Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.
15 Stars, founded by father and son whiskey blenders Rick and Ricky Johnson, has made a name since coming online in 2022. The brand has received over 100 of the world’s most coveted whiskey awards, including several “best in class” awards. Operations are managed out of Bardstown, Kentucky, where 15 Stars works with a partner distillery (likely Bardstown Bourbon Co.) to distill over a dozen different whiskey mash bills, some of which include unique specialty heirloom corn (black, red, white, and blue) that the family grows for its gourmet specialty popcorn business, Black Jewell Popcorn.
Additionally, 15 Stars maintains a stock of sourced aged whiskeys, released periodically as unique offerings. The brand’s name pays homage to Kentucky as the 15th state, with Kentucky’s recognition on the second US flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes, which was authorized by President George Washington in 1795.
What’s in the bottle
The whiskey being reviewed here, 15 Stars Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon Aged 8 Years, was released earlier this summer as 15 Stars’ first single-barrel offering. A blend of two bourbons, each aged eight years, was finished in a single Vino de Naranja cask. The two bourbons were flavor-proofed ahead of finishing, and the bottles were released at the finishing barrel strength of 102.8 proof.
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With only 316 bottles available, this bourbon was priced at $139 when it became available.
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