Stitzel-Weller, a legendary name in American whiskey, has introduced Stitzel Reserve, a new series of rare, distillery-exclusive bourbon releases. The Louisville-based distillery, famous for producing brands like Pappy Van Winkle, closed in 1992 but reopened as a tourist site in 2014. Until now, no new bourbon labels had been released.
First Release: A 24-Year-Old Barrel-Strength Bourbon
The inaugural Stitzel Reserve is a 24-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, bottled at 61.7% ABV and priced at $1,600. Only 191 bottles will be available on-site starting June 2025. Master blender Nicole Austin spent over two years selecting nine barrels from a single warehouse to create a complex, layered blend.
Unique Flavor and Craftsmanship
Austin sought barrels with rich, lively aromas beyond just oak. The bourbon features notes of cracked leather, saddle oil, and burnt sugar. Unlike traditional wheated bourbons from Stitzel-Weller, this release includes rye in its mash bill, though exact details remain undisclosed.
Austin’s hands-on barrel selection defies the belief that bourbons aged over 20 years lose quality due to Kentucky’s heat and oak intensity. She personally sampled barrels on-site to find those with lasting complexity.
What’s Next?
Later this year, a smaller batch will be released through a bourbon collector’s club. Future offerings will depend on Austin’s selections, promising more rare, aged bourbons from Stitzel-Weller.
Quick Facts:
ABV: 61.7%
Price: $1,600
Availability: On-site at the distillery, June 2025
Tasting Notes: Cracked leather, saddle oil, burnt sugar
Stitzel Reserve revives the distillery’s legacy, giving bourbon fans a rare taste of its historic craft.
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