Is "Blade and Bow" worth it?

[starhopper]

I keep seeing bottles of "Blade and Bow" bourbon at local liquor stores around town ($49.95).  I've read all about the claims of it containing a small portion of the original "Stitzel-Weller" juice - imparted by use of the Solera process (as if that's the end-all be-all of a quality bourbon). I ran into a guy the other day who bought five bottles - each with a different numbered "key" - acting as if he had won the lottery.

But, has anyone here actually tried this stuff? Is it worth the price of admission?  All the reviews I see online basically say it's just ok - nothing that great.  Or, is it just a slick "collectible" promotion by Diageo, counting on bourbon lemmings to come out in droves to buy it up.

I would like to know the opinions of those on this forum before I plunk down $49.95.

Edited December 28, 2015 by starhopper

[jaxn slim]

I get the feeling it's a little of both.  Slick marketing and a reasonable bourbon.  I haven't tried it yet, but I have a few friends with reliable tastes who are fond of it.

[starhopper]

I keep reading reviews that it is a fairly weak offering, with a bit of astringency - not something I would pay $49 for. That's my concern.  Was hoping to find folks here on the forum who might have some first-hand tasting knowledge of it.

Edited December 28, 2015 by starhopper

[DonutsNBourbon]

I bought a bottle after having it at a bourbon tasting, but only because it was on sale for $38 at Costco.  I actually enjoyed it very much at the bourbon tasting and even went back for 2nd's, but I haven't opened up my bottle yet, but will hope to soon.  I actually avoided it because of all the marketing, but if it tastes good to me, then it was worth the purchase.

[b1gcountry]

Amen!

[starhopper]

1 hour ago, DonutsNBourbon said:

I bought a bottle after having it at a bourbon tasting, but only because it was on sale for $38 at Costco.  I actually enjoyed it very much at the bourbon tasting and even went back for 2nd's, but I haven't opened up my bottle yet, but will hope to soon.  I actually avoided it because of all the marketing, but if it tastes good to me, then it was worth the purchase.

For $38, I'd probably have gotten it without much hesitation.  Around here, it's $49.95-$59.95

Edited December 28, 2015 by starhopper

[jaxn slim]

I've seen it for $40 here in Houston and around $60-70 in NYC.

[BourbonGuy]

7 hours ago, DonutsNBourbon said:

I bought a bottle after having it at a bourbon tasting, but only because it was on sale for $38 at Costco.  I actually enjoyed it very much at the bourbon tasting and even went back for 2nd's, but I haven't opened up my bottle yet, but will hope to soon.  I actually avoided it because of all the marketing, but if it tastes good to me, then it was worth the purchase.

The same here.  There was a tasting and it had a fruitiness (only way I can describe it) that I found appealing and different.  I sprung for a bottle and enjoy it.  It is different and that is what I enjoy.  The is young bourbon in there which you will pick up.  I glad I purchased it, not sure I buy another at $48 

[starhopper]

Guys - thanks for your feedback - I appreciate it!

[z327]

I have to agree with others that it is enjoyable. It's what I like to call an easy sipper, not overpowering and a little fruity.