Blade and Bow

Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

History & Heritage

The Blade and Bow story began with the founding of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1935, a Louisville icon and home to the fathers and iconic brands of the bourbon category. With a commitment to craftsmanship and artistry, Stitzel-Weller Distillery reimagined what Kentucky Bourbon could be until distilling stopped in 1992.

On the door of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery hung five brass keys, which is how the Blade and Bow name came to be. Named after the two parts of a skeleton key, the blade shaft and the ornate bow, the Blade and Bow brand is a tribute to the five keys that once hung on the door of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Representing the five components of crafting bourbon – grains, yeast, fermentation, distillation, and aging – these five keys have grown to symbolize the southern traditions of hospitality, warmth and enjoying the finer things in life. To this day, we hang the keys on the front door as a symbol of hospitality, welcoming all that come.

Blade and Bow proudly pays homage to the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery, preserving the past as we open the door to the next chapter of Stitzel-Weller Distillery’s renowned history.

Interesting Facts

Blade and Bow uses the Solera System, a unique aging and blending process to preserve the heritage of Stitzel-Weller Distillery by blending bourbon of various ages. A historic method in other categories, it is an uncommon practice found in the bourbon industry.

Tiered fractional blending allows for a vast range of ages to come together, using the best of both the older and newer distillates. The Solera System allows us the opportunity to incorporate bourbon from the Stitzel-Weller Distillery into every bottle. Barrels are never fully drained, ensuring this union of ages is ever present in each bottle of Blade and Bow.

The Five Keys Club

In true Blade and Bow fashion, we celebrate our closest friends and family with an invitation to the Five Keys Club. Once you have collected all five numbered keys that hang from our bottle, you can submit a photo of your keys on our website to unlock access to special merchandise offers, insider updates and event invitations.

Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old

Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old is a limited and rare release whiskey that pays homage to the renowned craftsmanship of Stitzel-Weller Distillery. A small amount of whiskey is released each year.

Beginning with a pronounced nose reminiscent of toasted oak layers with vanilla bean, figs, and a light touch of dark caramel, Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old tastes smooth and smoky with good oak structure, accented with notes of torched sugar, sweet vanilla bean, and a spicy dry rye finish.

Flavor Profile

Beginning with a soft nose reminiscent of fresh fruit, Blade and Bow rewards sippers with a delicious hint of dried apricot and ripe pear on entry before melting into a sweet roasted grain taste mid-palate. The finish includes notes of charred oak and warm winter spices.