15 STARS unveiled its Artisan Collection today, coinciding with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. The limited release blends straight bourbon whiskeys aged 15 and 12 years from Kentucky and Indiana distilleries.
The bourbon retails for $179 (~£133) and is available at select retailers nationwide and through the brand’s website. Bottled at 109 proof, the expression marks the company’s entry into the ultra-aged bourbon category.
15 Stars Artisan Collection Wins Award Before Launch
The Artisan Collection secured Best Bourbon honors at the Spring 2025 John Barleycorn Awards before its public release. The competition recognizes excellence in bourbon craftsmanship and innovation.
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READ THE STORYThe brand attributes the award to its Flavor Proofing™ process and careful blending techniques. The bourbon features a high-corn mashbill that creates distinctive sweetness in the final product.
“What makes Artisan Collection special is that the bourbon’s mashbill contains a high corn content, which gives the liquid a dessert sweetness,” said Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “The sweetness helps to seamlessly balance the oak notes that come with the high age statement.”
Tasting Profile of 15 Stars Artisan Collection Revealed
Official tasting notes describe complex flavor layers in the new bourbon. The nose presents maple and caramel alongside dried fruits including orange citrus, black cherry, plum, and apple. Spice notes of nutmeg and cracked pepper combine with tobacco, fresh oak, and hay field aromas.
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On the palate, caramel and vanilla lead before transitioning to aged oak and old leather. Dark fruit flavors of prune, raisin, and plum emerge mid-palate. The finish extends with plum and caramel, followed by dark chocolate, roasted nuts, oak, and leather.
The 1,290-bottle production run reflects growing demand for limited-edition bourbons.
15 STARS positions the Artisan Collection for serious bourbon collectors and enthusiasts seeking aged expressions.
The release timing aligns with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, when thousands of whiskey enthusiasts gather to sample new releases and attend industry events in September.
