Blade and Bow Releases 30-Year-Old Bourbon Masterpiece

The unveiling of the Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon marks a moment for collectors, connoisseurs, and the modern bourbon renaissance. This is a reflection of three decades of deliberate aging, meticulous craftsmanship, and legacy stewardship rooted in the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

First barrelled in the spring of 1993, this extraordinary spirit matured in the famed patented rickhouses of Stitzel-Weller, a distillery long revered for producing some of the most coveted wheated bourbons in history. Now, 30 years later, it emerges under the direction of Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities, who led a painstaking post-maturation selection of just 42 barrels. Bottled at 54.5% ABV and non-chill filtered to preserve the full character of the whiskey, Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old is a rarity in every sense.

Before Diageo’s acquisition, a critical step was taken to preserve the whiskey’s integrity: semi-empty barrels were consolidated to maintain full wood contact and mitigate over-oaking. That decision, steeped in foresight, resulted in a final product that retained vibrant complexity and remarkable balance after three full decades.

Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old: Aroma, Palate, and Depth

Opening the bottle, the first impression is an aromatic one—bright, zesty lemon, fresh raspberry, warm ginger, and soft cinnamon rise with confidence. These high-toned aromas are quickly followed by a rich bouquet of deeper notes: ripe fig, burnt sugar, and sultry molasses. The aromatic depth alone is a masterclass in what well-aged bourbon can offer.

The palate delivers a luxurious mouthfeel—oily, chewy, and layered with nuance. Hazelnut comes forward with subtle anise and blackcurrant whispering underneath. It’s a rare combination of brightness and gravity that feels both old and alive. The finish cools the experience with menthol-like clarity, leaving a long, warm echo laced with sophistication.

Because Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old is non-chill filtered, a few flocs—or delicate white flakes—may be present in the bottle, a mark of authenticity and quality. These naturally occurring elements, along with a higher alcohol congener content, give the bourbon a fuller texture, more expressive aromatics, and a rich, unrefined finish that seasoned drinkers will recognize and appreciate.

Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old: Availability, Pricing, and Prestige

With only 42 barrels ever laid down for this release, the Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old is available in extremely limited quantities, beginning November 2025 in select markets and directly at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery visitor center. For those making the pilgrimage, individual pours will be offered at the Garden & Gun Club for $225 per tasting. Each pour includes premium glassware and a keepsake, presented on a custom gold tray—an experience curated to match the elevated spirit inside the bottle.

Retailing at a suggested $1,200 per 750ml, this expression positions itself alongside the most prestigious bourbons ever released, and with good reason. It doesn’t just rest on age—it earns its status with vivid expression, technical brilliance, and historical importance.

Building upon previous benchmarks like the 22-Year-Old Limited Release and the classic Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon, this 30-Year-Old iteration pushes the boundaries of what long-aged whiskey can—and should—achieve.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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