In the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, a legendary distillery has just dropped a bombshell on the bourbon world. Stitzel-Weller Distillery, a name that carries weight among whiskey lovers, has launched Stitzel Reserve, a new series of ultra-rare, distillery-exclusive bourbons. The first release, a 24-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, is a bold statement of craftsmanship, history, and flavor that’s already turning heads. With only 191 bottles available, this $1,600 barrel-strength beauty is a once-in-a-lifetime sip for those lucky enough to snag one. Here’s why this launch is a big deal and what it means for bourbon enthusiasts.
Stitzel-Weller has been a cornerstone of American whiskey since it opened its doors on Derby Day in 1935. Known as the “cathedral of bourbon,” it’s the birthplace of iconic brands like Pappy Van Winkle and Willett. When the distillery closed in 1992, its remaining barrels became the stuff of legend, aging quietly in open-air warehouses as demand for their liquid gold soared. Reopened in 2014 as a tourist destination, Stitzel-Weller hadn’t released a new label in over 30 years—until now. Stitzel Reserve marks a new chapter, offering a rare chance to taste the distillery’s historic stock.
Image credit: Stitzel-Weller
The inaugural Stitzel Reserve release is a 24-year-old bourbon, bottled at a robust 123.4 proof (61.7% ABV). Master blender Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development, spent two years combing through the distillery’s warehouses to hand-pick nine barrels from a single warehouse. These barrels, filled with bourbon made on Stitzel-Weller’s long-silent stills, were chosen for their vibrant and complex profiles. Austin’s goal wasn’t just to find old whiskey but to craft something extraordinary that could stand up to its quarter-century age.
What makes this bourbon special is its defiance of expectations. Many believe bourbon peaks before hitting 20 years, as Kentucky’s extreme heat and charred oak barrels can overpower the spirit with too much wood. Austin, however, proved the skeptics wrong. She nosed barrels on-site, chalk in hand, marking her favorites—sometimes with a heart for the ones she loved most. The result is a whiskey with a rich, layered profile: think cracked leather, saddle oil, and a sweet hint of burnt sugar. It’s bold yet balanced, with an aromatic depth that keeps you coming back to the glass.
Unlike Stitzel-Weller’s traditional wheated bourbons, where wheat is the secondary grain, this release uses rye in the mash bill alongside corn and malted barley. Diageo hasn’t spilled the exact recipe, but the rye adds a spicy kick that complements the bourbon’s deep, aged character. Bottled at barrel strength, it’s a sipper that demands respect—perfect neat or with a splash of water to open up its flavors.
Priced at $1,600 for a 750mL bottle, Stitzel Reserve isn’t for the casual drinker. It’s a collector’s item, available only at the distillery starting in June 2025. For those who can’t justify the splurge, the Garden & Gun Club at Stitzel-Weller offers a tasting experience where you can sample the whiskey, complete with an etched glass, a branded bag, and a limited-edition distillery pin. The exclusivity adds to the allure: with just 191 bottles, this is one of the rarest releases in recent bourbon history.
Stitzel Reserve isn’t just a one-off. It’s the start of an ongoing series that will showcase the best of Stitzel-Weller’s archival barrels. Each release will be unique, driven by liquid quality and peak maturity rather than a fixed schedule. Austin’s hands-on approach ensures that only the finest casks make the cut, whether they’re destined for a full bottle or a smaller allocation for an exclusive bourbon collector’s club later this year. The distillery’s commitment to quality over quantity sets Stitzel Reserve apart in a market often flooded with overhyped releases.
For bourbon fans, Stitzel-Weller’s legacy is a big part of the draw. This is the place where legends were born, where barrels were filled with care and left to mature for decades. The distillery’s warehouses, with their open-air design, let Kentucky’s seasons shape the whiskey, creating flavors that can’t be replicated. Stitzel Reserve is a bridge to that past, a chance to taste history in every sip. It’s also a nod to the future, as Austin and her team continue to innovate while honoring the distillery’s roots.
The launch comes at a pivotal moment for Stitzel-Weller. Owned by Diageo, a global powerhouse behind brands like Johnnie Walker and Bulleit, the distillery is balancing its storied past with a bold new vision. While Diageo recently announced plans to end bottling operations at Stitzel-Weller by April 2025, affecting 33 employees, the launch of Stitzel Reserve shows the site’s commitment to staying relevant. It’s not just a tourist stop—it’s a living, breathing part of bourbon’s story.
For those planning a trip to Louisville, a visit to Stitzel-Weller is a must. Just five miles from downtown, it’s an easy stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The distillery experience offers a deep dive into whiskey-making, from the historic stills to the modern innovations behind brands like Blade and Bow and I.W. Harper. Adding a Stitzel Reserve tasting to your visit is a chance to connect with a piece of American whiskey history.
Stitzel Reserve’s debut is more than a new bourbon—it’s a love letter to Stitzel-Weller’s legacy and a challenge to what ultra-aged whiskey can be. Nicole Austin’s meticulous blending and the distillery’s unmatched heritage have created something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just love a good pour, this 24-year-old bourbon is a reminder of why Stitzel-Weller remains a giant in the whiskey world. Grab a bottle if you can, or raise a glass to the next release. Either way, Stitzel Reserve is here to stay.
