Diageo-owned Stitzel-Weller Distillery has launched the Stitzel Reserve, a new distillery-exclusive series showcasing rare, aged Bourbons from archival stocks. The inaugural release is a 24-year-old Kentucky straight Bourbon, limited to just 191 bottles.
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery first opened in 1935, and played a major role in American whiskey history as the home of WL Weller, Old Fitzgerald, and Pappy Van Winkle. Though mothballed in 1992, it was revived by Diageo in 2014 and now hosts brands like Blade & Bow, IW Harper, and Orphan Barrel.
The first Stitzel Reserve 24-Year-Old was selected by Nicole Austin, director of American whiskey liquid development at Diageo, from nine barrels laid down in 1999. Bottled at 61.7% ABV, it features a flavour profile described as offering cracked leather, saddle oil, and burnt sugar.
This limited-edition bottling honours 90 years of Stitzel-Weller’s legacy and marks a new chapter in its modern history. There is no set schedule for future releases in the series, but each will be available in highly limited quantities exclusively at the distillery.
The 750ml bottle will be available to visitors over 21 years old from June 2025, with pricing provided upon request.
