BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 9, 2024) – Just in time for Father’s Day, award-winning 15 STARS will be releasing its latest expression, a Vino de Naranja finished fine-aged bourbon. Beginning tomorrow through June 16, the limited-edition release will be available exclusively online via 15STARS.com. 
The Vino de Naranja Finish, the first single barrel finished release for 15 STARS, is a blend of two bourbons, each aged eight years, and finished in a single Vino de Naranja cask. The two bourbons were flavor-proofed ahead of finishing and the bottles will be released at the finishing barrel strength of 102.8 proof.
With a light citrus finish layered with fruit, this is the perfect summer whiskey. The nose is reminiscent of a warm weather picnic of fruit compote, honey, vanilla, and floral notes with a background of seasoned oak, rounding out on the palate with citrus and honey set against undertones of dessert spices and tobacco leaf, finishing in a vibrant burst of orange peel transitioning to old oak–truly showcasing Rick and Ricky Johnson’s talents as master blenders. With only 316 bottles available, this release is as special as the love between a father and son.
“Our relationship as a father and son is infused into every bottle of 15 STARS whiskey,” shared Ricky Johnson, 15 STARS co-founder. “With this newest expression, we cannot wait for dads, sons, and bourbon fans to sip this citrusy finish all summer long.”
Vino de Naranja Finished Bourbon – Aged 8 Years ($139 MSRP / 102.8 Proof)
- Nose: A delightfully sweet bouquet of fruit compote, honey, vanilla, and floral notes, with seasoned oak emerging from the background as the whiskey rests in the glass.
- Palate: An exquisite medley of sun-drenched citrus and golden honey intertwines with a sophisticated undertone of desert spices and tobacco leaf.
- Finish: The sip is concluded with a vibrant burst of orange peel which gracefully transitions to lingering old oak.
Since launching in 2022, 15 STARS has won acclaim across their entire portfolio of fine-aged whiskeys taking home almost 100 awards with several “Best in Class” recognitions at national and international spirits competitions, including most recently four Double Golds at the San Francisco Wine and Spirits Competition for their Sherry Cask Finish, Triple Cask, Platinum Batch 2, and First West Rye Batch 2-SSDD, all earning a score of 95 or above. With each competition and release, 15 STARS continues to honor Kentucky’s long history and tradition of bourbon craftsmanship.
About 15 STARS
15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon crafts award-winning whiskey with a singular focus on creating the very best blends from their highly aged whiskey stocks. Founded by father and son artisan blenders, Rick and Ricky Johnson, the brand has received over 90 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 are available at select retail locations and fine restaurants 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.
