Stitzel-Weller distillery showcases its bourbon legacy with a rare 24-Year-Old release

In the United States, specifically in Louisville, Kentucky, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery recently launched a new distillery-exclusive series named Stitzel Reserve, which celebrates its 90th anniversary. The inaugural release of this series features a limited-edition 24-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, crafted from only nine exceptional barrels. This bourbon showcases the historical significance of the distillery and the quality of the aging barrels, having begun its maturation process back in 1999. The whiskey was laid down by a revered Kentucky producer and matured in Warehouse B, exemplifying the distillery's rich legacy in American whiskey making. The Stitzel-Weller Distillery holds a special place in the history of bourbon production, having experienced a significant decline in whiskey consumption during the 1970s and 1980s, which led to the cessation of its production in 1992. For many years, the distillery's warehouses remained dormant, serving as a testament to a bygone era in bourbon history. However, following a resurgence in bourbon's popularity in recent decades, interest in Stitzel-Weller began to grow again, as enthusiasts recognized the value of the aged barrels still present at the distillery. Although it ceased production on-site, the distillery was preserved and later became part of the spirits conglomerate Diageo. Recognizing the potential of the aging barrels and the rich history of Stitzel-Weller, Diageo has now committed to reviving the distillery’s legacy through the Stitzel Reserve series. The primary objective of this initiative is to create exclusive offerings based on the peak liquid maturity and barrel quality, rather than being governed by marketing timelines. Each bottling aims to highlight the rare and exceptional character of the whiskey while acknowledging its historical significance. For those unable to purchase an entire bottle but still wishing to experience the distillery's offerings, Stitzel-Weller provides bespoke pours of their whiskey at the on-site Garden & Gun Club. This strategy allows visitors to savor the rich flavors of the whiskey without the commitment of purchasing a full bottle. This first release suggests that Stitzel-Weller is not only focusing on producing whiskey but is also positioning itself as a guardian of bourbon heritage, with the potential for future releases in the Stitzel Reserve series.