Blade And Bow
Stitzel-Weller is an epitome of American bourbon culture. The legendary distillery was, until its closure in 1992, the original producer of many well-known bottlings. Diageo reopened the distillery in 2014. Blade and Bow is a tribute to Stitzel-Weller. Matured in the solera process, each bottle has a small part of original Stitzel-Weller in it.
Tasting Notes
Nose
We smell peach, biscuits and vanilla. Behind this we find hints of oak and cream toffee. If you give the bourbon some time in the glass, ideas of cinnamon and a slight alcoholic note develop.
Palate
Not as dull as the smell, the taste is a bit more intense. Vanilla and white pepper are accompanied by a cherry note on the palate. The oak and caramel come through more strongly. The mouthfeel is completed by an almost waxy dryness.
Finish
The finish is rather short. We perceive hay and slightly floral notes. Also, the continuation of pepper and oak.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
Blade and Bow impresses with its wonderfully soft roundness and a pleasant blend of sweet and peppery notes – a bourbon made for relaxed enjoyment. While it lacks that final kick and a bit of depth, it’s precisely this harmlessness that makes it so likeable. A good choice for a cozy evening when you don’t want an overpowering character.
Sascha 77/100
Blade and Bow presents itself structurally clean and balanced, with a harmonious interplay of vanilla, pepper, and oak. However, the bourbon comes across as somewhat pale in terms of intensity and complexity, which limits the overall impression. For connoisseurs who value balance, it offers a solid, if not outstanding, solera construction.
Value for Money: Fair
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79/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does the solera aging mean for Blade and Bow Bourbon?
Solera aging is a process where younger and older bourbon components are continuously blended. This means every bottle of Blade and Bow contains a small portion of original Stitzel-Weller bourbon, ensuring consistent quality and complexity.
What flavor notes can I expect from Blade and Bow Bourbon?
On the nose, peach, ladyfinger biscuit, and vanilla dominate, complemented by oak and creamy toffee. On the palate, vanilla, white pepper, and cherry unfold, accompanied by caramel and oak. The finish is short with notes of hay, floral accents, as well as pepper and oak.
Why does Blade and Bow have no age statement on the bottle?
Blade and Bow uses solera aging, where different vintages are blended. The age therefore varies, and a fixed age statement is deliberately omitted to highlight the unique blend and character of the bottling.