First West Toasted Oak Bourbon by 15 Stars Bourbon

ReviewsAmerican WhiskeyBourbonKentucky15 StarsFirst WestToasted

Sep 25

Last year, I reviewed 15 Stars First West, a blend of Kentucky straight bourbons aged up to 15 years. For the life of me, I cannot find the review. I wish I could, because this is a hell of a side-by-side to do.

The product at hand today is First West Toasted Oak by 15 Stars Bourbon. Yeah, I was confused by the name, too, but consider “15 Stars” to be the company and “First West” to be the new product lineup rather than the single release I reviewed last time around.

While I can’t find the posted review, I can share a summary of my own notes. In short, 15 Stars First West was fantastic, a blend of Kentucky bourbons that despite its age lacked any semblance of oakiness and brought both fruity and baking spice profiles. The component ratios were not disclosed, but I have on good authority that the 15-year-old percentage wasn’t tiny.

This may ultimately have been its biggest obstacle, though. As good as it was, 15 Stars First West was just too expensive, between $150-$200 per bottle. Even considering the “higher” percentage of older Kentucky bourbon, that was a stretch even before the recent market flattening. I ended up highly recommending it with the caveat of “if you can afford it.”

I didn’t hear anything from 15 Stars about that review, but after a few months they largely went quiet and slipped from my mind. Then, about two months ago, the words “First West” on port-colored labels in differently-shaped bottles than they’d used before started popping up all over my feeds. I briefly thought they were a new brand before zooming in to see “Crafted by 15 Stars” at the bottom of the label.

The new product was at a lower proof and age (5-7 years) and, most intriguingly, a lower price point. Significantly lower. This was around 1/3 the cost of the original 15 Stars First West and represented a total rebranding.

I’m no expert on branding science, so as a consumer, I’ll give them a standing ovation for the job done.

Drinking this for review and for enjoyment, not once did I feel like I was sipping a lesser product. Sure it was overall younger, but then again the original 15 Stars First West was only partially 15 years, with younger components making up the majority. The toasted oak, a Jekyll-and-Hyde cask practice that can go really well or really poorly, paired beautifully with the fruity, baking spice-led profile. Hits of citrus and a great mouthfeel (for a 98 proofer, edit that to crazy mouthfeel) keep this evolving from nose to finish.

Sure, for a short while, the switch from 15 Stars First West to First West by 15 Stars may confuse a few consumers, but I think that confusion will be short-lived. Afterwards, you’ll have an excellent example of American blending that at ~$10/year is well worth it. The old-style blue ridged bottle is a nice touch that will both fit better and stand out more on a shelf.

What an overhaul, and what a success. Bravo. Seriously, bravo.

This sample was provided by 15 Stars at no cost. All opinions are my own.

First West Toasted Oak by 15 Stars Bourbon: Specs

Classification: Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies

Producer: 15 Stars Bourbon

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Proof: 98º (49% ABV)

Age: Components 5-7 Years Old

Location: Kentucky

First West Toasted Oak by 15 Stars Bourbon Price: $69.99

Official Website

First West Toasted Oak by 15 Stars Bourbon: Tasting Notes

Eye: Brownish gold. Arcing rims, no legs, and medium teardrops slowly falling.

Nose: A whole cupboard of baking spices smacks my face from the glass, tons of flavor up front. The roasted corn and toasting marshmallow sweetness come next, making both bourbon and toasting crystal clear. Strong ethanol at first that carries flavor rather than masking it.

Palate: Red fruit peeks out but is slammed by baking spices of all kinds. Red spice drops, grape candies, a touch of black licorice and much more barrel character in char and astringency than I’d expect from a 5-7 year old bourbon, even more so at “just” 98 proof. Mouthfeel is coating and a bit numbing on the back half, mouthwatering astringency and black pepper on the tip and sides of my tongue with stonefruits entering late.

Finish: Cherries and plums on cedarwood planks studded with cloves and black peppercorns. Doesn’t coat heavily, but remains firm for several minutes.

Overall: The burst of flavor on the nose portends well. This is an excellent blend that leans into both baking spice and red fruit, carrying hints of citrus and caramelizing wood sugars from the toasted oak. Barely-there lacquer ensures the flavors go from start to finish. Great reinvention and an easy buy.