BACKGROUND: Spirits giant Diageo markets its Blade and Bow bourbon brand by blending current sourced bourbon with some of the last stocks remaining from the legendary Stitzel-Weller distillery, which was operated by Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. and produced W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Pappy Van Winkle, and other well-known brands before ceasing production in 1992. Using a solera blending process of barrels that are arranged in a pyramid and constantly rearranged and replaced as they empty, Diageo claims that every bottle of Blade and Bow contains at least some portion of vintage Stitzel-Weller bourbon, although the amount is likely minuscule. The bourbon’s name references the parts of a skeleton key - the blade shaft and the ornate bow at the top - and its label pays tribute to the five keys that once decorated the door of the Stitzel-Weller distillery and represented the five components of bourbon distilling - grains, yeast, fermentation, distillation, and aging. Much like Blanton’s, which rewards customers who collect all eight of their different horse and jockey toppers, Blade and Bow sends a loyalty gift to consumers who collect all five of the keys that hang on their bottles. Collectors of the full set are also offered a VIP tour of the Stitzel-Weller distillery, where Blade and Bow is blended and bottled today. In addition to the no-age-stated bourbon, Blade and Bow also offers a version that is aged 22 years. NOSE: The nose, which is somewhat ethanol-heavy, smells like the dust in a corn crib or grain bin. Oak is prominent, as well, along with the scent of bread dough. It is unusually difficult to pick out the individual parts of the nose. PALATE: A medley of fruits opens the initial palate, and oak soon makes an appearance, as well. There are waves of subsequent flavors that, much like the nose, are difficult to pick out and identify. The mouth feel is a bit on the thin side. FINISH: Barrel char dominates the finish, and chocolate and leather are present, as well. A wave of heat and spice rises quickly but dissipates even quicker. FINAL ASSESSMENT: By marketing its supposed ties to Stitzel-Weller and by mimicking Blanton’s reward program for loyal consumers, Blade and Bow seeks to be considered an elite bourbon, but the product does not live up to the hype. It is a perfectly fine whiskey with an acceptable nose, pleasant palate, and subtle finish, but there is absolutely nothing special or outstanding about Blade and Bow that sets it above countless other bourbons. Its retail price of $47.99 seems a bit overvalued for the experience you get, although the bottle is quite nice.