Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
One of the amazing things about the American whiskey scene these days is the myriad of non-distilling producers (NDP) out there putting their spin on what they think is the perfect bourbon or rye whiskey. One of those seemingly having more success is 15 Stars out of Kentucky, so named for its home state “being the 15th state and the second U.S. flag (1795-1818) which represented Kentucky as the 15th state with 15 stars and 15 stripes.”
15 Stars, which has its whiskeys distilled and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Bardstown, Kentucky, saw an earlier release this year, its First West Rye, win top recognition at the 2023 NYWSC, including Best in Show for 2023, Best Rye Whiskey for 2023, and Double Gold. Its newer Sherry Cask Finish, which is what I’m reviewing here, won at the same competition Best Bourbon of 2023, Best Finished Bourbon of 2023, and Double Gold.
This NDP, since going to market in January 2022 under the guidance of father/son duo, Rick and Ricky Johnson, has, in fact, won already over 60 competition awards. Not bad at all for a small outfit that says the secret to their success begins “with highly aged whiskey—up to 19 years old. Their meticulous blending adds to the complexity and interest of the bourbon, while flavor proofing provides the optimal flavor at bottling. Bottling is only done when it reaches the duo’s high expectations.”
15 Stars Sherry Cask Finish, announced in late September, is a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys, aged 13 and 10 years, that was sourced from Kentucky and Indiana and finished in casks previously seasoned by sherry wine. Bottled at 115 proof and pricing at $179, it is a limited release in select retailers in Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, and online through 15STARS.com.
An interesting footnote on the bottling for this release – it is topped by “a classic metal stopper inspired by the first U.S. coinage, which displayed 15 stars [and that’s] engraved by the American artisan Robert Scot.”
Tasting Notes: 15 Stars Sherry Cask Finish
Vital Stats: A blend of straight bourbons (13 year Kentucky, 10 year Indiana) finished in ex-sherry casks; 115 proof; $179.
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Appearance: Typical brown-orange range seen with slightly older bourbons, though the sherry cask finishing give this a deeper amber color. Nice viscosity, nice leg action inside the glass.
Nose: Sweetness right away, a type of candy corn and warm brown sugar. The higher proof does not play into a burn in the nostrils, likely from the sherry cask mellowing. Faint hint of nuttiness.
Palate: This opens up nicely right away, with warm butter notes, sweetness from the corn of the bourbon and some nuttiness from the sherry cask interchange. It holds long on the tongue, providing for a nice decadent finish with a subtle burn that makes it an appealing offering to sip slowly and deliberately. It isn’t overly complex, buoying its core flavors with hints of taffy, slight spice, brownie and a very subtle jab of toasted oat.
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