Home American Whiskey 15 STARS Three Kings Fine-Aged Whiskey

15 STARS Three Kings Fine-Aged Whiskey

November 2, 2024 · By Matthew Evans · 9 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
9 /10
Outstanding
Score Breakdown
Nose
8.9
Palate
9.2
Finish
9.1
Complexity
9.1
Value
8.8
Consensus Score
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9
/ 10
Our Verdict
Outstanding

15 STARS Three Kings Fine-Aged Whiskey is a unique blend of Straight Bourbon, Rye, and wheat whiskey, aged for 15 and 11 years.

The Good

  • Incredible layers of flavor
  • Super expressive palate
  • Long finish

The Bad

  • Expensive
  • Avilability

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.

15 STARS Three Kings Fine-Aged Whiskey is a unique blend of straight bourbon, rye, and wheat whiskey, aged for 15 and 11 years. This product is bottled at 107 proof and carries a retail price of $180 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Baking spice, caramel cheesecake, dried dark fruit, lime chiffon, apricots, a hint of peach.

Palate

Vanilla, sweet juicy cherries, nutmeg, almonds, candied fruit, cocoa, allspice, nutmeg, and oak.

Finish

Orange marmalade, honey, cinnamon, fudge, peaches, coffee, and dark maple syrup, and a lingering Snyder’s sourdough pretzel note.

In closing

In conclusion, 15 STARS Three Kings Fine-Aged Whiskey is a masterclass in layered complexity and refined taste. From the enticing aromas of baking spice, caramel cheesecake, and dried fruit to a palate bursting with vanilla, cherries, and warm spices, each sip reveals remarkable depth. The finish is luxuriously long, weaving together notes of citrus, honey, dark maple, and an unexpected hint of sourdough pretzel. While it carries a premium price, the intricate profile and expressive character of this whiskey make it a worthwhile indulgence for those who appreciate a rich and nuanced pour.
 

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 Three Kings Fine-Aged Whiskey

107 Proof
9

Nose

8.9/10

Palate

9.2/10

Finish

9.1/10

Complexity

9.1/10

Value

8.8/10

The Good

  • Incredible layers of flavor
  • Super expressive palate
  • Long finish

The Bad

  • Expensive
  • Avilability
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15 Stars Review

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Matthew Evans
About the Author
Matthew Evans
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 538 posts

Matthew is the founder and visionary behind Whiskey Consensus. What began as a project to explore the Instagram platform and share a love for whiskey has evolved into so much more. Professionally, Matthew works in digital marketing as a solutions engineer and sales leader, bringing innovative strategies to the table. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid runner, as well as a car and watch enthusiast. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through various volunteer responsibilities.

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