In the heart of Louisville, just five miles from downtown, the hallowed grounds of Stitzel-Weller Distillery have unveiled something extraordinary for whiskey lovers: a limited release Kentucky bourbon whiskey that captures nearly a century of craftsmanship in a single bottle. Introducing Stitzel Reserve, a new, distillery-exclusive series that debuts with a stunning 24-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon—only 191 bottles strong.
Crafted under the stewardship of Nicole Austin, Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo, this first Stitzel Reserve release is far more than just a rare bottle—it’s a reverent nod to legacy, patience, and the high art of American whiskey blending. Available only on-site, the release marks a bold new era for Stitzel-Weller, reaffirming its place not just in Kentucky lore, but in global spirits history.
A Liquid Legacy: 90 Years in the Making
There are few names in bourbon that carry the quiet gravitas of Stitzel-Weller. Since opening on Derby Day in 1935, this distillery has become known as the “cathedral of Bourbon”—a place where time, temperature, and tradition meet. Now, with the launch of Stitzel Reserve, the distillery opens its vaults, sharing ultra-aged spirits from its archival barrels.
The inaugural 24-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was selected from just nine barrels, each handpicked by Austin herself.
“At Stitzel-Weller Distillery, we are fortunate to have inherited some of the most remarkable aging barrels in the country,”
nicole Austin
“The launch of Stitzel Reserve is a pivotal moment for our distillery. It’s a celebration of the past and a bold step forward.”
With tasting notes of cracked leather, saddle oil, and burnt sugar, this limited release Kentucky bourbon whiskey offers an unapologetically rich and complex profile that appeals to collectors, connoisseurs, and old-school purists alike.
Curated Without Compromise
What sets Stitzel Reserve apart is its refusal to conform to release calendars or mass production. Each bottling will be dictated by the maturity and quality of the liquid, not the market.
“Stitzel Reserve isn’t just a new label—it’s a tribute to the barrels and the bourbon legacy that came before it.”
Every release will be micro-batch, highly limited, and available exclusively at the Stitzel-Weller Distillery. That means no mass distribution, no online drops—only those who make the pilgrimage to Louisville will get the opportunity to experience and purchase it.
And it won’t be a simple transaction. Guests can opt for a bespoke tasting experience at the Garden & Gun Club, which includes:
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A pour of the 24-Year bourbon
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A limited-edition etched whiskey glass
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A branded bag
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A collector’s Stitzel-Weller Distillery pin
Pricing? As expected for something this rare, it’s available upon request only—adding yet another layer of exclusivity.
Nicole Austin: The Visionary Behind the Barrel
In an industry often dominated by legacy male figures, Nicole Austin’s leadership in this project feels especially poignant. With a reputation for balancing technical precision with creative intuition, Austin is quietly shaping the future of American whiskey.
Her decision to select and blend from just nine barrels demonstrates not just curation, but courage. Every bottle of the 24-Year-Old Stitzel Reserve bears the weight of her judgment—a rare level of authorship in the world of spirits.
A Destination for Bourbon Aficionados
Located along the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Stitzel-Weller Distillery Experience is already a favorite stop for enthusiasts. But with the launch of Stitzel Reserve, the distillery becomes more than a tourist site—it becomes a destination for pilgrimage.
“The inaugural Stitzel Reserve 24-Year-Old release honors Stitzel-Weller Distillery’s 90-year legacy, serving as a testament to the site’s enduring tenure and its commitment to preserving and elevating exceptional whiskey.”
Expect future releases from the Reserve line to draw even more deeply from the distillery’s aging archives—raising the bar, one impossible-to-find bottle at a time.
Final Sips: Why This Bourbon Matters
In a marketplace flooded with “limited edition” labels, Stitzel Reserve is the real thing—a quietly audacious project rooted in patience, provenance, and purpose. The 24-Year-Old limited release Kentucky bourbon whiskey is more than a collectible. It’s a masterclass in aging, curation, and respect for the American whiskey tradition.
Visit www.stitzelwellerdistillery.com to plan your tasting experience and unlock a chapter of bourbon history that few will ever taste.
