Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story did not accurately reflect the fact previous releases of Blade and Bow 22 Year Old were being done each Spring typically. The shift of the release to Fall for 2020 has us considering the fact it may be to align with releases of other distilleries’ collectible bourbons as we consider below. Time will tell if this holds true or not.
When one thinks of the various Kentucky bourbon distilleries and their special fall releases of the limited, rare and highly collectible, the usual names such as Buffalo Trace, Four Roses and Old Forester, among others, come to mind. One not quite as much is spirits giant Diageo, given its Kentucky presence has been somewhat limited to the Bulleit and Blade and Bow brands. There is Orphan Barrel, of course, but releases from that label are very sporadic.
With this in mind, we come back to Blade and Bow. Diageo first unveiled it back in 2015. At the time it was revealed, a 22 year old variant, drawn from older bourbon stocks located at the old Stitzel-Weller facility, was also made available. Said to be “limited edition” at the time, it seems since then to have become something of a yearly collectible offering, with bottlings being made available in 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2020.
The new 2020 version of Blade and Bow 22 Year Old bourbon, according to those behind it, is being released partially in “celebration of the historic opening of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery 85 years ago.” It is said to be “the most recently aged and bottled bourbon at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which includes some of the last bourbon produced there before it closed in 1992, and inspired by the passion of its original creators.”
“We are honored to call the Stitzel-Weller Distillery home to Blade and Bow bourbons,” said Meghan Redler, Brand Manager for Blade and Bow, in a prepared statement, “and to play a part in preserving the careful craftsmanship and unique artistry that was established and perfected within these walls.
“Releasing Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old this year during Bourbon Heritage Month allows us to pay homage to this historic distillery with our finest liquid.”
“Beginning with a pronounced nose reminiscent of toasted oak layered with vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel,” added Doug Kragel, Lead Educator for Blade and Bow, “this limited-release bourbon’s taste is accented with notes of torched sugar and apples baked in honey and spices.
“With the rich history of the Stitzel-Weller distillery palpable in every sip, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old is truly the perfect nod to the days of bourbon past.”
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As it stands now plans call for the release of Blade and Bow 22 Year Old, bottled at 45.5-46% ABV, to start in September in limited numbers in the following states: California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, New York, South Carolina, Illinois, Kentucky, Washington, D.C., Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. It will price around $450 per 750 ml bottle, which is quite a jump from the $150 price tag it first saw back in 2015.
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