Blade and Bow 30 Year Old Cask Strength Arrives at 82.1% as the Limited Release Returns

One Blend, Two Expressions

Blade and Bow has released the second expression of its 30 Year Old collection, the Blade and Bow 30 Years Old Cask Strength 75cl. It is the same blend as the Blade and Bow 30 Years Old Limited Release 75cl, presented at natural barrel strength of 164.2 proof, or 82.1% ABV, without dilution.

Nicole Austin, Diageo Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development, puts it this way: "What I find so compelling about the 30-Year-Old collection is that these aren't two different whiskeys. They're the exact same blend, presented in two distinct ways."

Thirty Years in Stitzel-Weller

The whiskey was first laid to rest in spring 1993 and spent much of its maturation in the historic rickhouses of Stitzel-Weller in Shively, Kentucky. As evaporation diminished the liquid over the decades, partially filled barrels were consolidated.

From an original 96 barrels, Austin selected 42 for a single blend that yields both expressions. The collection pays tribute to the Five Keys of Bourbon: grain, yeast, fermentation, distillation and aging. At 82.1% ABV the Cask Strength is one of the strongest whiskeys ever released.

Tasting Notes

Cask Strength, official notes: a powerful rush of citrus oils, dark berries and warm baking spice on the nose, with fig, molasses and old oak beneath. The palate is rich and viscous, with roasted nuts, ginger, dark sugar and blackcurrant lifted by a cool menthol note. With water, added drop by drop, it reveals shifting waves of fruit, florals, sweetness and spice.

Limited Release, official notes from 2025: zesty lemon, fresh raspberry, warm ginger and cinnamon, then fig, burnt sugar and molasses. The palate is oily and chewy with hazelnut, subtle anise and a whisper of blackcurrant, and the finish is cool and menthol like.

Availability

The Cask Strength is limited to 1,200 bottles, released intermittently, in a custom made leather box, at a suggested price of around €2,246 ($2,500) per 750 ml. From November 2026 it appears in highly limited quantities across select markets, with some bottles reserved for later release.

Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively is the first stop: 25 bottles by reservation, with reservations opening on 16 November and pickup later in the month, followed by further periodic drops through the holiday season. The Limited Release, bottled in 2023 at 109 proof (54.5% ABV), non chill filtered, first appeared in November 2025 at around €1,078 ($1,200). It returns with its first 30 bottles at the distillery on 30 October 2026, then in limited quantities and periodic drops. Both can be tasted at the distillery's Garden & Gun Club, in 1 oz pours.

On Spiritory they are listed as Blade and Bow 30 Years Old Cask Strength 75cl and Blade and Bow 30 Years Old Limited Release 75cl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blade and Bow 30 Year Old Cask Strength?

The second expression of the Blade and Bow 30 Year Old collection: the same blend as the Limited Release, bottled undiluted at natural barrel strength of 164.2 proof (82.1% ABV) in a custom made leather box.

How many bottles are there and what does it cost?

It is limited to 1,200 bottles, released intermittently, at a suggested price of around €2,246 ($2,500) per 750 ml.

How does it differ from the Limited Release?

Only the proof. It is the exact same blend of 42 barrels selected by Nicole Austin, but the Limited Release was bottled in 2023 at 109 proof (54.5% ABV), while the Cask Strength is undiluted at 82.1% ABV.

When was the whiskey distilled and laid down?

It was first laid to rest in spring 1993 and matured mostly in the historic rickhouses of Stitzel-Weller in Shively, Kentucky.