15 Stars First West Toasted Oak Finish Review

First West Toasted Oak by 15 Stars

15 Stars First West Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey — Finished in Toasted White Oak Barrels

Blend of 5, 6, and 7-Year Bourbons | 98 Proof | SRP: $69

Includes bourbon made from proprietary red, white, and blue corns and Finished with a blend of two different toast profiles.

Nose:

The moment the bottle is uncorked, a dessert-forward bouquet welcomes you with inviting notes of toasted marshmallows and dark chocolate, balanced beautifully by vanilla bean and a backbone of seasoned oak. The toasted white oak finishing adds a refined, warming edge that suggests s’mores by a campfire — comforting, familiar, yet elevated.

Palate:

This bourbon takes a journey from sweet to savory with each sip. It opens with a burst of hard caramel candy — crisp, sugary, and nostalgic — before melting into layers of vanilla custard and rich dark chocolate fudge. Mid-palate, the toasted barrel influence shows its hand with subtle smoky warmth and a creamy texture that makes the sip linger longer than expected.

Finish:

The finish is warm, lingering, and full-bodied, with a pleasing rye spice hug that settles in the chest — a comforting Kentucky signature. There’s a luxurious mouth-coating viscosity that ties everything together, leaving behind sweet oak and spice that beckons for another pour. Despite its complexity, it’s remarkably drinkable, approachable for newcomers but rewarding for seasoned enthusiasts.

Blue-Glass Bottle

First Look: A Bottle as Historic as the Bourbon Inside

15 Stars honors its namesake and Kentucky’s rich history not just in liquid, but in design. The blue-glass bottle is inspired by the earliest vessels used for whiskey in Kentucky — a nod to authenticity and craftsmanship. It feels regal in hand and grounded in tradition, yet unmistakably premium and modern in its execution.

The label artwork pays tribute to the explorers and visionaries of America’s frontier era, featuring imagery of Wilderness Road, the Cumberland Gap, and Daniel Boone — all instrumental in opening a pathway to what was once called the “First West.”

The bottle’s stopper top and coin-embossed base echo the design of historic U.S. coins, a fitting tribute to Kentucky’s place as the 15th state, and a tactile reminder of the bourbon’s connection to place and time.

The bottom of the bottle

Heritage in Every Drop

Crafted from a blend of Kentucky straight bourbons aged 5, 6, and 7 years, and uniquely, including bourbon made from red, white, and blue corns, this expression captures the pioneering spirit of America’s earliest whiskey makers. The toasted white oak finishing adds a modern flourish while respecting the roots of traditional bourbon-making.

“First West” isn’t just a bourbon — it’s a story in a bottle, celebrating Kentucky’s role in shaping the spirit of adventure, craftsmanship, and discovery.

Final Thoughts:

15 Stars “First West” is a bourbon for history lovers, oak finish fans, and anyone who appreciates a glass that’s as rich in story as it is in flavor. It drinks above its price point, stands out on the shelf, and makes a compelling case for why Kentucky continues to lead America’s bourbon legacy.

A warm-felt Thank You to Rick, Ricky and the entire team at 15 Stars for the opportunity to sample this new addition to the portfolio.

Old Louisville Kentucky Series 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

The Kentucky Series by Old Louisville

Old Louisville Kentucky Series 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

50% ABV | 100 Proof

Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Aged: 8 Years in Level 3 Charred New American Oak

SRP: $55-60

Nose:

From the first pass, the nose is inviting and nostalgic—think warm yeast rolls fresh from the oven, lightly buttered and just kissed by a bakery’s morning air. There’s a gentle nuttiness, perhaps toasted almond or walnut, that adds dimension. Layers of classic bourbon sweetness emerge next: vanilla bean, caramel drizzle, and a hint of maple glaze round out a well-integrated aromatic profile. It’s warm, comforting, and softly spiced.

Palate:

The entry is creamy and decadent—caramel swirl ice cream immediately floods the senses, delivering both the sweetness of caramel and the richness of a dairy-laced mouthfeel. A soft yet present wave of holiday spices—nutmeg, clove, and a dusting of cinnamon—rises mid-palate and provides festive warmth without overpowering. Caramel corn enters on the back end, crunchy and nostalgic, echoing county fairs and crisp autumn nights. The rye adds just enough spice to prevent it from becoming overly sweet, while the malted barley contributes body and texture.

Back Label with Mash Bill and Series info

Finish:

A medium-length finish brings a pleasant evolution. It moves from the sweeter notes into a savory linger, reminiscent of brown butter and baking spices. The caramel fades slowly, revealing a whisper of toasted oak and faint spice, leaving the palate ready for another sip.

Overall Impression:

The Old Louisville Kentucky Series 8 Year is a beautifully crafted, classically styled bourbon with an edge of indulgent sweetness balanced by structured spice and a savory taper. It excels in approachability without sacrificing complexity, and the 100 proof delivers both flavor and balance without harshness. For $55-60, it’s a strong value for those who appreciate nuanced traditional bourbons with a dessert-like flair. This bottle would shine as a neat pour or paired with a creamy dessert—or even better, a medium-bodied cigar with vanilla and nutty notes.

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Barrel Proof - Review

The new Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select 5 Year Barrel Proof

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Batch BP-001 Review

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Barrel Proof – 56.3% ABV (112.6 Proof)

Distilled at Green River Distilling Co. – Owensboro, KY

Mash Bill: 70% Corn, 21% Rye, 9% Malted Barley

Aged 5 & 6 Years | 2,100 Bottles | SRP: $43.99

Transparency.

Nose:

Wheel Horse doesn’t ease you in—it charges in with bold aromatics. Right from the pour, you’re met with rich and indulgent cherry cordials, blending boozy dark fruit with chocolate sweetness. A layer of baking spices—think cinnamon stick, clove, and nutmeg—adds depth and warmth. Rounding it out is a soft but steady vanilla thread, likely pulled from both the barrel and the malted barley. There’s a dessert-like elegance to the nose, with no off-notes despite the youthful age.

Palate:

This is where the bourbon earns its “Barrel Master Select” title. The mouthfeel is creamy and full-bodied, almost chewy in texture. Flavors of caramel brittle crash in with buttery sweetness and a touch of salt. Then, it shifts to something nostalgic—cherry cola with a spiced fizz that lingers mid-palate. As it settles, a wave of vanilla frosting glides in, rich and confectionary without becoming overly sweet. The rye spice from the mash bill gives structure without overwhelming the sweeter elements.

Finish:

The finish is long, warm, and unapologetically bold. The proof makes itself known with a peppery kick that tingles on the tongue but never feels hot or harsh. It’s viscous and oily, coating the mouth in layers of spice, oak, and residual vanilla-caramel richness. That cherry cola note even peeks back in for a final encore. The linger is exceptional for the age and price point, with enough complexity to keep you coming back.

Verdict:

Wheel Horse Barrel Master Select Batch BP-001 is a seriously impressive barrel-proof bourbon at an incredibly accessible price. Distilled at Green River, it brings craftsmanship, maturity beyond its years, and a flavor profile that punches way above the $43.99 mark. If you’re looking for a bold, fruit-forward, spice-laced sipper that delivers both power and finesse, this bottle belongs on your shelf.