New Whiskey Brand Takes Gold, Double Gold and ‘Best Straight Bourbon’

Generations of distillers along Kentucky’s bourbon trail have poured decades of time into perfecting the art of making whiskey in distilleries that have since become the place of legend.  Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, DIAGEO‘s newest brand within its American Whiskey portfolio, pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the celebrated Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.

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.

«From the delicious hint of dried apricot and ripe pear found within Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon to the 22-Year-Old Limited Release’s pronounced nose of toasted oak layered with vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel, both whiskies exhibit the same craftsmanship that was upheld amongst distillers at Stitzel-Weller long ago,» said DIAGEO North American Whiskey Ambassador Doug Kragel. «The inspiration for Blade and Bow’s creation resonates with my personal passion for whiskey, and I can’t wait for others to have the opportunity to responsibly enjoy these great products.»

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. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (750 mL), while Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry a suggested retail price of $149.99 (750 mL). The two offerings will be available to adult consumers in May 2015.