Artfully Bourbon / October 29, 2026Thirty years old. 164.2 proof. $2,500. Blade and Bow's newest bourbon is one we'd love to try, but that price is hard to ignore.
Photo Credit: Blade and BowWe've seen plenty of expensive bourbon releases lately, but this one caught our attention for a different reason.
Blade and Bow has announced a new 30-Year-Old Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at an extraordinary 164.2 proof. They'll release just 1,200 bottles beginning in November, with a suggested retail price of $2,500.
That's a lot of money for any bottle of whiskey. But there's something genuinely interesting happening here beyond the age and price.
Blade and Bow is releasing the same 30-year-old bourbon at two dramatically different proofs, giving whiskey enthusiasts a rare opportunity to see just how much water changes the drinking experience.
Release Details
- Whiskey: Blade and Bow 30-Year-Old Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Age: 30 Years
- Proof: 164.2
- ABV: 82.1%
- Release: Limited
- Quantity: 1,200 Bottles
- Price: $2,500
- Availability: Select markets beginning November 2026
- Distillery Access: Reservations beginning November 16 at Stitzel-Weller, with pickup later in the month
Photo Credit: Blade and BowSame Bourbon, Two Very Different Bottles
The new Cask Strength release shares its blend with Blade and Bow's 30-Year-Old Limited Release, which debuted in 2025 at 109 proof.
The difference is that the Cask Strength version hasn't been diluted before bottling. At 82.1% ABV, it delivers the whiskey at its natural barrel proof.
Nicole Austin, Diageo's Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development, selected a blend of 42 barrels from an original group of 96.
The whiskey was first laid down in the spring of 1993 and spent much of its maturation in the historic rickhouses at Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. Over the decades, evaporation took its toll, and the distillery consolidated partially filled barrels to preserve the remaining whiskey.
One important distinction: while Blade and Bow has strong ties to Stitzel-Weller, the announcement doesn't identify where this particular whiskey was originally distilled.
What Can We Expect in the Glass?
At 164.2 proof, we're curious how this bourbon actually drinks. That's a lot of alcohol, especially for whiskey that's spent three decades in oak.
According to Blade and Bow, the aroma features citrus oil, dark berries, baking spice, and notes of fig, molasses, and aged oak. The palate reportedly brings roasted nuts, ginger, dark sugar, blackcurrant, and menthol.
Those are the brand's tasting notes, not ours. We'd love the opportunity to find out for ourselves.
What makes this release particularly intriguing is the ability to add water gradually and explore how the whiskey changes. At that proof, a little dilution could significantly change what comes through on the nose and palate.
With the original 109-proof version available, we have an obvious comparison we'd love to make.
The Original 30-Year is Returning Too
Alongside the new Cask Strength release, Blade and Bow is bringing back its 30-Year-Old Limited Release at 109 proof.
That bottle has a suggested retail price of $1,200 and returns to Stitzel-Weller Distillery on October 30, with limited availability in select markets.
The distillery will also offer tasting experiences featuring both expressions, including one-ounce pours.
For anyone curious about these two bourbons, that sounds far more appealing than spending thousands of dollars on a bottle.
The AB take
We love seeing releases like this, even when they're well outside what we'd normally spend on whiskey.
There's something fascinating about a bourbon surviving 30 years in a barrel and emerging at 164.2 proof. And getting to compare that whiskey directly with its proofed-down counterpart makes it even more interesting.
But $2,500?
That's a tough one. Even the $1,200 version is a serious purchase, and at these prices, you're paying for a lot more than what's in the glass.
Would we love to try both? Absolutely. We'd be curious to see whether the extra proof brings out something special or whether the 109-proof version actually delivers a better drinking experience.
We'd also love to know whether either bottle justifies its price once we set rarity and history aside.
For now, we'll admire this one from a distance and hope we get the chance to taste it someday.
MORE BOURBON NEWS
Shop the Artfully Bourbon Mercantile
This Artfully Bourbon Logo Tee is made for those who appreciate whiskey as an art form—and want to rep it in style. With a clean, classic design and the iconic AB logo front and center, it’s the perfect go-to for bottle shares, bar nights, or lazy Sundays. Crafted from ultra-soft, ring-spun cotton, it delivers all-day comfort with a timeless fit.
Product Features
-
Soft, breathable 100% combed ring-spun cotton
-
Ribbed knit collar for shape retention
-
Side seams and shoulder taping for durability and structure
-
Unisex fit, perfect for everyday wear
Care Instructions
-
Machine wash cold (max 30C / 90F)
-
Tumble dry low or hang dry
-
Do not bleach
-
Iron on low heat if needed
-
Do not dry clean
GEAR GUIDE
Looking for the glasses, tools, books, studio gear, and other things we use? We’ve collected our favorites in one place.
As an Amazon Associate, Artfully Bourbon earns from qualifying purchases.