Sips & Sites & Bites

There’s something special about a whiskey brand finally getting to pour a bottle that’s entirely its own from grain to glass … and that’s exactly what 15 STARS is celebrating with the release of First West Explorer.

The newest addition to the brand’s growing First West collection is more than just another bourbon release. It marks the first time 15 STARS has launched a whiskey made with 100% in-house distilled bourbon, giving fans a deeper look into the distillery’s own identity and flavor philosophy.

And honestly, they’re making quite the introduction.

First West Explorer leans into one of the distillery’s most intriguing ingredients: proprietary baby black corn. That heirloom-style grain joins traditional yellow corn alongside rye, wheat, and malted barley to create what’s essentially a five-grain bourbon profile … even though technically it’s classified as a four-grain bourbon. Whiskey geeks are definitely going to enjoy unpacking that one.

According to co-founder Ricky Johnson, the baby black corn helps create a naturally sweeter and smoother whiskey, especially when paired with wheat. Blending that with a yellow corn rye bourbon adds another layer of spice and complexity, giving the final pour plenty going on without losing balance.

The bourbon itself clocks in at 95 proof and carries a suggested retail price of $49.99, which feels pretty approachable considering the amount of craftsmanship and experimentation packed into the bottle.

Flavor-wise, First West Explorer sounds like dessert and a well-aged humidor somehow found harmony together. The nose brings notes of cherry, banana pudding, vanilla wafers, and meringue before drifting into fresh wood and tobacco territory.

On the palate, things get rich and layered with pear, raisin, sugar, baking spice, herbal tea, cigar box, and seasoned oak all showing up for the ride. The finish hangs on with orange citrus, white pepper, and evolving oak notes that deepen as the glass sits.

Visually, the bottle continues the First West line’s tribute to Kentucky bourbon history with its distinctive blue glass design inspired by some of the earliest bourbon bottles made in Kentucky. It’s a nice touch that helps connect the whiskey to the frontier storytelling that runs throughout the 15 STARS portfolio.

First West Explorer joins First West Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged in the collection, but this release feels especially important because it signals the next phase of the distillery’s evolution. After earning a strong reputation through blending and finishing techniques, 15 STARS is now showing what its own distillate can do front and center.

For bourbon fans who enjoy unique grain bills and heritage corn experimentation, this one sounds worth hunting down.

First West Explorer is now available at select retailers nationwide and online through 15 STARS.