BARDSTOWN, Ky., July 1, 2025  -- KENTUCKY OWL®, a part of Stoli Group, announces the release of its newest expression, Batch #13, available throughout the U.S. in limited quantities beginning in late June. The expression is the final bourbon blend created by former Master Blender and Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee John Rhea prior to his retirement.

Batch #13 showcases the craftsmanship of blending key components from multiple barrels to create a spirit with a special character and high proof. Each of KENTUCKY OWL’s batch releases is uniquely different with no specific parameters for blending, resulting in a collection of bourbons that are a testament to the art and science of blending.

Rhea created Batch #13 by blending a collection of five different bourbons comprised primarily of eight-year-old and nine-year-old barrels. The more mature and higher rye bourbons bring a richness and depth to the final blend, while the combination of younger and wheated whiskies add a layer of zest and freshness.

KENTUCKY OWL named Rhea Master Blender in 2021 following his induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2016. It is the highest honor given in the industry and is presented during the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Beginning his career as an engineer with an MBA, his contributions to the bourbon industry spanned nearly 50 years and includes 17 years serving on the Kentucky Distillers’ Association’s Board of Directors.

“During my tenure at KENTUCKY OWL®, I’ve had the honor of sampling some of the world’s finest bourbon barrels. Batch #13 is my tribute to the craftsmanship of blending by showcasing how a combination of very different barrels come together to create a very special expression,” said John Rhea. “This juxtaposition of mature higher rye bourbons balanced with lighter wheated barrels results in a very special flavor profile that highlights each barrel’s finest notes.”

Tasting Notes:

A rush of sweet vanilla aroma with hints of chocolate begins and is followed by fresh scents of citrus, orange, and mango. Vanilla and caramel emerge, reinforcing the bourbon's character and inviting another nose.

The richness of vanilla hits the tongue softly, followed by a rush of citrus, highlighted by orange and grapefruit. Tastes of vanilla and caramel linger, resulting in a pleasant citrus and a slight hint of chocolate peeking through a very soft finish.

KENTUCKY OWL Batch #13 is presented at 56.8% ABV with a suggested retail price of $399 for a 750ml bottle. The limited-edition expression will be available beginning in July in select locations nationwide and online through Reserve Bar and Flaviar.

About Kentucky Owl:
Stoli Group, a leading global ultra-premium spirits and wine company, purchased KENTUCKY OWL in 2017. Originally founded by C.M. Dedman in 1879, the Kentucky Owl Bardstown distillery went dark during the Prohibition era and remained dormant until the brand was revived in 2014. Since then, the company's small batch releases have sold out quickly and received strong reviews. Other various releases for KENTUCKY OWL have included their international collaboration series with Takumi Edition and St. Patrick's Edition, Confiscated, Mardi Gras XO Cask Rye Whiskey Limited Edition. The Wiseman brand includes a bourbon and rye whiskey. For more information, visit kentuckyowlbourbon.com.

About Stoli Group:
Established in 2013, Stoli Group is a leader in the production, management, and distribution of a global portfolio of spirits and wines. Renowned for its flagship brand, Stoli® Vodka, the company appeals to luxury on-premise global consumers. At the heart of Stoli Group's offerings lie iconic brands including elit™ Vodka, Bayou® Rum, Kentucky Owl™, Villa One™ Tequila, Gator Bite™ Rum Liqueurs, Cenote™ Tequila, Tulchan Gin™, and Se Busca™ Mezcal. In the wine portfolio, Stoli Group's Tenute del Mondo division includes esteemed labels such as Archaval Ferrer™ (Argentina) and Arinzano™ (Spain), while boasting substantial shares in Supertoscan Ornellaia, Masseto, Luce, and CastelGiocondo. 2021 marked a significant milestone for Stoli Group as it became an equal shareholder in Chateau Miraval and its family of brands, including Miraval™, Muse™, Studio™, and Fleur de Miraval™. Pioneering the fermented and distilled non-alcoholic space, Stoli Group invests in The Pathfinder Hemp and Root.

Spanning over 176 markets worldwide, Stoli Group collaborates with a network of 200 distributors. Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company's production facilities in Argentina, Latvia, Spain, and the United States have a rich heritage dating back to the early part of the last century. Visit stoli-group.com for more information.