15 STARS Introduces First West Cigar Blend, a Limited-Release Bourbon Crafted for the Cigar Experience

First West Cigar Blend Combines 11 and 15 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac, PX Sherry, and Tawny Port Casks

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (October 20, 2026) – 15 STARS is expanding its First West collection with the debut of First West Cigar Blend, a limited-release expression crafted with both cigar and bourbon enthusiasts in mind. Bringing together high-aged straight bourbons and distinctive finishing casks, the bold blend is designed to complement a cigar or savor on its own.

First West Cigar Blend combines 11 and 15 year old straight bourbons finished in cognac, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and tawny port casks. The result is a layered bourbon with notes of rich fruit, warm spice and seasoned oak, brought to a final proof of 106 by using 15 STARS’ Flavor Proofing™ process.

“Some of our previous expressions have resonated with cigar enthusiasts who enjoy the blends of finishing casks we have used, so we wanted to build on that interest with a release that puts the pairing front and center,” said Rick Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS. “The result is a bourbon with plenty of character to explore, whether you’re enjoying it with a cigar or just pouring a glass.”

First West Cigar Blend- Aged 11 Years ($79.99 MSRP / 106 Proof)

• Nose: Deep plum, fresh pastry, warm brown sugar, baking spice, and old leather, transitioning to lighter citrus and banana notes.

• Palate: Jammy dark fruit, crisp pear, and caramel sweetness, balanced by cracked pepper, cigar box, and seasoned oak.

• Finish: Delivers richness from molasses, stewed plum, and black cherry, balanced by an earthy finish of tobacco and charred oak.

Ricky Johnson, co-founder of 15 STARS, recommends pairing First West Cigar Blend with a medium to full-bodied cigar. “The expression was blended with plenty of character and boldness to stand up to the smoke of a full-bodied cigar,” he says. “That’s why we chose rich cask finishes that bring out dark fruit and confectionery notes, alongside well-aged bourbons with ample time to develop in oak.”

The 15 STARS First West line is available at select retailers nationwide and online at 15STARS.com. For more information, visit 15STARS.com or follow on social at @15STARSbourbon.

###

About 15 STARS Portfolio

15 STARS crafts award-winning bourbons of character and depth. The brand is recognized for patiently and meticulously crafting exceptional bourbons by using proprietary methods of blending, flavor proofing, processing and finishing which results in bourbons of exceptional complexity.

The 15 STARS portfolio of brands includes 15 STARS, First West, and Kentucke County. Each expression celebrates the shared origins of early Kentucky, bourbon and America. The brand has received over 200 of the world’s most coveted whiskey awards including an unprecedented 33 best in class or finalist recognitions. 15 STARS distills over a dozen different mash bills in Bardstown, KY, including many proprietary heirloom corn varieties including black, red, white, and blue heritage corn. Additionally, 15 STARS maintains a museum of historical artifacts which document the craftsmanship and pioneering spirit of the birthplace of bourbon which inspires every 15 STARS release. For more information visit 15STARS.com or follow on social @15STARSbourbon.