Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon – A Tribute to Stitzel-Weller’s Legacy

Introduction

The Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon stands as one of the most prestigious and age-worthy bourbons ever crafted. Aged for over two decades in charred oak barrels and bottled at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery, this ultra-premium release captures the essence of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. WELLER ANTIQUE 107

Each annual release honors the legacy of one of the most influential bourbon distilleries in American history, offering enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the enduring craftsmanship that defines traditional bourbon making.

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The Story Behind Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old

Blade & Bow was created to celebrate the enduring history of Stitzel-Weller — a distillery whose name is synonymous with authenticity, quality, and patience. The brand name references the two key parts of a skeleton key: the blade (the long section that slides into the lock) and the bow (the handle). This design pays homage to the original Stitzel-Weller keys that once symbolized access to the distillery’s most prized barrels.

The 22-Year release is a masterpiece of aging and precision. Each drop tells the story of more than two decades spent resting in Kentucky warehouses, developing deep layers of flavor and character. Bottled at 92 proof (46% ABV), this bourbon achieves a perfect balance between oak intensity and refined sweetness.

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Production Details

• Distillery: Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky

• Age Statement: 22 Years

• Proof: 92 (46% ABV)

• Mash Bill: Undisclosed (traditional bourbon mash using corn, malted barley, and secondary grain)

• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Release Type: Limited Annual Release

The Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old is aged and bottled in extremely small quantities. Each release typically coincides with Bourbon Heritage Month in September, available only through select retailers and the Stitzel-Weller Distillery itself.

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Tasting Notes

Appearance

Rich, dark amber with golden reflections. Its depth of color reveals more than two decades of oak influence and slow, patient maturation.

Nose

Inviting aromas of toasted oak, dark caramel, vanilla bean, and dried figs rise immediately, followed by warm notes of spice, baked apples, and leather. The scent is layered, elegant, and perfectly aged.

Palate

Full-bodied and complex. The first sip unveils caramelized sugar, honeyed fruit, and rich vanilla, intertwined with oak spice and roasted nuts. The extended aging adds depth without overwhelming the palate, showcasing remarkable balance for a bourbon of this age.

Finish

Long, warm, and silky. Toffee, cinnamon, charred oak, and sweet tobacco linger gracefully, leaving a soft yet powerful impression of refinement.

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Why Collectors Value Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old

• Exceptional Age: At 22 years, it stands among the oldest regularly released bourbons on the market.

• Historic Distillery Connection: Bottled at the legendary Stitzel-Weller, it embodies the distillery’s storied past.

• Limited Availability: Produced in very small quantities each year, making it a highly sought-after collectible.

• Balance of Flavor: Long aging often risks over-oaking, yet Blade & Bow 22 maintains perfect harmony between wood, spice, and sweetness.

• Presentation: Elegant bottle design featuring the signature key motif — a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship.

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Collectibility & Market Value

For bourbon enthusiasts and investors, Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old has become a crown jewel in modern collections. With its impeccable pedigree and aging, it consistently commands attention on the secondary market.

• Estimated Retail Price: Around $500 USD

• Secondary Market Value: $800 – $1,200+ depending on release year and condition

• Rarity: Annual limited release

• Collector Appeal: Extremely high, especially among Stitzel-Weller fans and bourbon historians

This bottle isn’t just whiskey — it’s a piece of living history, preserved in glass.

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How to Enjoy Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old Bourbon

While many collectors choose to preserve it sealed, those who open a bottle are rewarded with one of the finest aged bourbon experiences available today.

Best Ways to Serve

• Neat: To fully appreciate its depth and layered flavor profile.

• With a Few Drops of Water: Softens oak intensity and releases subtle sweetness.

• Glassware: Use a Glencairn or crystal tumbler to concentrate aroma and highlight color.

Perfect Pairings

• Dark chocolate or caramel pecan desserts

• Roasted almonds or hazelnuts

• Mild cigars with creamy or nutty undertones

Every pour offers a rare connection to the golden age of Kentucky bourbon, revealing craftsmanship that only time can perfect.

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The Legacy of Stitzel-Weller

Founded in 1935 by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., the Stitzel-Weller Distillery became a cornerstone of America’s bourbon identity. It pioneered the use of wheat in bourbon mash bills, producing legendary brands such as Old Fitzgerald, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle.

Today, the distillery operates as both a visitor experience and an aging facility under Diageo’s ownership. The Blade & Bow series continues its legacy, connecting modern bourbon enthusiasts with the spirit of traditional craftsmanship that once defined the original Stitzel-Weller era.

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With its luxurious texture, deep oak character, and historical significance, this bourbon belongs among the world’s great collectibles. Whether displayed in a private collection or savored on a special occasion, Blade & Bow 22-Year-Old remains a timeless symbol of Kentucky excellence.

Rich. Refined. Historic. A true bourbon masterpiece.