Name: Blade and Bow
Color: Light Brown
Nose: Corn, cedar oak, spice rye
Taste: Corn, wood, vanilla, spices, sweet finish
Blade & Bow Bourbon is produced by Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, KY. The distillery was founded by Van Winkle, Farnsley, and Weller. These three have produced some well known bourbons in the last 100 years. Bottled at 45.5% abv and with one key attached neck which represents the five keys that were on the door of the distillery and five steps of production. The steps are; made in the USA, aged in new charred oak, 51% corn mash, cannot enter barrel higher than 125 proof, and nothing can be added except water.
Blade & Bow also uses the Solera Aging Method and is not cheap or time friendly in production. The barrels are filled from top down which creates a finished product that is a mix of aged whiskey in the various barrels. In the process the barrels are stacked and the barrels which the whiskey is bottled from bottom is never drained more than 50%. Since no container is ever drained, some of the earlier product remains in each container.
Blade & Bow is not a traditional “sweeter” bourbon like most in this price range. It has a bit of a rough edge and bite to it on the tongue with strong wood notes. If you add water or ice it will soften and the lighter cream and more of a expected taste profile will emerge. Personally, I find this profile more inline to my liking as I generally prefer Scotch over Bourbon, but I am half Scottish, so it is expected.
Blade & Bow reminded me a little of Blanton’s Bourbon in the sense of its different style. However, Blade is sweeter and a bit more complex than Blanton’s. It is also cheaper and easier to find on the market as of 2021.
Priced around $50 and worth the money if you like the flavor profile.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
