Daniel Davis
Savor the Glory of 15 Stars Timeless Reserve Bourbon
Take a Whiff of History
Picture yourself taking a leisurely stroll through an old library, the kind with leather-bound books lining the walls, aged wood with a polish dating back to yesteryears, all underscored by that comforting sweetness of brown sugar. That, dear whiskey enthusiasts, is the scent of heritage we unwrap from the 15 Stars Timeless Reserve Bourbon. The nose on this liquid treasure is as complex as it is enchanting, with a rich and inviting bouquet that sings of aged oak and dried cherries. A faint aroma of light malt dances with wafts of bundt cake and a touch of molasses—a festive confectionery gathering if there ever was one! And just for that extra hint of rogue, there’s the whiff of dried tobacco leaves, as if the spirits of Kentucky’s distilling ancestors were leaning in to approve of both your taste and your nose for the good stuff.
A Palate Worth the Praise
As you take that first auspicious sip, the dry charred oak greets you like an old friend, opening the doors for a bold cinnamon spice revelry. And oh, what’s a Kentucky bourbon without a nod to rye? None! Here comes the rye spice, hand in hand with light baking spice, playing a sonnet of robust flavors on your tongue. Imagine cherry syrup swirling with a hint of dry leather, creating an exceptional mouthfeel that’s spice heavy, yet splendidly balanced. It’s like a symphony in your mouth—an overture of taste that leaves every taste bud tingling with anticipation.
The Long Goodbye
If you believe in happy ever afters, then the finish of the 15 Stars Timeless Reserve is your kind of tale. It’s a lingering affair with heavy spice bidding adieu alongside that good old friend, dried cherry. Dry leather makes another cameo, ensuring the spice gets a mellow background to boast its intensity against. As a hint of vanilla whispers a sweet lullaby, the aged dry oak establishes its presence with bold heat that comforts as much as it thrills. The conclusion is nothing short of majestic; really, it’s the kind of ending worth writing novels about.
A Sip Through Time and Tradition
What really makes 15 Stars Timeless Reserve Bourbon tick, apart from its remarkable flavor proofing, is its roots deeply entrenched in American history. The dynamic father and son team, Rick and Ricky Johnson, have poured their passion for bourbon and respect for the past into every bottle. The brand itself commemorates Kentucky’s star-studded debut as the 15th state added to the United States, a state now synonymous with bourbon, basketball, and the world’s most splendid horse racing.
Each bottle boasts a design reflective of the 15 stars in its name, while the metal stopper pays homage to the first U.S. coinage adorned with the same count of celestial bodies, etched by the hand of American artisan Robert Scot. The 15 Stars Timeless Reserve carries within it not just an exquisite blend of Kentucky straight bourbons aged for a minimum of 14 years from different mashbills but also centuries of Kentucky’s illustrious distilling past and genteel culture.
The Art of Flavor Proofing
If you’re scratching your head over the term “flavor proofing,” worry not, fellow bourbon buff. It’s simply a fancy way of saying that Rick and Ricky have dialed in the proof to what they believe to be the crème de la crème of neat drinking experiences, which pretty much means they’ve tailored it to their—and likely your—palate’s preference. It’s the curation of a masterpiece, a testament to the craftsmanship that goes into every last drop.
The Bouquet of Bourbon Tasting Notes
This high aged blend is a menagerie of delectable flavors. Sweet, spicy, and dry notes twirl together in an intricate dance that’s sure to dazzle your senses. On the palate, you’ll find a nicely balanced mouthfeel threaded through by the consistent quality that is the 15 Stars signature. Yes, the price tag may make your wallet wince a wee bit, with a hefty $280 attached to it. But this isn’t just any bourbon—it’s more of an investment in pleasure, a lavish escape into the world of fine spirits where every sip is worth its weight in liquid gold.
The Verdict of a Bourbon Aficionado
The essence of what makes the 15 Stars Timeless Reserve so spectacular is not just in its tasting notes, but in the very spirit of the bourbon itself. Producing a delectable sip from the first taste to the last, it is everything you could ask for in a Kentucky Straight Bourbon: a rich tapestry of history, a meticulous crafting process, and a sensory experience that resonates with the soul. This isn’t just another bottle on the shelf; it’s a narrative of America’s distilling legacy, all contained within a glass of transcendental bliss.
Needless to say, if you stumble upon bottle number 81 of 1650—or any other for that matter—count yourself among the lucky stars, for you have discovered a bourbon that is as timeless as it is gratifying. Raise a glass, take a moment, and let the 15 Stars Timeless Reserve transport you to the amber-hued heavens of bourbon utopia. Cheers!
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: 15 Stars
Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed distillery(ies) in Kentucky
Release Date: April 2022
Proof: 103
Age: 14 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Bronze
MSRP: $280 (2022)
I absolutely loved this article about the unveiling of the 15 Stars Timeless Reserve bourbon legacy. The rich history and craftsmanship behind the Timeless Reserve was truly captivating and I can’t wait to try it for myself.