Blade and Bow has announced its 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve, a new limited annual expression created by Nicole Austin, director of American whiskey liquid development and capabilities at Diageo. The bourbon will launch in July 2026 across select US markets and be featured at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
The expression begins with a 12-year-old Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It is then guided through a multi-vat Solera finishing and blending process, which unites Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port vats to build depth in the final whiskey.
“From the start, I wanted to capture the fruit, tannin, and aromatic lift that can be achieved with cask-finished bourbon, without the common pitfalls of one-noteness or overly tannic, new-wood character,” said Austin.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYShe added: “I achieved this while honoring Blade and Bow’s Solera heritage, using the technique to blend new and older whiskey across multiple carefully chosen, large-format vintage vats to create a delicate weave of vibrant fruit and honey, layered over notes of vanilla, spice, and leather.”
According to the brand’s official notes, the whiskey opens with red fruit, dried fig, and currant. The palate offers caramelized sugar, almond toffee, cocoa, and dark cherry, with a finish of dark fruit and oak spice.
Each vat contributes a distinct layer. Port and Bordeaux bring dark fruit and tannic structure, while Cognac adds fruit esters and rancio. Moscatel lends aromatic lift and sweetness.
Trending Content
“This whiskey represents our vision for what cask finishing can become when craftsmanship takes precedence over convention,” the brand said.
Blade and Bow is part of Diageo’s portfolio and is produced at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, once home to bourbon pioneer Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle.
Bottled at 52% ABV, the expression carries a suggested retail price of $64.99 per 750ml bottle. It will be available in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, and Kentucky.
From July 17, Stitzel-Weller will offer a custom Blade and Bow flight featuring the brand’s core whiskey, the 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve, and the 22-Year-Old expression.
