Cherry | Rich vanilla | Melt caramel | Soft cinnamon | Brown sugar | Classic old bourbon aroma

Mixed nuts | Dried raspberries | Rich vanilla | Barrel char | Cocoa powder

Brown sugar | Layers of toasted oak | Leather | Soft lingering oak-cherry aftertaste

15 Stars has hit the market hard and fast with their first two releases. The company’s 15 Stars Timeless Reserve Bourbon was an instant hit with us, and 15 Stars Private Stock Fine Aged Bourbon doesn’t stray far from it either. Cutting in some 7 year old stock (along with also cutting down its price), this blended bourbon is surprisingly every bit as effective as its older release.

What’s most notable is it nails the classic high aged bourbon flavor profile. Keeping the tannins and oak in check allows the bourbon’s rich vanilla, caramel, and fruit components to come forth. This release reminds me a lot of some of my favorite high aged bourbons, which are exceedingly rare nowadays. To top it off, it features a great mouthfeel and a very drinkable 107 proof that nicely puts forth its flavors over its proof. Given its newness in the market and high price point, many may be sleeping on 15 Stars in both its forms. As a fantastic alternative to impossible-to-obtain limited edition bourbons this fall, you can’t go wrong with either of the 15 Stars bourbons if you come across them.