While 30 year bourbon isn’t exactly a novel concept, it’s exceedingly rare. In the past few decades, only a handful of brands have bottled bourbon that’s hit or eclipsed the three-decade mark, among them Final Reserve (45 and 42 Years), Redemption Whiskey (36 Years), I.W. Harper (34 Years), and Jefferson’s Bourbon (30 Years). So while a 30 year bourbon doesn’t establish any new records per se, it’s certainly uncommon enough to elicit discussion.
Such is the case with Blade and Bow’s new hyper-aged whiskey, a 30 year old Kentucky Straight bourbon. The release was curated and blended by Nicole Austin, Diageo’s Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities. Housed at the site of the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery outside Louisville, the whiskey comes from Blade and Bow’s aged stocks, which until recently boasted around 100 barrels over 30 years old. Some time during their lengthy maturation cycle, the stocks were consolidated, with partially filled barrels topped off using liquid from sister casks. Of these, Austin selected 42 for this 30 year blend, all of which were originally laid down in 1993 and dumped in 2023.
My colleague Jacob Kiper has gone in depth on this release’s background and potential sources, and his research included a lengthy discussion with Austin herself. We do know that while the barrels spent a significant period in Stitzel-Weller warehouses, the whiskey itself was not distilled there. We also know the mashbill contained no wheat, just the more standard trio of corn, rye, and malted barley. Ultimately, the bourbon’s distillery of origin and mashbill remain undisclosed; indeed, based on Jacob’s deep dive, it’s reasonable to think Diageo may not know the exact recipe.
The 30 year marks the oldest-ever release from Blade and Bow, but notably not the oldest from Diageo’s North American portfolio. That honor goes to the aforementioned 34 year I.W. Harper, which was released earlier in 2025 via Sotheby’s auction.
Austin proofed this final blend to 54.5% abv, and the whiskey was bottled without chill filtration. The suggested retail price is $1,200. Bottles are available at select retailers nationwide, including the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, which will only sell one bottle per day while supplies last. Individual pours are also available at the adjoining Garden & Gun Club bar for $225 each.
Let’s see how it tastes.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon 30 Years Old Review
The nose starts on simultaneously bright, fruity, spicy, and oaky notes, and it’s hardly as woody as one might expect from a bourbon of this maturity. (Then again, how often are we really nosing 30 year-old bourbon?) After a few sniffs, aromas proceed in something akin to sequential acts. Candied grapefruit peel and pickled ginger hit the nostrils first, quickly followed by sweeter notes including creme caramel, treacle, and molten chocolate ganache. Up next is heavily spiced cranberry sauce, which provides a darkly fruity segue between confectionary smells and rich, robust wood. Oak — syrupy, dried, but not particularly tannic — takes the reins from here on out, punctuated by light reminders of citrus and berries.
I thought the nose was surprisingly upbeat, but the first sip is almost shockingly fruity, if on the dark side of that flavor quadrant. A medley of figs, dates, prunes, and blackberry preserves coat the tongue, while cooling menthol lingers along the upper palate. Black walnut oil and vanilla extract build along the midpalate, which is far less sweet and chocolatey than the nose suggested. Instead, toasted cardamom pods, dried saffron, and tangy sumac are buoyed by light touches of caramel and molasses. Oak tannins round out the back palate, with flavors bordering on black tea and semi-sweet chocolate.
The finish is the most oak-forward part of the sip, and until then, it’s almost easy to forget how old this bourbon really is. Semi-sweet chocolate, unsweetened mint tea, and gentian root contribute to an amaro-like final act that waffles between subtle sweetness and invitingly bitter notes.
This bourbon’s pedigree is up for discussion. In my mind, the sipping experience itself likely warrants less in the way of debate. Blade and Bow 30 Year is an elegantly matured whiskey, bottled at a proof point that showcases the trappings of age with very few of the drawbacks.
109 proof.
A / $1200 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon 30 Years Old
USD1200
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