15 Stars has built a reputation for its acclaimed First West Collection of whiskeys. The brand recently announced its fourth release, First West Explorer—noteworthy as the first 100% in-house distilled bourbon in the portfolio.
15 Stars First West Explorer
The whiskey uses a mash bill of proprietary baby black corn, yellow corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. It blends Kentucky straight bourbons aged 5 to 6 years.
According to 15 Stars, the result is a timeless, 95-proof whiskey that begins with a nose of cherry, banana pudding, vanilla wafers, meringue, fresh wood, and pipe tobacco. Sipping it reveals notes of pear, raisins, sugar, baking spice, herbal tea, cigar box, and seasoned oak. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a gentle mix of candied orange peels, white pepper, fresh wood, and old oak.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce our first fully distilled 15 STARS expression, especially as it showcases the very first mash bill we ever produced using our proprietary baby black corn,” Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS, says.
“That black corn, paired with wheat as the flavoring grain, creates a bourbon that’s naturally sweet and exceptionally smooth. Blending it with our yellow corn rye bourbon adds another layer of complexity, resulting in a truly distinctive pour.”
Where can I buy it?
15 Stars First West Explorer is available at select whiskey retailers for the suggested retail price of $49.99 for a 750ml bottle. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this standout bourbon—add it to your collection today.
