Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

VA ABC- $49.99

Total Wine - $49.99

Class VI - $XX.xx

ABV - 45.5%

AGE - Solera Aged

From the VA ABC website:  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.

A few years ago, the missus and I spent four nights in Louisville over the 4th of July holiday.  We rented a car and visited many distilleries on the Bourbon Trail.  And, don’t worry, the amount of whiskey they serve at a tasting is very small.  Each distillery is about an hour apart from each other.  Irresponsible consumption was never a threat.  We visited the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, did a ghost walk, and enjoyed the many bars and tasting rooms that Louisville has to offer.  We spent two nights at the Brown Hotel and two nights at the Seelbach Hotel.  We really liked both and highly recommend visiting Louisville.  If you plan on going, you’re welcome to contact me for suggestions.

Among the many bourbons we tried, Blade and Bow was a standout.  I recall being surprised at how sweet it is - rich in caramel.  I’ve enjoyed it several times since and would call it a sipping whiskey.  I wouldn’t waste it in a cocktail and I wouldn’t cook with it.  Two fingers in rocks glass and, if you’d like, a clear ice cube - you’re in for a pleasant evening.  

Now, about a Solera:  They are used for many different types of alcohol and they’re becoming more popular in the whiskey world.  Our friends at ‘31 Whiskey’ wrote a very good explanation of the solera process and the reasoning behind aging using that method.  I’ll let them explain:

“With a whiskey aged in the normal way, it’s an all or nothing kind of deal. Once the barrel is tapped, the entire contents of the barrel are disgorged and bottled. And that is precisely what the solera method aims to change.

With the solera aging method, instead of emptying the entire barrel, only a portion (typically around half) of the contents are removed. The rest of that original product remains behind, and then newly produced product is added to restore the barrel to full capacity. The mixture is then placed back into storage to age.

This process was pioneered in Spain; according to that traditional method, a series of casks would be used to gently age the liquid inside. With each cycle, some of the volume of the oldest casks would be drained off and sold, with the now missing volume being replaced from the next oldest cask in line. This pattern would be repeated, with the younger casks donating some of their contents to the slightly diminished older casks, until the youngest was reached. There, the newly made liquid would be added to start its way through the process.” and further on “The word “solera” means “on the ground” in Spanish, referring to the oldest casks on the bottom of the stack”

The article is very interesting.  You even get a short ride on a ‘Ship of Theseus’.  For fifty bucks, Blade and Bow competes well with more-expensive bourbons.  It’s worth pursuing.  

STITZEL-WELLER SOUR

INGREDIENTS:

1.25 oz. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

.25 oz. fresh lemon juice

.25 oz. fresh grapefruit juice

.25 oz. fresh lime juice

.5 oz. simple syrup

Cocktail cherry & orange peel

PREPARATION:

Stir ingredients together

Strain over ice in a fresh rocks glass

Garnish with cocktail cherry and orange peel garnish