I.W. Harper 15YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Quietly luxurious and steeped in heritage, I.W. Harper 15 Year Old is a refined Kentucky Straight Bourbon matured a full decade and a half in new charred oak and bottled at 43% ABV. Silky, fruit-laced and oak-polished, it marries tradition with restraint in a timeless presentation—an elegant centrepiece for the bar cart and a considered gift for collectors and milestone moments.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Sweet grain and corn open to baked orchard fruit and raisin, threaded with vanilla and warm oak. A satiny glide brings caramel, toasted spice and a brush of tobacco, then a gentle swell of cinnamon and nutmeg. Citrus lift keeps it poised as the finish lingers long, honeyed and oak-kissed, with a soft echo of cocoa and leather—composed, lingering, quietly indulgent.

Key Details

• Producer: I.W. Harper (Diageo)
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Region: Kentucky, USA
• ABV: 43% (86 proof)
• Volume: 750ml
• Maturation: 15 years in new charred American oak
• Serve: Neat, with a splash of water or over a single large ice cube

Cocktail Pairings

This age-stated bourbon is best honoured in its purest form. Savour neat to explore layered fruit, vanilla and seasoned oak; add a few drops of water to open delicate spice; or serve over a single clear rock with an expressed orange peel. If lengthening, keep it minimalist—a chilled highball with soda and lemon zest—so its 15-year grace remains the star.

Craftsmanship & Story

Named for visionary 19th-century bourbon pioneer Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, I.W. Harper earned global renown before Prohibition dimmed the lights. Relaunched to the U.S. in 2015, today’s 15 Year Old channels that legacy with exacting maturation in Kentucky and a classic, decanter-inspired bottle. The result is a poised, heritage-rich bourbon crafted for life’s standout occasions.

Special Features

A true age statement at 15 years, bottled at an elegant 43% to showcase silk and nuance over heat. Long rest in seasoned rickhouses layers ripe fruit, caramel and polished oak; subtle baking spice and cocoa frame the finish. A refined profile, impeccable presentation and broad appeal make it an effortless luxury gift and a serene, contemplative sip.

Recognition & Accolades

Consistently praised by judges and critics:

• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2022
• Double Gold – TAG Global Spirits Awards, 2023
• Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2021
• Gold – International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2023
• 96/100 – Tasting Panel Magazine, 2022
• 96/100 – IWSC Score, 2023
• 88/100 – Whisky Advocate

A distinguished track record that underscores its polished, collector-worthy style.

Food Pairing

Echo its caramel-vanilla core with BBQ brisket or lacquered pork ribs; a marbled ribeye or roasted duck lets mellow spice and oak shine. On a board, pair aged cheddar, smoked gouda and prosciutto with spiced pecans and dried apricots. For dessert, choose dark chocolate, pecan pie or crème brûlée—each mirrors the bourbon’s honeyed oak and lingering warmth.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Beautifully presented and serenely composed, I.W. Harper 15 Year Old is an impeccable client thank-you, milestone celebration or indulgent addition to the top shelf—refined enough for connoisseurs, welcoming enough for newcomers.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.