First West Explorer Baby Black Corn Mash Bill

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15 Stars First West Explorer marks a milestone for the Kentucky-based blending house: it is the first release where 100% of the bourbon is distilled in-house. At its heart lies the proprietary 'Baby Black Corn' mash bill—a blend of heirloom corn varieties introduced five years ago through a custom distilling program. This distinctive grain composition sets Explorer apart from standard bourbon recipes and gives it a recognizable character. The composition combines three age categories: 7, 6, and 5-year-old bourbons, with the youngest (and smallest) component sourced from these heirloom corn stocks. This layered structure brings both maturity and freshness. On the nose, cherry, banana pudding, and vanilla wafers emerge, contrasted by fresh wood and tobacco notes. The palate reveals intense sweetness—confectionary sugar and marshmallow—with roasted nuts and a warming cinnamon heat that lingers through the finish.

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