The Stitzel–Weller Distillery opened on Derby Day in 1935 and is located in Shively, a suburb of Louisville, Kentucky. The distillery has been described as one of the true cathedrals of the American whiskey industry and has played a central role in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Blade and Bow story began with the founding of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery in 1935. After Prohibition was repealed, the distillery was built with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and artistry and reshaped what Kentucky Bourbon could be, until distillation ceased in 1992. The public reopening took place in 2014, after which the distillery was acquired by Diageo and today is home to Blade and Bow, I.W. Harper, and Orphan Barrel. The Stitzel–Weller Distillery is highlighted as a center of bourbon history and as a place where historical roots meet future innovations.

Production / Manufacturing

No details about production processes are available in the provided content.

Products / Whisky Series

The Stitzel-Weller Distillery is home to the brands BLADE AND BOW, I.W. HARPER, and ORPHAN BARREL. Blade and Bow is described as Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (for example, a 22-year-old bourbon). I.W. Harper is mentioned with variants such as Cabernet Cask Reserve and 15-year Bourbon. Orphan Barrel presents a range of longer-aged variants such as Forager’s Keep 26 Year Old Single Malt Scotch, Gifted Horse 17 Year Old American Whiskey, Lost Prophet 22 Year Old Bourbon, Barterhouse 20 Year Old Bourbon, Rhetoric 20 to 25 Year Old Bourbon, Forged Oak 15 Year Old Bourbon, Muckety Muck 24-26 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky and Fable & Folly 14 Year Old Whiskey.

Visits / Experiences

Visits include the Stitzel-Weller Experience (1 hour), Progressive Tour (1.5 hours) and Taste of History (tasting-only) (30 minutes). Orphan Barrel Tasting is offered for 30 minutes, when available. Opening hours are: Monday 10:00–17:00, Tuesday and Wednesday: CLOSED, Thursday 10:00–17:00, Friday 10:00–17:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00, Sunday 12:00–17:00. Reservations required for tours and tastings. Garden & Gun Club is a full-service cocktail bar on the 2nd floor; two cocktails on tap on the first-floor Satellite Bar. Address: 3860 Fitzgerald Road, Louisville, KY 40216. Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID for tastings. Private events can be arranged via swtours@proofmediamix.com or 502-810-3800.

Philosophy

Stitzel-Weller is described as a place that unites historical roots with future innovations, including Blade & Bow, I.W. Harper, and Orphan Barrel. It is highlighted as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and as part of a larger story about bourbon history and development.