Behind the Scenes with 15 Stars: A Family’s Leap from Heirloom Corn to Award-Winning Bourbon

In the world of American whiskey, few stories capture the heart and soul of craftsmanship quite like 15 Stars Bourbon. Helmed by father-and-son duo Rick and Ricky Johnson, the brand has risen meteorically, scooping up top honors and high praise in just a few short years. But what sets them apart goes far beyond medals and accolades. It’s a story that begins on a cornfield, revolves around a tight-knit family, and pays homage to a long-forgotten symbol of Kentucky’s heritage.

From Popcorn Fields to Bourbon Barrels

It all started with a family popcorn business called Black Jewel Popcorn—a passion project that revolved around heirloom corn. These unique, often colorful corn varietals yield richer, fuller flavors than typical high-yield hybrids. Over time, the Johnsons turned their sights to bourbon. While the whiskey from these heritage corns is still aging (patience is a must in bourbon-making!), 15 Stars quickly garnered attention by blending and sourcing select, higher-aged bourbons—through Brindiamo—from Bardstown Bourbon Company to create distinctive expressions—proving their flavor-forward instincts were spot on.

Why “15 Stars”?

Have you ever wondered why Kentucky is so frequently called the “heart of bourbon country”? For Rick Johnson, his deep dive into the state’s past yielded a remarkable discovery: the 15-star, 15-stripe American flag, representing Kentucky as the 15th state. That historical footnote became the brand’s name and guiding motif. Today, Rick’s private collection features artifacts from the late 18th century—like teacups emblazoned with 15 stars, vintage documents, and even a Kentucky long rifle from the era—symbolizing a proud tradition of American craftsmanship.

Blending & Flavor Proofing: The Keys to Excellence

Despite using high-quality aged whiskies, the real magic comes through blending. While many distilleries produce stellar single-barrel releases, 15 Stars takes an extra step: “flavor proofing”. Rather than simply bottling at cask strength or lowering to a standard 90-proof, father and son experiment with different proofs to pinpoint that sweet spot where the whiskey’s personality truly shines.

• Blending: Rick and Ricky meticulously combine barrels of various ages and mash bills in their very own kitchen—far from a sprawling corporate lab.
• Flavor Proofing: Each blend is sampled at multiple proofs (e.g., 105, 110, 115) to uncover the best flavor expression. This meticulous process ensures every batch hits the taste profile they love, rather than following a market-proof trend.

The result? Award-winning bourbons that feel personal and uncompromisingly crafted.

A Family Affair

Perhaps the most touching aspect of 15 Stars is how it all revolves around family. Whether it’s assembling at the Johnsons’ home to test new blends, or bonding over a homemade meal and cornbread from their heirloom corn, each step is rooted in togetherness. This sense of connection extends to local partners in Kentucky—like neighborhood bakeries and restaurants that have supported 15 Stars from day one.

In a world saturated with mass-market bottles, the 15 Stars approach feels refreshingly intimate: They blend whiskey not just for commercial success, but as if they’re giving a heartfelt gift to friends, family, and fellow bourbon lovers.

Watch Their Meteoric Rise

For an inside look at their journey, check out the recent Whiskeyland TV feature, “The Meteoric Rise of 15 Stars Bourbon,” which has already garnered thousands of views and sparked lively online conversations. You’ll see the cornfields, the blending sessions, and the family moments that define this remarkable brand. And if you haven’t seen our own 15 Stars x Brindiamo video, now is the perfect time to catch up and see why this brand is turning heads in the whiskey world.

Final Pour

In just a few short years, 15 Stars has solidified its reputation as a bourbon maker to watch—picking up significant industry accolades while honoring Kentucky’s deep heritage. From its heirloom corn origins to the artful practice of flavor-proofing, this is a brand built on passion, dedication, and the genuine warmth of family.

Cheers to Rick and Ricky Johnson’s devotion to crafting meaningful whiskey experiences. Their story reminds us that behind every great bourbon is a blend of history, heart, and a relentless pursuit of flavor.

Want more bourbon insights?

• Watch: Our YouTube Video with 15 Stars x Brindiamo
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