15 Stars First West Toasted Oak Finish Review

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.

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.

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.