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

Matthew Evans

Matthew is the founder/owner of Whiskey Consensus and lead whiskey geek for the brand. He likes his whiskey served neat at cask strength and always jumps at the chance to learn something new.

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