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Best Stellum Bourbon Review & Price Guide (2024 Updated)

Stellum buying guide

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Stellum Bourbon is a multi-award-winning new national brand of bourbon made from three blends of Indiana bourbon mash bills. 

We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the bourbon, its price, and whether or not it’s worth it to get a bottle for yourself. 

All You Need To Know About Stellum Bourbon

stellum bourbon review
stellum bourbon review

Stellum Spirits is a relatively new face in the industry and was first released in 2021. This bourbon was crafted for the modern age, using simple, elegant blends and single barrels to celebrate the modern-day whiskey drinker. 

Stellum Bourbon is produced by Barrell Craft Spirits, known for their namesake product Barrell Bourbon. The label has the following inaugural flagship offerings: Stellum bourbon (blue label) and Stellum rye (green label), single-barrel bourbon, single barrel rye, and their limited release premium expression of black bourbon and black rye, all offered at cask strength. 

Did You Know? 

Did You Know? 

Brief History 

Joe Beatrice, a passionate mountaineer, founded Stellum Spirits. He wanted to create a label that elevated the status of American whiskey upwards and onwards from barrel to lips, much like how he scaled mountains. The brand name derives from the Latin name for “star.”  

Production & Maturation Process

Bourbon Maturation Process

Stellum uses a multi-step blending process to blend the bourbons. It uses no chill-filtering and is bottled at a cask strength of 114.98 proof (57.49 percent ABV). 

The brand refers to this blending technique as “daisy chain,” wherein a large portion of the whiskey is blended together, with the rest topped and adjusted with other cask strength barrels for consistency in both proof and taste. 

Mash Bill

The brand has not revealed its formula publicly — the only thing we know about it is that Stellum Bourbon finds its flavor in the blend of three Indiana bourbon mash bills: two of which are high-rye, and the last being almost exclusively corn. It is then blended with older barrels from both Kentucky and Tennessee. 

Ownership

Stellum Bourbon Black Label

Stellum Spirits is owned and produced by Louisville-based company Barrell Craft Spirits. 

Tasting Notes

Palate

The whiskey opens with a uniquely Stellum flavor profile, with lots of brown sugar, cinnamon baked apple, and other baking spices. The spice is supported by tart underripe blackberry, vanilla, and cotton candy. 

Nose & Appearance

Stellum Bourbon with glass

Stellum has a deep amber color. It has sweet aromas of honeysuckle, green apple, and nectarine, which contrasts perfectly with anise seed, light tobacco, and creamy macadamia nuts. The high proof also didn’t make us wince, which was a nice surprise. 

Finish & Aftertaste

A glass of Stellum bourbon

The toasted rye bursts forth in Stellum’s finish. The palate carries over into the finish, revealing spicy notes of candied ginger, black pepper, and cayenne pepper before slowly fading into syrupy sweet honey. 

Price & Value

You can expect to pay around $50-ish for a 750ml bottle of Stellum. We think that’s a bargain, considering it’s a cask strength bourbon

What Makes Stellum Bourbon Unique? 

Stellum

What makes Stellum unique is its use of three different bourbons sourced from Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, and the special blending technique. 

Despite the whiskey coming from different blends, the “daisy chain” blending technique ensures that each bottle stays as good as the last one. They also produce this bottle all year round. 

Is It MGP Bourbon? 

Its component whiskey comes from Indiana, and although the brand has never confirmed it, we can assume it is MGP. 

MGP’s got a bad rap, but we don’t think there’s anything particularly wrong with it. 

What’s MGP in Bourbon? 

Belle Meade Bourbon

MGP stands for Midwest Grain Products — one of the bourbon industry’s best-kept secrets. This Indiana-based distillery sells its blends to other brands for reselling. 

It’s said that the Indiana bourbon used in Stellum’s blend does come from MGP, which might make some purists scoff. 

Personally, we think there’s nothing wrong with mass-produced whiskey, and it’s not like the brands are just bottling and labeling MGP to be sold — premium brands put their signature touch to it first. 

Common Stellum Bourbon Prices

Bottle Type Size Alcohol By Volume Average Price
Stellum Bourbon  750ml 57.5 Around $50
Stellum Bourbon Single Barrel – Cygnus  750ml 59.7 Around $53
Stellum Black  750ml 54.6 Around $85

Compared to Other Bourbons 

Compared to Other Bourbons 

Sam Houston Bourbon

Like Stellum, Sam Houston uses no chill filtering and has a solid proof at 103. [1] Their oldest bottle is aged 15 years, with sweet corn notes and a nice barley finish making it an easy sipper. 

A 750ml bottle of Sam Houston costs about north of $100 — easily double the price of Stellum. 

Blue Run Bourbon

Blue Run Bourbon

Blue Run is a pretty rare bottle — it is said that only 2,600 bottles were released in the first run! The initial sweetness has an underlying rye spice, with layers of toffee, dry oak, and cinnamon-baked apples. 

This rare bottle costs around $169. 

Yellowstone Bourbon 

Yellowstone bourbon features a blend of four and seven-year-old bourbons to create a spirit with an interesting plethora of flavors: oak, toffee, and old leather, with rye spice and black pepper. 

A 750ml bottle of Yellowstone has more or less the same pricing as Stellum at $43 a pop. Learn about who makes Yellowstone bourbon here

Popular Stellum Bourbon Cocktail Recipes 

Popular Stellum Bourbon Cocktail Recipes 

Queen of Wands

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1.5 oz Stellum Black 
  • 1 oz vermouth di amaro 
  • 0.5 oz Amaro Montenegro 
  • 0.5 oz Campari 
  • Cherry 

Instructions: 

Put all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir well until combined. Strain and pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry. 

Serving:

Crescent Coffee

Coffee cocktail on table

Prep Time: 2 minutes 

Total Time: 2 minutes 

Ingredients: 

  • 1.5 oz Stellum Bourbon 
  • 1.5 oz cold brew espresso 
  • 0.75 oz coffee liqueur 
  • 0.5 oz demerara syrup 
  • A dash of Pastis 
  • Candied pecan 

Instructions: 

Add all ingredients (except the pecan) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain and pour into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a candied pecan. 

Serving: 1

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs

Who makes Stellum bourbon?

Stellum bourbon is crafted by Barrell Craft Spirits, a renowned independent bottler and blender based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Barrell Craft Spirits is known for its innovative approach to blending and bottling various spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, and rum.

Stellum bourbon represents a continuation of their commitment to excellence and creativity in the world of distilled spirits.

What is Stellum Black?

Stellum Black is an expression within the Stellum bourbon lineup, characterized by its bold flavor profile and distinctive packaging. It is a limited edition release that showcases the artistry and skill of the master blenders at Barrell Craft Spirits.

Stellum Black is crafted using carefully selected bourbon barrels, which are aged to perfection and then blended to create a complex and robust flavor profile.

With its rich, dark color and intense aroma, Stellum Black is a unique offering that appeals to bourbon enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary.

How long is Noah’s Mill bourbon aged?

Noah’s Mill bourbon is aged for an impressive period to achieve its signature depth and complexity. Specifically, Noah’s Mill bourbon undergoes a maturation process of at least 4 years in charred oak barrels, allowing it to develop its distinct flavor profile and smooth finish.

This extended aging period ensures that Noah’s Mill bourbon attains a perfect balance of flavors, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak intertwining harmoniously on the palate.

The patience and expertise invested in aging Noah’s Mill bourbon contribute to its status as a beloved and respected spirit among bourbon aficionados worldwide.

Who makes Barrell bourbon?

Barrell Bourbon is meticulously crafted by Barrell Craft Spirits, an esteemed independent bottler and blender located in Louisville, Kentucky. Renowned for its dedication to excellence and innovation, Barrell Craft Spirits has garnered acclaim for producing exceptional bourbons and other spirits that appeal to discerning palates worldwide.

Through a combination of expert blending techniques and carefully selected ingredients, Barrell Craft Spirits consistently delivers remarkable spirits that captivate enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Where is Stellum bourbon from?

Stellum bourbon hails from the heart of bourbon country, Kentucky, United States. It is meticulously produced and bottled by Barrell Craft Spirits, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.

This region boasts a rich heritage and tradition of bourbon production, making it an ideal locale for crafting premium spirits like Stellum bourbon.

Every bottle of Stellum embodies the essence of Kentucky’s esteemed bourbon-making legacy, delivering an unparalleled drinking experience that reflects the region’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Who owns Stellum?

Stellum is owned and proudly operated by Barrell Craft Spirits, a distinguished independent bottler and blender based in Louisville, Kentucky. Barrell Craft Spirits is renowned for its relentless pursuit of perfection and its innovative approach to spirits production.

With a team of master blenders dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship, Barrell Craft Spirits has earned a reputation for creating exceptional spirits that set the standard for excellence in the industry.

Under the stewardship of Barrell Craft Spirits, Stellum has emerged as a shining example of the company’s commitment to quality and innovation. Each bottle of Stellum embodies the expertise and passion of its creators, offering bourbon enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind drinking experience that celebrates the artistry and tradition of Kentucky bourbon-making.

With its distinctive flavor profile and meticulous attention to detail, Stellum continues to captivate discerning palates and solidify its place among the finest bourbons on the market.

Is Stellum Black worth it?

Determining whether Stellum Black is worth it ultimately depends on individual preferences and tastes. As a limited edition release from Barrell Craft Spirits, Stellum Black offers a unique and distinctive bourbon experience characterized by its bold flavor profile and captivating packaging.

For enthusiasts seeking something special and willing to explore innovative expressions of bourbon, Stellum Black may indeed be worth the investment. Its rich complexity and limited availability make it a prized addition to any collection or a memorable choice for savoring on special occasions.

What is black bourbon?

Black bourbon typically refers to bourbon that has undergone a longer aging process, resulting in a darker color and often a richer flavor profile.

The term “black” in black bourbon does not necessarily indicate the literal color of the spirit but rather signifies its depth and complexity. Black bourbon may exhibit notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and other flavors intensified by extended maturation in charred oak barrels.

This aging process allows the bourbon to develop a more pronounced character, making it a sought-after choice among aficionados looking for robust and flavorful spirits.

What is black steel bourbon?

Black Steel Bourbon is a specific expression or brand of bourbon that may not be widely recognized in the spirits industry.

However, the term “black steel” could potentially refer to a bourbon that has undergone a unique aging process, possibly involving the use of heavily charred oak barrels or special finishing techniques.

This process might impart deeper flavors and darker hues to the bourbon, enhancing its complexity and appeal to enthusiasts.

It’s essential to research the specific brand or expression of Black Steel Bourbon to understand its unique characteristics and whether it aligns with individual preferences.

Why is aged bourbon better?

Aged bourbon is often considered better due to the transformative effects of the aging process on its flavor profile and complexity. As bourbon matures in charred oak barrels over time, it interacts with the wood, extracting various compounds that contribute to its aroma, flavor, and smoothness.

This interaction softens harsh edges, enhances desirable characteristics like caramel and vanilla notes, and imparts depth and complexity to the spirit.

Additionally, aging allows the flavors to meld and integrate, resulting in a more harmonious and enjoyable drinking experience. Consequently, aged bourbon is often prized for its richness, depth of flavor, and overall quality compared to younger counterparts.

What is a good age for bourbon?

Determining the ideal age for bourbon depends on individual preferences and the specific characteristics one seeks in a spirit. Generally, bourbon aged between 6 to 12 years is considered a sweet spot for many enthusiasts.

Within this range, bourbons have typically matured enough to develop complex flavors and a smooth finish without becoming overly woody or tannic.

However, it’s essential to note that age is just one factor influencing bourbon quality, and some exceptional bourbons may be younger or older than this range.

Ultimately, a good age for bourbon is subjective and varies based on personal taste preferences and the desired flavor profile.

Is longer aged bourbon better?

While longer aging can enhance certain aspects of bourbon, such as its depth and complexity, it does not necessarily guarantee a better overall drinking experience.

The optimal aging period for bourbon varies depending on factors such as the distillation process, barrel selection, and environmental conditions during maturation.

While extended aging can impart desirable characteristics to bourbon, such as additional layers of flavor and smoother texture, it can also intensify woody notes and result in an overly tannic or bitter taste if not carefully managed.

Therefore, longer-aged bourbon is not inherently better, and the quality of the spirit depends on a balance of factors, including aging duration, barrel quality, and production techniques.

Ultimately, the best bourbon is subjective and depends on individual preferences and the specific attributes one values in a spirit.

What bourbon does Jim Beam own?

Jim Beam, a titan in the bourbon industry, boasts ownership of an impressive array of bourbon brands under its parent company, Beam Suntory. These brands cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, ensuring there’s something for every bourbon enthusiast. Among the notable bourbon brands in Jim Beam’s portfolio are:

Jim Beam Bourbon: This flagship brand embodies the essence of American bourbon, with its rich heritage dating back over two centuries. Known for its smoothness and versatility, Jim Beam Bourbon is a staple in bars and households worldwide.

Knob Creek: Renowned for its bold flavor profile and higher proof, Knob Creek appeals to bourbon drinkers seeking robust, full-bodied spirits. It offers a range of expressions, including Single Barrel and Small Batch releases, each delivering exceptional depth and complexity.

Booker’s: Named after legendary master distiller Booker Noe, Booker’s bourbon is celebrated for its uncut, unfiltered presentation and intense flavors. With limited releases and high proof, Booker’s caters to connoisseurs who appreciate bold, barrel-strength bourbon experiences.

Basil Hayden’s: Basil Hayden’s bourbon is distinguished by its unique mash bill featuring a higher proportion of rye grain, resulting in a lighter, spicier flavor profile. It’s an excellent choice for those exploring the nuances of rye-forward bourbons.

Baker’s: Baker’s bourbon offers a smooth, well-balanced drinking experience with a slightly sweeter profile compared to other Jim Beam brands. It’s aged for a longer duration, allowing for more pronounced oak influence and complexity.

Each of these brands reflects Jim Beam’s commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation in bourbon craftsmanship, cementing its status as a leader in the industry.

Who makes Samuel Grant bourbon?

Samuel Grant bourbon is crafted by Samuel Grant Distillery, a subsidiary of Luxco, a leading player in the beverage alcohol industry headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Luxco has a rich heritage spanning over six decades and is known for its commitment to producing high-quality spirits across various categories, including bourbon.

The distillery’s namesake bourbon, Samuel Grant, reflects Luxco’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. It undergoes a meticulous production process, from selecting the finest grains to aging the bourbon in charred oak barrels to perfection.

The result is a bourbon that embodies the rich flavors and traditions of American whiskey-making, earning the admiration of bourbon enthusiasts worldwide.

Final Thoughts on Stellum Bourbon Review

Stellum Bourbon is a unique blended whiskey that combines three Indiana bourbons with barrels from Kentucky and Tennessee. It is more on the savory side, with intense clove, cinnamon, and ginger, with a long, smooth finish. 

It uses a proprietary “daisy chain” blending process that ensures the final spirit stays consistent for the modern whiskey drinker. 

If you happen to chance upon this bottle in your favorite liquor store, it’s something that you should try at least once. 

Reference: 

  1. What Are Chill Filtered-Spirits, And Why Does It Matter?
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