15 STARS Unveils Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye: A Rare Blend of Aged Rye Whiskeys From Three States

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (June 3, 2025) – 15 STARS, the award-winning fine-aged bourbon brand, proudly debuts Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye, a masterful blend of rare straight rye whiskeys aged 14, 13, 9, and 8 years. Sourced from Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, this limited release reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, heritage, and bold innovation in whiskey blending. Beginning today, the new Founders Reserve release will be available at select retailers nationwide and online at 15STARS.com. 

"With Founders Reserve, we set out to create something extraordinary—combining aged rye mashbills from three whiskey-rich states into one seamless, complex expression," said Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. "This release is a unique blend that is incredibly smooth and complex.”

Bottled at 95 proof, 15 STARS Founders Reserve Rye presents vanilla, honey, caramel, and floral notes on the nose. The contrasting, well-balanced bouquet is followed by deep aromas similar to an old cigar box, nutmeg, raspberry dark chocolate, and black cherry.

Founders Reserve Fine-Aged Rye - Aged 14, 13, 9 and 8 years ($139 MSRP / 95 Proof)

• Nose: The nose features vanilla, honey, and caramel along with floral notes but as it rests deeper aromas of old cigar box, nutmeg, raspberry dark chocolate, and black cherry emerge.
• Palate: Fresh and bright notes of peach, honey, mandarin orange, caramel apple, sweet mint, and oak create an exceptionally smooth and approachable palate.
• Finish: Cherry, apricot caramel, licorice, mint, and tobacco give way to a lasting finish of honeycomb and oak.

With its meticulous craftsmanship and rich blending and flavor proofing, 15 STARS Founders Reserve Fine Aged Rye spotlights what’s possible in bourbon blending, offering collectors and connoisseurs an unforgettable addition to their spirits collection.

For more information, visit 15STARS.com or follow on social at @15STARSbourbon. 

About 15 STARS

15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon crafts award-winning whiskey with a singular focus on creating luxury blends from their exclusive high-aged whiskey stocks. Founded by father and son artisan blenders, Rick and Ricky Johnson, the brand has received over 150 of the world’s most coveted whiskey awards since its debut in 2022, including many “best in class” awards. To add extra flavor, 15 STARS distills over a dozen different whiskey mash bills in Bardstown, KY, some of which include unique specialty heirloom corn (black, red, white, and blue) that the family grows for its gourmet specialty popcorn business, Black Jewell Popcorn. The 15 STARS portfolio of limited-release fine-aged bourbon is now available in 28 states, as well as online at 15STARS.com. The name 15 STARS pays homage to Kentucky as the 15th state with Kentucky’s recognition on the second US flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes which was authorized by President George Washington in 1795. For more information visit 15STARS.com or follow on social at @15STARSbourbon.