Kentucky has long been the heart of bourbon country, and 15 STARS is keeping that legacy alive with their new First West line, a trio of bourbons that pay tribute to the state’s rich history while pushing the boundaries of flavor. Launched on July 22, 2025, this line extension introduces three unique expressions—Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged 8-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey. Each bottle captures the spirit of Kentucky’s early days as the 15th state, blending time-honored craftsmanship with bold innovation. For bourbon enthusiasts looking to explore new territory, this release is a journey worth taking.
A Nod to Kentucky’s Past
The First West line draws inspiration from Kentucky’s role as America’s original western frontier in 1795, when it joined the Union as the 15th state, marked by a flag with 15 stars and stripes. The bottles themselves reflect this heritage, designed to echo the earliest whiskey containers crafted in Kentucky. Founded by father-and-son team Rick and Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS is all about honoring that pioneering spirit while delivering something fresh. Their family ties to Black Jewell Popcorn, a gourmet popcorn business, bring a unique twist to the table—proprietary heirloom corn varieties that elevate the flavor of these bourbons.
Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS, shared the vision behind the release: “We want to capture the spirit of early Kentucky with its epic story of adventure and discovery in our bourbon.” The goal was to craft high-quality whiskey that’s approachable in price, making it easier for enthusiasts to savor the brand’s award-winning style without the premium cost of their older, double-digit-age expressions. By using their own distillate for the first time and incorporating heirloom red, white, and blue corn, 15 STARS has created a lineup that’s as distinctive as it is accessible.
The First West Lineup: Three Unique Bourbons
The First West collection offers three expressions, each with its own character, proof, and price point, all distilled and bottled at Bardstown Bourbon Company in Kentucky. Whether enjoyed neat or mixed into a cocktail, these bourbons are designed to deliver complex flavors that appeal to both seasoned collectors and those just diving into the world of whiskey. Here’s a closer look at each:
First West Small Batch ($59.99, 102 Proof)
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This blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old Kentucky bourbons is the most wallet-friendly of the trio, but don’t let the price fool you—it’s packed with flavor. The nose greets you with warm, inviting notes of banana bread, caramelized apple, sugar cream pie, dried cherry, and a touch of honey, balanced by earthy hints of nutmeg, cigar box, and seasoned oak. On the palate, it delivers a fruit-forward experience with pear, golden raisin, apple, and vanilla, layered over a backdrop of damp forest and tobacco. The finish is long and satisfying, starting with a burst of honey-sweetened fruit salad before settling into lingering oak and tobacco notes. It’s a versatile bourbon that’s as enjoyable sipped slowly as it is in a classic Old Fashioned.
First West Toasted Oak ($69.99, 98 Proof)
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Also crafted from a blend of 5, 6, and 7-year-old bourbons, the Toasted Oak expression leans into richer, more robust flavors. The nose opens with aged notes of seasoned oak, nutmeg, licorice, and ground pepper, giving way to sweeter aromas of caramel, peach, plum, banana, and even a hint of salt water taffy. On the palate, it’s a symphony of sweet and bold, with cherry, orange, banana, toffee, and vanilla wrapped in a constant presence of oak. The finish carries forward the sweetness of apricot and cherry, transitioning to deep caramel, toasted oak, and tobacco. This bourbon is a great choice for those who love a balance of sweetness and spice, with enough depth to hold its own in a Manhattan or sipped neat by the fire.
First West Extra Aged ($79.99, 100 Proof)
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For those craving a more mature pour, the Extra Aged expression blends 8 and 9-year-old Kentucky bourbons for added complexity. The nose is a compelling mix of orange peel, cherry, and caramel, tempered by cinnamon, seasoned oak, leather, and a subtle malted grain undertone. The palate is smooth and viscous, leading with cherry and seasoned oak, followed by orange marmalade and fresh fruit juice. The finish is rich and enduring, with plum, cherry, and a touch of citrus giving way to oak and caramelized sugar. At 100 proof, it’s bold yet approachable, making it a standout for sipping slowly while savoring the intricate layers of flavor.
Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
What sets the First West line apart is 15 STARS’ commitment to blending tradition with innovation. The use of proprietary heirloom corn—red, white, and blue varieties grown by the Johnson family—adds a unique character to the Small Batch and Toasted Oak expressions. This marks the first time 15 STARS has incorporated its own distillate, a milestone for the brand as it continues to carve out its place in the bourbon world. Their Flavor Proofing™ process ensures that every bottle is crafted for optimal taste, balancing the natural qualities of the whiskey with careful blending to highlight its best attributes.
Since its debut in 2022, 15 STARS has racked up nearly 200 prestigious whiskey awards, including several “best in class” honors. The First West line continues this tradition of excellence, offering high-quality bourbon at prices that won’t break the bank. With suggested retail prices ranging from $59.99 to $79.99, these expressions are positioned to appeal to both collectors and casual drinkers looking to elevate their bourbon game.
Where to Find First West
The First West line is available at select retailers across more than 20 states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Massachusetts, Illinois, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. For those who prefer shopping from the comfort of home, bottles can be purchased online at 15STARS.com or through Seelbach’s. The rollout began on July 22, 2025, and with the buzz surrounding this release, these limited-edition bourbons are likely to move quickly.
A Bourbon for Every Occasion
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon collector or someone looking to explore new flavors, the First West line has something to offer. The Small Batch is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with friends over a backyard barbecue. The Toasted Oak brings a touch of sophistication, ideal for quiet evenings or pairing with a charcuterie board. And the Extra Aged is the go-to for those moments when you want to savor something special, perhaps while reflecting on a long day or celebrating a milestone.
Each bottle in the First West lineup tells a story—of Kentucky’s past, the Johnson family’s dedication, and the endless possibilities of bourbon. As Ricky Johnson puts it, “Bourbon collectors and connoisseurs are invited to explore new territories in bourbon, expand their palate with flavor proofing, explore heirloom corns, and celebrate the home of bourbon!” With its rich flavors, thoughtful craftsmanship, and nod to history, the First West line is a fitting tribute to Kentucky’s legacy and a bold step forward for 15 STARS.
For more details or to grab a bottle, head to 15STARS.com or follow the brand on social media at @15STARSbourbon. This is one bourbon journey you won’t want to miss.
