15 STARS tells BourbonBlog.com they have introduced First West Bourbon—a new extension featuring three expressions: Small Batch, Toasted Oak, and Extra Aged 8 and 9-Year-Old Bourbon.

First West pays tribute to Kentucky as bourbon’s birthplace, blending heritage with modern craftsmanship.

The line draws on historic bottle designs and a their own “Flavor Proofed process” crafted for optimal taste, inviting bourbon fans to explore tradition with an innovative edge.

QUESTION: Have you tried any of the 15 STARS whiskeys — from their flagship label to the new First West line? Share your tasting notes and favorites in the comments below, follow this link to get there. 

Bourbon expert Tom Fischer recently interviewed Rick and Ricky Johnson, the father-son team behind 15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon, to review and taste the 15 STARS Three Ports Bourbon.

Watch the full video below or view it directly. Then keep reading for everything you need to know about the First West line.

First West: Distilling Innovation With Heritage Corn

For the first time, 15 STARS includes its own distillate in a blend, highlighting proprietary red, white, and blue heritage corn.

Small Batch and Toasted Oak use a mix of 5, 6, and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, while the Extra Aged release blends 8- and 9-year bourbons for added depth.

Co-founder Ricky Johnson tells us, “Our goal with 15 STARS First West was to create the same high-quality, award-winning whiskey at an approachable cost. With heritage grains and Flavor Proofing, we’re bringing extra flavor into the First West lineup.”

 First West Bourbon Lineup

First West Small Batch – Aged 5, 6, and 7 Years

• MSRP: $59.99 / 102 Proof
• Nose: Banana bread, caramelized apple, sugar cream pie, dried cherry, honey, nutmeg, cigar box, seasoned oak
• Palate: Pear, golden raisin, apple, vanilla layered over damp forest and tobacco
• Finish: Honey-sweetened fruit salad fading into oak and tobacco

First West Toasted Oak – Aged 5, 6, and 7 Years

• MSRP: $69.99 / 98 Proof
• Nose: Seasoned oak, nutmeg, licorice, pepper, caramel, peach, plum, banana, saltwater taffy
• Palate: Cherry, orange, banana, toffee, vanilla balanced by oak
• Finish: Apricot, cherry, caramel, toasted oak, tobacco

First West Extra Aged – Aged 8 and 9 Years

• MSRP: $79.99 / 100 Proof
• Nose: Orange peel, cherry, caramel, cinnamon, seasoned oak, leather, malted grain
• Palate: Cherry, seasoned oak, orange marmalade, fruit juice, smooth and viscous
• Finish: Plum, cherry, citrus, oak, caramelized sugar

Johnson adds, “We want to capture the spirit of early Kentucky with its story of adventure and discovery. Collectors and connoisseurs can expand their palate with Flavor Proofing, heirloom corns, and celebrate bourbon’s home.”

First West is now available at select retailers nationwide and online at 15STARS.com.

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