Blade and Bow Unveils New Annual, 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

Blade and Bow announces its 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve, a new limited annual expression crafted at the intersection of time and technique by Nicole Austin, the Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo.

Beginning with a 12–Year–Old Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it's guided through a multi–vat Solera finishing and blending process – uniting the age and character of Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port vats to create a depth and balance in the final whiskey.

"From the start, I wanted to capture the fruit, tannin, and aromatic lift that can be achieved with cask-finished bourbon, without the common pitfalls of one-noteness or overly tannic, new-wood character," explains Austin. "I achieved this while honoring Blade and Bow's Solera heritage, using the technique to blend new and older whiskey across multiple carefully chosen, large-format vintage vats to create a delicate weave of vibrant fruit and honey, layered over notes of vanilla, spice, and leather."

On The Nose: Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve opens with a graceful nose of red fruit, dried fig, and currant leading into a silky, layered palate. Caramelized sugar and dried fruit give way to almond toffee, cocoa, and dark cherry. The finish shows dark fruit and oak spice, supported by tannins and subtle wine acidity balanced by corn sweetness. The vat program contributes these distinct layers: Port and Bordeaux bring dark fruit and tannic structure. Cognac adds refined fruit esters and rancio, while Moscatel lends aromatic lift and sweetness—together creating a long, resonant finish.

Presented in the iconic Blade and Bow bottle, elevated with refined detailing bespoke to this release, 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve is crafted for the distinguished palate and the elevated sporting lifestyle. The artisanal, fractional blending method iconic to Blade and Bow creates extraordinary expressions—most recently recognized with a Double Gold accolade at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Availability: Bottled at 52% ABV with a suggested retail price of $64.99 per 750ml bottle, Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve will be available in select markets nationwide including North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and Kentucky. On July 17th and on a permanent basis while bottles last, Stitzel-Weller Distillery will offer a custom Blade and Bow flight experience including the pillars of the portfolio: Blade and Bow Whiskey, Blade and Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve and Blade and Bow 22-Year-Old.