Sips & Sites & Bites

When a brand like 15 STARS, known for its fine-aged bourbons, decides to blaze a new trail, it’s worth taking notice. Their latest release, First West, isn’t just a nod to the American frontier … it’s a multi-stop flavor journey that’s every bit as bold and nuanced as the explorers it honors.

Launching with three distinctive expressions, Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged, this new line manages to blend classic Kentucky tradition with a spirit of adventure. Literally and figuratively.

Let’s start with what’s new: This is the first time 15 STARS is blending in its own distillate. For bourbon nerds (guilty), that’s a big deal. It means we’re starting to taste the team’s own creative fingerprint … what they grow, what they distill, what they age … instead of just expertly blending sourced juice. There’s also a trio of heritage corns (red, white, and blue) in the mix. Again, small detail, big flavor.

First Pour: Small Batch (102 Proof, $59.99)

Think of this as the friendly handshake of the trio. It opens with soft sweetness—banana bread, caramel apple, honey, and then quickly reveals a more grounded layer: nutmeg, cigar box, and oak. The palate leans fruit-forward … pear, apple, golden raisin, with a grounding touch of damp forest (yep, that’s a note) and tobacco. The finish? Sweet and woodsy. An easy sipper, approachable but not basic.

Second Stop: Toasted Oak (98 Proof, $69.99)

Toasted barrels are having a moment, and 15 STARS leans in with confidence. The nose is where things start to dance: licorice, ground pepper, taffy, stone fruit. It smells like someone mixed an old-school candy shop with a well-aged humidor. The palate is a mix of bright and rich … cherry, orange, vanilla … wrapped up in layers of oak. It finishes with a warm wave of apricot, toasted wood, and just enough tobacco to keep it grounded.

Final Destination: Extra Aged (100 Proof, $79.99)

This one’s the most classic-feeling bourbon of the bunch. Aged 8 and 9 years, it’s where seasoned oak meets cherry cola and citrus zest. The mouthfeel is silky, and the flavor lingers like a sunset over the Bluegrass. That plum-cherry finish with caramelized sugar? It sticks with you, in a good way.

Co-founder Ricky Johnson says they created First West to offer the same award-winning quality in a more accessible format … and mission accomplished. The line delivers layered, flavor-packed pours that feel both rooted in Kentucky and ready to explore new terrain.

In short: First West isn’t just another line extension. It’s a flavor-forward tribute to where bourbon came from … and where it’s going next.