolate | Beefy | Cola | Astringent | Oak

FINISH: Dry, short and astringent

SHARE WITH: Fans of ultra-aged, tannic bourbons.

WORTH THE PRICE: Not for me.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar.

OVERALL: Despite the inviting nose—which revealed layer after incredible layer of aromas the longer it rested—whiskey is for drinking, and that effort ended the fun for me.

I get that others like some of these extra-long-aged bourbons; in fact, I appreciate it. That crowd is wired differently from me and variety is a great thing. But unlike Michter’s, which somehow pulls off the feat of bottling 20- and 25-year bourbon and rye that is not as drying, it doesn’t win me over. This 22-year dries up quickly and heads right to astringency for me. Your reactions may vary, and I hope they do, especially if you spend the exorbitant sums requested online.

With Stitzel-Weller releasing a whiskey this woody to celebrate its 85^th anniversary, I’m not looking forward to what remains in its already aged stocks. But if you’re a fan of geezer liquids, they might be worth the wait.

BRAND NOTES

22-YEAR-OLD STRAIGHT BOURBON

The award-winning Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a limited-release whiskey inspired by the passion and craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery.

Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old was most recently aged and bottled at Stitzel-Weller

Smooth and smoky, this limited-release bourbon’s taste is accented with notes of torched sugar and apples baked in honey and spices. Its aroma is one of toasted oak mixed with vanilla bean, fig and just a touch of caramel.

Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named the “Best Straight Bourbon” and received the DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Due to the highly allocated nature of Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old, we are not able to provide guidance on exactly where it can be found.

Proof: 92 (46% ABV)

Mash Bill: Undisclosed.

Cooperage: Charred American white oak

Age: 22 years

Nose: vanilla beans | figs | dark caramel

Palate: torched sugar | honey-baked apples | spices

BLADE AND BOW 22-YEAR-OLD KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY RETURNS WITH LIMITED RE-RELEASE TO COMMEMORATE THE STITZEL-WELLER DISTILLERY'S 85TH ANNIVERSARY

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—In celebration of the historic opening of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery 85 years ago, Blade and Bow has re-released its rare and limited 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon. An ode to the distinctive distillers who set the standard for crafting exceptional bourbon, this award-winning whiskey is the latest release from the famed distillery and will be available in 12 states as well as at Stitzel-Weller itself.

“We are honored to call the Stitzel-Weller Distillery home to Blade and Bow bourbons, and to play a part in preserving the careful craftsmanship and unique artistry that was established and perfected within these walls,” said Meghan Redler, brand manager for Blade and Bow. “Releasing Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old this year during Bourbon Heritage Month allows us to pay homage to this historic distillery with our finest liquid.”

This coveted re-release is available just in time for this celebratory month, which was originally created to emphasize the significance of bourbon being America's “Native Spirit.” The month-long celebration aims to highlight the heritage, craftsmanship, tradition and achievements that the bourbon industry has contributed to the United States. As the most recently aged and bottled bourbon at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which includes some of the last bourbon produced there before it closed in 1992, and inspired by the passion of its original creators, Blade and Bow's 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon makes for the perfect bottle to commemorate the occasion.

Embodying the one-of-a-kind artistry that has been produced by Stitzel-Weller's rich traditions, the rarity of Blade and Bow's 22-Year-Old has created a cult-like following, drawing in consumers who are looking to taste a bit of the past. Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available in limited quantities beginning in September in California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia.

Disclaimer: Blade and Bow provided Bourbon & Banter with a sample of their product for this review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.