Blade & Bow Unveils Solera-Finished, Middle-Aged Bourbon

Blade and Bow, the Diageo-owned brand based in Louisville’s famed Stitzel-Weller Distillery, has revealed a new expression: Blade & Bow 12 Year Old Solera Reserve

The new limited annual expression has been developed by Nicole Austin, the Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo. Beginning with a 12 year old take on Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it’s guided through a multi–vat Solera finishing and blending process – uniting the age and character of Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port vats to create a depth and balance in the final whiskey.

“From the start, I wanted to capture the fruit, tannin, and aromatic lift that can be achieved with cask-finished bourbon, without the common pitfalls of one-noteness or overly tannic, new-wood character,” explains Austin. “I achieved this while honoring Blade and Bow’s Solera heritage, using the technique to blend new and older whiskey across multiple carefully chosen, large-format vintage vats to create a delicate weave of vibrant fruit and honey, layered over notes of vanilla, spice, and leather.”

Bottled at 52% ABV with a suggested retail price of $64.99 per 750ml bottle, Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve is available nationally as an annualized limited edition, but will be available regularly and permanently for tastings at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.