Blade and Bow
Intro: From Blade and Bow...
A homage to the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey uses a unique Solera System aging process to preserve some of the distillery’s oldest whiskey stocks, including some of the last bourbon produced there before it closed in 1992.
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.
Review: First of all...Solera...what the shit is that? Sounds like a back patio...also why not just age your bourbon like regular people...it doesn't make this over the top better.
The nose...vanilla notes and the second sniff I picked up some chocolate. It's a good nose without a lot of fumes.
The first sip...massive lip burn and tongue burn...ouch...oh man, I don't remember this being good but now I am skeptical, I think I was wrong when I bought this 2 years ago and tried it. Second sip...this is where we get the true nature of bourbon...still lip burn...slight corn but just a hint then good barrel flavors and char. It's not super sweet but there is some sweetness to it. Third sip...more corn and less burn...vanilla is a flavor...right? Yeah, vanilla...shit I can't pull that much out of the taste but it is a good bourbon. Fourth sip...ok, this has changed my mind of this bourbon. I like the finish and it's a great product. Sorry I poo pooed it before.
Is it worth the $?
About $60...is it worth this money? That's a tough one. It is unique but it is not perfect. It should be in the $40 range. I'm tired of bourbons in the $60 range, they just piss me off because we don't get another level from say a $20-30 bottle...you just get different and not always better. Collectors go for it. People who want a gift for a bourbon drinker...if they don't have Blanton's...buy Eagle Rare!