Diageo had been sitting on the last bourbons distilled by Stitzel-Weller for years and finally decided to make something of the love and lore of the heritage distillery. Opting for the solera method of aging, likely to capitalize as much as possible on the Stitzel-Weller name, Diageo launched the Blade & Bow straight bourbon whiskey on Derby Day in 2015. I was drawn in as much by legend as by the beautiful bottle and dark, rich bourbon inside it, and never having tried a solera aged bourbon decided to pick up a bottle. The nose doesn't have the caramel or vanilla that I prefer in bourbon, but it has light and airy notes of toasted oak, peaches, and chocolate, and is enjoyable all the same. The mouthfeel is oily but not quite enough to be rich. The palate is sweet with earthy notes that I cannot place. Further sips bring apricot and a hint of baking spice. The finish is on the long side of medium and is warm with toasted bread and faint apple. I know enough to know this is good bourbon, but the flavor profile does not necessarily fit my taste. I am interested to see how some ice opens it up a bit and might make this something I use in a cocktail, but I don't see myself sipping it. Or spending another $50 when this bottle runs dry. There are better bourbons for the price.