Sips & Sites & Bites

As gift giving attention turns to Father’s Day, it’s worth mentioning a special bourbon release from a father and son at 15 STARS whiskey.

Now through June 16th, the limited-edition will be available exclusively online via 15STARS.com. 

They call it the Vino de Naranja Finish, the first single barrel finished release for 15 STARS, and it’s a blend of two bourbons, each aged eight years, and finished in a single Vino de Naranja cask. 

The two bourbons were flavor-proofed ahead of finishing and the bottles are released at the finishing barrel strength of 102.8 proof. 

The new expression showcases Rick and Ricky Johnson’s work as master blenders, and the limited-release will see only 316 bottles available. 

“Our relationship as a father and son is infused into every bottle of 15 STARS whiskey,” said Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS co-founder. “With this newest expression, we cannot wait for dads, sons, and bourbon fans to sip this citrusy finish all summer long.”

They note that this bourbon has a light citrus finish layered with fruit. On the nose, there are aromas of fruit compote, honey, vanilla, and floral notes with a background of seasoned oak. The palate is rounded out with citrus and honey set against undertones of dessert spices and tobacco leaf. It finishes with a burst of orange peel transitioning to old oak.

Since the brand launched in 2022, 15 STARS has garnered the father-son duo more than 90 whiskey awards, including several “best in class” awards. 15 STARS distills more than a dozen different whiskey mash bills in Bardstown, KY, some of which include unique specialty heirloom corn (black, red, white, and blue) that the family grows for its gourmet specialty popcorn business, Black Jewell Popcorn. 

The name 15 STARS pays homage to Kentucky as the 15th state with Kentucky’s recognition on the second U.S. flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes, authorized by President George Washington in 1795. 

For more information or to find a bottle, check out www.15STARS.com or on socials @15STARSbourbon.