BARDSTOWN, Ky. (June 27, 2024) – The award-winning 15 STARS announced today the return of one of its most popular releases–Triple Cask Fine-Aged Bourbon. This second batch of Kentucky straight bourbons finished in cognac, rum, and apple brandy casks, showcases founders Rick and Ricky Johnson’s talents as artisan master blenders, beautifully marrying warm sweet finishes with the bold flavors of the bourbons aged 16 and 8 years. Beginning tomorrow, June 28, Triple Cask II will be available in select retailers across the country as well as online via 15STARS.com.
“We are excited to bring back this fan-favorite expression for a second time,” shared Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “Not only is Triple Cask II for our long-standing community in Kentucky and beyond, but we look forward to providing whiskey enthusiasts across the country the opportunity to sip on 15 STARS through this strategic partnership with RNDC.”
Bottled at 103 proof, Triple Cask II Fine-Aged Bourbon is a blend of Kentucky straight bourbons finished in cognac, rum, and apple brandy casks, aged 16 and 8 years. With a nose reminiscent of warm banana bread, freshly baked apple pie, and vanilla butterscotch candy from the rum, the palate leads with a bold fruitiness from the cognac cask, finishing with notes from the apple brandy of vibrant citrus evolving into allspice and seasoned oak, imparting a lasting impression of the refined pour.
With this release, the brand is excited to also introduce a strategic alignment with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) to expand distribution to 15 control states across the country, including Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. This expanded distribution will be rolled out through 2025.
“Having been in the spirits business for over 30 years, I have seen how strategic partnerships like this one between 15 STARS and RDNC help elevate a brand,” said Eric Timmerman, Vice President of Sales at 15 STARS. “We are proud to be able to share the tradition of Kentucky craftsmanship in distilling and blending with just about everyone east of the Rockies now.”
Triple Cask II Fine-Aged Bourbon – Aged 16 and 8 Years ($179 MSRP / 103 Proof)
- Nose: The nose begins with a rush of baking spice and sugary notes reminiscent of warm banana bread and freshly baked apple pie with the addition of butterscotch, vanilla candy, and a hint of rum sweetness to add to the comforting aromas. As it evolves, the bouquet reveals nuances of dried cherry, ripe plum, and leather.
- Palate: The bold fruitiness of the cognac finish reveals itself strongly and is accompanied by touches of orange marmalade, and honeysuckle. These bright notes are elegantly accented by deeper layers of nutmeg, cinnamon, and aged oak, adding a warm and spicy complexity.
- Finish: Vibrant citrus notes intertwine with the richness of molasses, creating an exciting contrast. As the flavors evolve, allspice and seasoned oak emerge, imparting a lasting impression of the refined pour.
About 15 STARS
15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon crafts award-winning whiskey with a singular focus on creating luxury blends from their highly aged whiskey stocks. Founded by father and son artisan blenders, Rick and Ricky Johnson, the brand has received over 100 of the world’s most coveted whiskey awards since its debut in 2022, including several “best in class” awards. 15 STARS distills over a dozen different whiskey mash bills in Bardstown, KY, some of which include unique specialty heirloom corn (black, red, white, and blue) that the family grows for its gourmet specialty popcorn business, Black Jewell Popcorn. The 15 STARS portfolio of limited-release fine-aged bourbon is available at select retail locations east of the Rocky Mountains, as well as online at 15STARS.com. The name 15 STARS pays homage to Kentucky as the 15th state with Kentucky’s recognition on the second US flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes which was authorized by President George Washington in 1795. For more information visit 15STARS.com or follow on social at @15STARSbourbon.
About Republic National Distributing Company
As a leading national beverage distributor in wine and spirits, RNDC has established its reputation by bringing the industry’s brightest talent together, consistently igniting opportunities for our suppliers, customers, and associates. Our expansive national reach empowers suppliers by building strategic relationships with on- and off-premise customers, elevating their brands and connecting them with their target consumers. Operating in the District of Columbia and 39 states across the United States, we are committed to being the most valuable partner to all we serve. With roots extending before Prohibition and a footprint spanning from local to national, digital to DTC, we are ushering in a new era of wine and spirits distribution within the three-tier system. At RNDC, we work in that rare space where commitment to craft meets unrelenting quality. Fueled by passion, we are raising the bar for beverage alcohol distribution—elevating spirits and sales across our value chain. To learn more, visit www.rndc-usa.com.
