Production Notes
Made with agave harvested at peak ripeness from Código 1530’s own fields. Slowly cooked then uniquely fermented in small batches using Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels procured from the finest French oak coopers, before distilling at our own dedicated tequila distillery.

Tasting Notes
Aromas whisper of cherry blossom, maple, vanilla. Soft on the palate thanks to our unique barrel-fermentation process. Fresh & balanced tasting profile, buttery with notes of nutty pumpkin seed, clove and rosemary mint. Full body spirit with palate permanence.

100% Pure Blue Weber Agave

The Willett 6 Year Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is aged for a minimum of six years, allowing it to develop a remarkable depth of flavor and maturity. This extended aging process contributes to the whiskey's complexity and smoothness, making it a true delight for whiskey enthusiasts.

On the nose, this rye whiskey offers enticing aromas of warm spices, including cinnamon and cloves, intertwined with hints of vanilla and caramel. The aromatic profile sets the stage for the sensory journey that awaits.

Upon tasting, the whiskey reveals its full character. The palate is greeted with a robust and rich flavor profile. Spicy notes of black pepper and nutmeg intermingle with a delightful sweetness, featuring hints of caramel and toffee. These flavors are complemented by the inherent grainy and earthy qualities of the rye, creating a well-rounded and balanced taste experience.

The Willett 6 Year Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey boasts a velvety-smooth texture that coats the tongue and provides a pleasurable mouthfeel. The long, lingering finish showcases the whiskey's complexity, allowing the flavors to evolve and unfold gracefully.

Each bottle of Willett 6 Year Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is unique, as it is sourced from an individual barrel, hand-selected by the distillers themselves. This single barrel approach ensures that every bottle offers a distinct character and flavor profile, making it a prized addition to any whiskey collection.

The Featherbone Factory built by E.K. Warren in the 19th century to manufacture women's corsets sits on the banks of Lake Michigan just across the Indiana border in Three Oaks, Michigan. As the factory changed hands in the twentieth century, it became a production site for everything from buggy whips to pickles. Today, it's home to Journeyman Distillery and Bill Welter, Journeyman's master distiller. Welter, who was formerly a banker in Indiana, began his journey when his family business was sold in 2006. He moved to Scotland, where he began to learn the art of craft distillation from Greg Ramsay (master distiller at Nant Distillery) and Bill Lark (master distiller at Lark Distillery). After returning to the United States, Welter spent time producing and resting whiskey using a prominent organic & kosher distiller's facility in Chicago before opening the doors of his own distillery in Three Oaks with the intention to offer grain-to-glass spirits from day one/drop one. This Bilberry Black Hearts Gin is aptly named after the famed Bilberry, cousin to the huckleberry & blueberry. The Bilberry is dark in color and was given the nickname Black Heart in 19th century England. This gin has traditional gin botanicals like juniper, lemon, bitter orange, cinnamon, coriander, anise, angelica, and orris root to produce a uniquely American Style Gin. Double-distilled from 100% organic Michigan wheat and 9 botanicals: Juniper, Bilberry, Lemon, Bitter Orange, Cinnamon, Coriander, Anise, Angelica, Orris.

During a time when efficiency took priority over quality, our distillery was viewed as outdated. Prior to its closure in 1994, our single malt accounted for less than 1% of all "pre-renaissance" whiskies still maturing in our warehouses. However, our older spirits have become highly prized and cherished. To honor the exceptional work of our predecessors, our head distiller, Adam Hannett, has meticulously nurtured the finite 1992 vintage on its 29-year journey through various casks. This unpeated spirit has been matured in top-quality oak and its recipe is kept highly confidential, as is customary with all previous Black Art editions. The 9th edition of Black Art is our most alchemic single malt and the oldest ever produced. It is the epitome of the Black Art series and is designated as Edition 09.1.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The color is a deep russet.

Aroma: The fragrance is simply breathtaking, with tropical fruit, coconut, tobacco, oak spices, and toasted pine needles interweaving to create a complex aroma. Over time, this magnificent whisky releases waves of succulent mango, honey-drizzled melon, warm orange zest, grilled pineapple, and ripe summer strawberries. The scent is tantalizingly fruity and mouth-watering, with gentle oak nuances of coconut, ginger, buttery shortbread, vanilla custard, and a hint of tobacco.

Palate: The viscosity and depth of this dram are unparalleled. The tobacco and brown sugar notes of the oak provide the foundation for the superb fruit combinations to shine. A hint of water and a second sip reveal even more of the intricate layers of this remarkable whisky.

Finish: The luscious fruit sweetness lingers on the tongue for an extended period, with apricot, mango, and baked banana flavors, along with toasted sweet oak, honey, and vanilla. One never wants the experience to end.

Character: In creating this edition of Black Art, we were inspired by the efforts made in crafting the earlier versions of this series, where there was an unrelenting quest to layer flavor. This whisky rested in some of the finest casks, acquiring a delicate layer of fruit before being moved to a new cask. We carefully monitored and tasted it, seeking new directions with each new cask, until it reached perfection.

Crater Lake Reserve Dry Gin is in a league of its own. Handpicked Central Oregon juniper berries, coriander, bitter Seville orange peel, sweet glazed orange peel, and grapefruit peel give it bright floral aspects with a sweet citrus finish. Distilled from corn and filtered 50 times through charcoal and crushed red lava rock for a soft, creamy mouthfeel. The result is a spirit that earns its spot on the top shelf.

Fruit is hand harvested and brought to the cellars in small crates to avoid disturbing the ripe grapes. The grapes are cooled at the winery right at the foot of the vineyards. The must is macerated and vinified with pump-overs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Following racking the young wine is transferred into third use or older French oak barriques where it will rest for five months before another racking and an additional 7 months in larger 50 hl oak barrels. The goal is a slow and delicate aging that stabilizes tannins and polyphenols.

Bottle Size: 750ml

From The Brand

For Outstanding Whiskey REACH FOR THE STARS

At 15 STARS, we meticulously craft all our products by blending and flavor proofing the finest quality whiskey for extra complexity and interest. Sparing no expense or effort in our pursuit for great whiskey, we bottle our releases only when they meet our highest standards.

Triple Cask

A Blend of Kentucky Straight Bourbons finished in Cognac, Port, and Rum casks, aged 16 & 8 years.

Limited Release

Bottled at 105 Proof

Tasting Notes

Nose: Layers of baked blackberry with cream, brown sugar, and nutmeg open up into aromas of leather, and cigar box to build a complex nose that continues to develop in the glass.

Palate: Dark fruit and nutmeg make an appearance along with vibrant cognac, but eventually give way to caramel and aged oak, showing the strong character of the aged bourbons in the blend.

Finish: Similar to the palate, the finish begins with a burst of rich port wine sweetness which transitions into seasoned oak and worn leather.

The Re Manfredi winery was the first one to plant Muller Thurgau and Traminer Aromatico in the souther Italian Region of Basilicata, on the lopes of the Vulture Volcano. These grapes are known to be planted in cool climates, like northern Italy, Austria, Germany.

Re Manfredi’s Bianco Basilicata is a blend of Muller Thurgau and Traminer raised on hillside vineyards at an elevation of 1,000 feet. The vines sit on rich volcanic soil, soaking up the Mediterranean sun to achieve optimum ripeness.

The bouquet is nicely aromatic, floral with candied orange peel, acacia honey, sun-dried apricot and Indian jasmine. In the palate, this white wine is waxy and creamy, ending with a mild touch of pleasant softness.

Bottle Size: 750ml

Botran Reserva Blanca, A charcoal treatment and filter gives this rum its unique clarity, making it the perfect aged rum f or cocktails. This also helps Reserva Blanca mantain its captivating aroma to vanilla, citrics and wood. Great versatility. Its delicate notes and crystal color provide the perfect balance that high-end mixology requires. Rest in American casks that held American Whisky and Burnt American Oak Whisky. Guatemala is a land rich in biodiversity and varied ecosystems. It also happens to have volcanic enriched soil and an ideal climate for growing sugar cane, the raw material of Botran Premium rums. The rums of Guatemala are also distinguished by their unique, high-altitude aging process in the highlands. The altitude and cooler temperature restrict evaporation so the rums may adopt their individual taste profiles. Making high-rum in this way is a unique art from that has been carefully preserved and enriched over the years. Botran Rums are part of the 3% of the rums elaborate with the First Press from the Sugarcane Juice.

Mars Shinshu is Japan's highest whisky distillery, at 798 meters -just over 2,600 feet- nestled between Japan's Southern and Central Alps. Mars Shinshu is owned by the Hombo family, who have been in the business of distillation for over a century. Whisky became a part of the Mars Shinshu production line up in 1949. In 1984, Shinshu decided to move their southernmost Kyushu distillery to the picturesque alpine Miyada village, where the high altitude and cool climate make for suitable conditions for whisky-making. The whisky is produced from waters that pass through granite rock, this water is high in natural minerals. This whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky, and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky. Iwai sent Taketsuru to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making. Taketsuru returned to Japan, presenting a whisky-making report- the Taketsuru Notes- to Iwai. Taketsuru was the first Japanese to learn the art of whisky-making. Mars Shinshu's whiskies continue to be some of the most inexpensive Japanese whiskies on the market, and they are full of high quality character and complex flavor. Iwai Tradition, is a blended whisky, comprised of both single malts, grains, and blended whiskies. The whisky is then aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-wine casks, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Iwai Tradition is a special tribute to Iwai and Japanese Whisky. This is malt driven spirit is truly a reflection of contemporary Japanese whisky. Incredibly balanced, soft and layered. A blending of sherry, bourbon and wine casks with hints delicate hints of peat make for a harmonious whisky that would make Iwai-san proud.

Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, our founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come.

The 2016 Opus One is remarkably elegant and bright offering sumptuous aromas of fresh red and blue fruit, baking spices and vanilla, and a delicate fragrance of spring florals. The initial bouquet is augmented by more nuanced notes of sage, rosemary, and black olive. Juicy flavors of black cherry, blackberry and cassis flood the palate and creamy, fine-grained tannins deliver a delightfully round structure. Harmonious and lively, the flavors linger to create an enduring finish with touches of dark chocolate and espresso.

Varietal Breakdown:  Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Petit Verdot 8%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet Franc 5%, and Malbec 2%

Skin Contact: 17 days

Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak

Koval started its life as a craft distillery, founded in Chicago in 2008, as the first distillery in Chicago's city limits since Prohibition. Founders Robert and Sonat Birnecker left their professional lives in academia to found Koval. They have been crafting certified organic whiskeys, brandies, liqueurs and specialty spirits from scratch, ever since. Being the first distillery within city limits since the mid-1800s, Koval brings Austrian distilling traditions to America. Koval is named after founder Sonat's great-grandfather, who earned Koval the nickname Koval, when, at the very early age of 17 he emigrated from Vienna to Chicago at the start of the 1900s, to start a business. Robert was bequeathed a treasure trove of distilling knowledge and expertise from his grandfather, Robert Schimd. "Being a craft distiller allows us to be flexible and bring a new approach to the market," says Sonat Birnecker, the founder of Koval Distillery. "Craft can be different. Different in business model. Different in product. Craft is a way to be creative." Together with her husband, Robert, Birnecker founded Koval Distillery Chicago's first distillery since Prohibition in 2008. Koval Distillery, which is situated just a few feet away from Hollywood Beach in Chicago's North End, boasts a custom-made, 2,000 gallon, Kothe Destillationstechnik copper-pot still imported from Germany. "I come from a family that's been distilling for over a hundred years in Austria," explains Robert, who has been distilling spirits himself since he was a child. "My grandfather had a distillery in Austria and I would help him to make different eau de vies and brandies when I was growing up. He taught me the importance of having the right equipment and using fresh, organic ingredients. Koval distillery is a grain-to-bottle operation, sourcing their grains from a local organic farmer collective in the Midwest. The grain is milled and mashed on-site, and the resultant liquid is distilled, with only the heart cut making it into the bottle. All enzymes and yeast used in production are non-GMO, and the water is sourced from Lake Michigan, purified using a natural charcoal method. All Koval spirits are bottled and packaged on-site. Millet is a prized grain in Asia and Africa. It is also a very popular base for spirits in Nepal. This Koval Single Barrel whiskey however, is the first whiskey to be made out of the grain. With notes of nut and vanilla to define the palate, this organic whiskey has a clean and bright finish. 

CURADO TEQUILA

The agave plant has existed on earth for an estimated 12 million years. Pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures found many uses for the plant: the cooked Piña for food, the dried fibers for rope, clothing and paper, and – perhaps most importantly – the fermented Agave juice (Pulque as it is known in Mexico) as the first alcoholic beverage of the American continent. It is a miraculous plant, full of life, that spends long years maturing under the Mexican sun. Nourished by the earth’s minerals, the plants absorb this energy, which becomes their life essence. Mexico is home to an abundance of different spirits – Tequila, Mezcal, Raicilla, and many more. These distillates are all products created from this plant, all unique in their flavors and aromas, depending on the type of Agave that is used to make Curado, we use a blanco Tequila from the Highlands of Jalisco as a canvas, then we infuse the liquid with pieces of cooked Agave. At first the infusions only used Blue Agave from the state of Jalisco, but the project soon evolved to include other varieties of Agave from other regions of Mexico. We want to build bridges, not walls.

Curado’s current expressions are: Blue Weber from Arandas, Espadín from Oaxaca and Cupreata from Michoacán. We have taken an anthropological approach in our search for knowledge, connecting with – and learning from – people with generations of wisdom and experience.

Each variety of Agave is cooked using the technique of each respective region and then taken to Jalisco. There we infuse it in the best 100% Blue Agave Tequila from the Highlands of Jalisco region. The proportion of agave to tequila varies in each expression depending on the type of Agave received.

Curado embodies the union of three families: Estes, Camarena and Vantguard. The inspiration to create the brand originally came from two factors. The first influence came from traditional Mexican Curados, which is the name given to Pulques infused with natural flavors (Pineapple, Coconut, Coffee beans, etc.). The second part of our inspiration stemmed from observing the maceration of various spirits undertaken by bartenders across the world, using various spices, herbs and fruits. The result was Curado, the first Tequila to be infused with cooked Agave. The idea that other Agave varieties could be represented in this evolved spirit, providing variety and complexity of flavor whilst always respecting the denomination of tequila, is what set us apart.

Each animal on the different expressions of Curado represents its land of origin; all of them belong to the oneiric world of Alebrijes. Alebrijes are a modern form of art and expression from the local Mexican artist Pedro Linares, who “saw” these animals carrying him from the world of the living to the world of the dead and back. Often defined with features that belong to other creatures (wings, tails, patterns and colors), Alebrijes are impossible animals that will take you to unexpected places… so is Curado.

The elegant and precise nature of the Rayador, also known as the Black Skimmer sea bird, served as the inspiration for our Cutwater Tequila. It begins with 100% blue agave harvested from Jalisco that’s slow cooked in traditional brick ovens, open fermented, and double distilled in traditional “alambique” copper stills in Tequila to ensure an agave-forward finish. 

Bottle Size: 750ml | 80 proof

Lovingly handcrafted and aged in Kentucky, Pinhook Bourbon was established in 2014 and has produced several small batch bottlings in their newly restored Castle & Key distillery in Frankfort, KY, to much critical acclaim. What makes their line unique is the brand's three distinctive characteristics: its limited availability, mass appeal and strong ties to Kentucky's legacy of horse racing. Each release of Pinhook Bourbon is named after a thoroughbred owned by Bourbon Lane Stable. The label also features the horses racing records on their brand's website. Every fall Pinhook releases a new bourbon and rye, each of which is connected to a promising young thoroughbred horse. The whiskey in each release is the best expression of our barrels at that moment in time, and we blend and proof each release to be as unique as the horse on the label. The result is an annual vintage of Pinhook Bourbon and Pinhook Rye that become instant collectibles. The Rye Humor release is the second edition of straight rye whiskeys produced by Pinhook. The traditional mashbill has over 3 years of barrel age and was blended and cut to 97 proof by Sean Josephs at Castle & Key Distillery in Frankfort, KY. This straight rye whiskey has a perfumed nose of elderflower, aromatic wood, and preserved lemon which leads to a palate of dried papaya and caramel. Toasted vanilla, candied black licorice and honey linger, balancing an elegant yet powerful rye.

Our agaves are 100% Espadín, grown for 8-9 years in Oaxaca, Mexico

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Crystal Clear

AROMA: Fragrant herbal and fruit, with hints of smoke.

FLAVOR: Notes of smoke and black pepper lead to long silky finish.

RESTS: Up to 2 months.

HERITAGE: Produced in Oaxaca by a 4th generation family of Mezcaleros.

Bottled at cask strength, this single barrel bourbon whiskey has notes of brown sugar and maple with a hint of toasted oak finish. When proofed down with distilled water or a block of ice, rich vanilla flavors open up which are lovely to sip on.