On Monday, Stitzel-Weller Distillery introduced the launch of Stitzel Reserve, a brand new assortment of uncommon, one-of-a-kind, distillery-exclusive whiskeys. The inaugural launch? A 24-Yr-Previous Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottled at 61.7 p.c ABV.
Constructed by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., Alex T. Farnsley, and Arthur Phillip Stitzel and opened on Derby Day in 1935, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery is effectively thought to be a heritage bourbon manufacturing website. Earlier than the Louisville distillery was offered in 1972, it was the house of many beloved manufacturers, together with Pappy Van Winkle, Previous Fitzgerald, W.L. Weller, and extra. 20 years after the ability — and lots of of its manufacturers — have been offered off, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery closed its doorways.
Within the early 2000s, Diageo acquired the historic distillery and closely invested in restoring the manufacturing facility. In 2014, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery reopened for the primary time since 1992 because the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Expertise. Now, it’s the manufacturing facility for a number of Diageo whiskey manufacturers, together with Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper, and Orphan Barrel.
The Stitzel Reserve sequence goals to have a good time this storied previous with uncommon releases crafted from the distillery’s decades-old archival barrels. Every bottle within the lineup is ready to be crafted from barrels hand-selected by Nicole Austin, Diageo’s director of American whiskey liquid growth and capabilities. Every barrel might be chosen at peak maturity, with liquid high quality the first concern. As such, the Stitzel Reserve sequence is not going to observe a predetermined schedule, with bottles solely crafted when Austin sees match.
“At Stitzel-Weller Distillery, we’re lucky to have inherited a few of the most outstanding getting old barrels within the nation. The launch of Stitzel Reserve is a pivotal second for our distillery,” Austin stated in a press launch. “It’s a celebration of the previous and a daring step ahead. This distinctive 24-Yr-Previous Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has spent a long time maturing beneath cautious supervision, growing a profile wealthy with notes of cracked leather-based, saddle oil, and burnt sugar. It embodies the craftsmanship and dedication that defines Stitzel-Weller Distillery.”
Solely 191 bottles of the sequence’s flagship bourbon have been produced, that are presently obtainable on the market on-site on the Louisville distillery, with costs obtainable upon request. Particular person serves of the whiskey are additionally obtainable via a tasting expertise at Stitzel-Weller’s Backyard & Gun Membership. Every buy consists of an etched whiskey glass, a branded bag, and a restricted version Stitzel-Weller Distillery pin.
