People kinda sorta know Stitzel-Weller. For a casual #bourbon fan, the name pops up nebulously at times in stories about the famed Pappy Van Winkle, modern bourbon’s white whale. People don’t know Blade and Bow yet. But #liquor behemoth #Diageo’s latest hopes to soon conjure thoughts of Stitzel-Weller too. //
Started in the west end of Louisville in 1872, Stitzel-Weller first grew synonymous with Weller brands—W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald—but its true notoriety stems from being the laboratory for one Pappy Van Winkle (the distiller, not the spirit. His likeness now adorns the bottle everyone wants). It closed in 1991, but spirit from the warehouse strategically reaches the public every so often. //
Which brings us back to Blade and Bow. It comes from “some of the oldest remaining bourbon ever distilled at Stitzel-Weller” according to the press release. “Some” means Blade and Bow blends original S-W distilled spirit with liquid that simply matured on the premises. Technicalities aside, this aims to be a top shelf straight sipper (at $50/$150 respectively). “Responsibly enjoy Blade and Bow #Whiskey neat or on the rocks” doesn’t mix messages. //
On paper, Blade and Bow earns that ambition. It boasts gold awards from @sfwspiritscomp, it has a pedigree similar to some of the most sought-after bourbon in existence. It obviously stands out from run-of-the-mill handles of Jim Beam. Read about apricot tones, you’ll taste apricot. Vanilla can be smelled and tasted without context. But as with any higher quality release, its smoothness overwhelms every other sensation. Good bourbon should leave a little tingle on the tongue, great ones do so without soliciting any reaction to that first sip. Price tag means this can’t be everyone’s everyday; press samples beg for it to be. //
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