A little background
Founded by father son duo Rick and Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS is committed to crafting the very finest aged whiskey to help consumers celebrate special moments. According to 15 Stars, they spare no expense or effort in their pursuit for great whiskey and only bottle products that meet their highest standards. 15 Stars is a toast to Kentucky as the 15th State and a pledge to honor the craftsmen of early Kentucky into the creation of their fine-aged whiskey.
First West is a new line extensions for 15 Stars, featuring three distinctive bourbon expressions. Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged 8-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey. Toasted Oak is a select blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in toasted barrels with a blend of two different toast profiles. Coming from bourbon aged 5, 6, and 7 years old, First West Toasted is bottled at 98 proof and has a MSRP of just around $70 USD.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark Gold
Nose
Baking spice, licorice, stone fruit (peach), brown sugar, caramel, grape taffy, and sweet toasted oak.
Palate
Cherry, orange citrus, vanilla pudding, rye spice, and toasted oak.
Finish
Stone fruit (apricot), cherry, dark caramel, tobacco, rye spice, and oak.
In closing
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of 15 STARS. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
15 Stars First West Toasted Oak Bourbon
98 Proof
The Good
- Value
- Super approachable
The Bad
- Lower Proof
