The Challenge
Rick and Ricky Johnson, founders of 15 Stars Bourbon, faced significant challenges typical for emerging bourbon brands. They needed to source high-quality aged barrels to create unique flavor profiles that would distinguish their brand in a competitive market. While passionate about bourbon, they lacked the blending expertise required to craft balanced and unique blends. Additionally, they needed a scalable and sustainable long-term strategy to achieve their goal of nationwide distribution by 2025.
The Solution
15 Stars Bourbon partnered with Brindiamo Group to tackle these challenges head-on. Brindiamo leveraged its extensive network to provide access to premium inventory, including a diverse range of barrels from new-make spirits to 19-year-old bourbon. The Johnsons embraced Brindiamo's blending expertise, incorporating innovative techniques like flavor-proofing to create products celebrated for their complexity and drinkability. Brindiamo also helped them develop a sustainable inventory strategy, ensuring consistent availability of high-quality barrels while planning for future expansion. 'Collaborating with Brindiamo allowed us to access resources, expertise, and inventory that would have been difficult to secure independently,' said Rick Johnson, Co-Founder of 15 Stars Bourbon.
The Results
The partnership with Brindiamo resulted in rapid market recognition for 15 Stars Bourbon. The brand has earned over 70 prestigious awards in less than two years, including accolades for its Sherry Cask Finish Bourbon and rye whiskey. They have built a scalable inventory ranging from new-make spirits to 19-year-old bourbon, positioning themselves for nationwide distribution by 2025. The success is further underscored by metrics such as the age range of their inventory and the over 70 awards won, showcasing their rapid rise in the whiskey world.
