15 STARS, an emerging gem in the American whiskey landscape, has just announced the release of its latest, highly anticipated bourbon: a Vino de Naranja finished bourbon. This exceptional release is positioned as a perfect Father’s Day gift and is available exclusively online from May 19 through June 16.
Image credit: 15 STARS
Founded by the dynamic father-and-son duo Rick and Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS has quickly made a name for itself since its inception in 2022. The brand has garnered a remarkable number of accolades, including nearly 100 awards and multiple "Best in Class" recognitions at prestigious national and international spirits competitions. The Johnsons have a deep-rooted connection to Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage, and their latest creation, the Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon, is a testament to their dedication to quality and innovation.
This limited-edition bourbon is a blend of two Kentucky straight bourbons, each aged for eight years. After the initial aging process, the blend undergoes a unique finishing phase in a single cask that previously held Vino de Naranja, a sweet orange wine from Spain. Vino de Naranja is crafted by macerating orange peels in white wine, which imparts a distinctive citrus flavor to the bourbon. This finishing process, a first for 15 STARS, imbues the bourbon with a light, refreshing citrus note, making it an ideal choice for summer enjoyment.
Bottled at a finishing cask strength of 102.8 proof, the Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon is available in an extremely limited quantity of just 316 bottles, each priced at $139. This rarity, combined with its unique flavor profile, makes it a coveted addition to any whiskey collection.
The sensory experience of the Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon is nothing short of extraordinary. On the nose, it offers a sweet bouquet reminiscent of a warm-weather picnic, featuring aromas of fruit compote, honey, vanilla, and floral notes. As the whiskey rests in the glass, seasoned oak emerges, adding a layer of complexity. The palate is equally impressive, presenting a harmonious blend of sun-drenched citrus and golden honey, intertwined with sophisticated undertones of desert spices and tobacco leaf. The finish is vibrant and lingering, beginning with a burst of orange peel that gracefully transitions to the rich, deep notes of old oak.
Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS, shared his excitement about the release, saying, “Our relationship as a father and son is infused into every bottle of 15 STARS whiskey. With this newest expression, we cannot wait for dads, sons, and bourbon fans to sip this citrusy finish all summer long.”
15 STARS takes pride in its artisanal approach to whiskey blending. The Johnsons meticulously select and blend their highly aged whiskey stocks to create expressions that honor Kentucky's long history and tradition of bourbon craftsmanship. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality have earned them a loyal following and widespread acclaim.
The brand's name, 15 STARS, pays homage to Kentucky’s status as the 15th state to join the Union. This historical reference is reflected in the second US flag, which was authorized by President George Washington in 1795 and featured 15 stars and 15 stripes. This deep sense of heritage and pride is evident in every aspect of the 15 STARS brand.
In addition to their latest Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon, 15 STARS boasts an impressive portfolio of fine-aged whiskeys, including their Sherry Cask Finish, Triple Cask, Platinum Batch 2, and First West Rye Batch 2-SSDD. Each of these expressions has been celebrated for its quality and craftsmanship, with several earning top honors at the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition, including four Double Gold medals.
For those looking to celebrate Father’s Day with a truly special whiskey, the 15 STARS Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon offers a unique and memorable experience. This limited-edition release is not only a testament to the Johnsons' expertise as master blenders but also a heartfelt tribute to the bond between fathers and sons. The bottles can be purchased exclusively online at 15STARS.com, making it a convenient and thoughtful gift for any bourbon enthusiast.
As 15 STARS continues to innovate and push the boundaries of bourbon craftsmanship, they remain committed to their mission of creating the finest blends from their highly aged whiskey stocks. With each new release, they honor Kentucky’s storied tradition of bourbon making, ensuring that every bottle is a celebration of history, heritage, and exceptional flavor.
Tasting Notes From The Brand
NOSE: The pour begins with a delightfully sweet bouquet of fruit compote, honey, vanilla, and floral notes, with seasoned oak emerging from the background as the whiskey rests in the glass.
PALATE: An exquisite medley of sun-drenched citrus and golden honey intertwine with a sophisticated undertone of desert spices and tobacco leaf.
FINISH: The sip is concluded with a vibrant burst of orange peel which gracefully transitions to lingering old oak.
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About 15 STARS
Founded by the entrepreneurial duo of Rick and Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS stands as a tribute to over two centuries of Kentucky bourbon craftsmanship, honoring the legacy of Kentucky, the 15th state of America. Enthusiasts of bourbon can discover their curated selection of limited-release fine-aged bourbon whiskies at exclusive retail outlets and esteemed dining establishments spanning Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Nebraska. Additionally, their offerings are accessible online via 15STARS.com.
As they look towards the future, 15 STARS aims to innovate by incorporating unique grains while maintaining the founders' principles of low barrel entry proof, inventive blending, and meticulous flavor-proofing techniques. All distillation and bottling processes take place at Bardstown Bourbon Company, nestled in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky.
