LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Generations of
distillers along Kentucky's
bourbon trail have poured decades of time into perfecting the art
of making whiskey in distilleries that have since become the place
of legend. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey,
DIAGEO's newest brand within its American Whiskey portfolio, pays
homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the
celebrated Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.
Named after the two parts of a skeleton key, the blade shaft and
the ornate bow handle, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
Whiskey derives its inspiration from the Five Keys symbol that can
be found throughout the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. Representing the
five steps of crafting bourbon – grains, yeast, fermentation,
distillation and aging – these keys have grown to symbolize the
southern traditions of hospitality, warmth and enjoying the finer
things in life.
Introduced in two offerings, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight
Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each variant possesses its own
distinctive liquid characteristics.
"From the delicious hint of dried apricot and ripe pear found
within Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon to the 22-Year-Old
Limited Release's pronounced nose of toasted oak layered with
vanilla bean, figs and a light touch of dark caramel, both whiskies
exhibit the same craftsmanship that was upheld amongst distillers
at Stitzel-Weller long ago," said DIAGEO North American Whiskey
Ambassador Doug Kragel. "The
inspiration for Blade and Bow's creation resonates with my personal
passion for whiskey, and I can't wait for others to have the
opportunity to responsibly enjoy these great products."
Awarded Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits
Competition, Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (91
proof, 45.5% ABV) is born from some of the oldest remaining stocks
to be distilled at Stitzel-Weller before the distillery shut its
doors in 1992. Matured using the solera aging method, this last
remaining bourbon ever distilled at Stitzel-Weller is mingled with
other fine whiskies that have since been aged and bottled at
Stitzel-Weller, resulting in a premium liquid that contains a piece
of history in every sip.
Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old Limited Release Kentucky Straight
Bourbon Whiskey (92 proof, 46% ABV) won Double Gold and was awarded
the title "Best Straight Bourbon" at the 2015 San Francisco World
Spirits Competition. Inclusive of whiskies distilled at both the
distillery historically located at 17th and Breckinridge in Louisville, Ky. and the distillery
historically located at 1001 Wilkinson Blvd. in Frankfort, Ky., this limited release offering
was most recently aged and bottled at Stitzel-Weller.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will be
available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (750 mL), while Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old
Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will carry a
suggested retail price of $149.99
(750 mL).
The release of Blade and Bow Whiskey will be supported by trade
and consumer advertising, public relations, digital extensions and
point of sale materials. The brand will also utilize DIAGEO's
Masters of Whiskey program and participate in whiskey festivals
across the country.
Consumers are encouraged to responsibly enjoy Blade and Bow
Whiskey neat or on the rocks.
About Blade and Bow
Blade and Bow pays homage to the
artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary
Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Blade and Bow
whiskey is currently available in two variants, Blade and Bow
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old
Limited Release Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blade and Bow
seeks to continue the story of Stitzel-Weller by providing whiskey
aficionados with an inspired piece of Kentucky history. The two offerings will be
available to adult consumers in May
2015.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding
collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine
categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan's,
and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff,
Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more
than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on
both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock
Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our
people, our brands, and performance, visit us at
www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking
resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways
to share best practice.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.
Contacts:
|
|
Travis
Rexroad
|
Jamie
Hakim
|
Taylor
|
Diageo
|
323.330.0568
|
646.
223.2314
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trexroad@taylorstrategy.com
|
Jamie.Hakim@diageo.com
|
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SOURCE Diageo