Rick Johnson is the co-founder and master blender of 15 STARS Fine Aged Bourbon, working alongside his son to craft some of Kentucky’s most celebrated modern bourbons. His blending process starts with exceptionally aged whiskeys, up to 20 years old, and focuses on balancing flavors to create depth, complexity, and dimension. The final step, known as “flavor proofing,” determines the optimal proof to best showcase each blend’s unique character.

Rick and his son are also innovators in Bourbon production, using heirloom corns from their family’s Black Jewell Popcorn company to create distinctive, never-before-used Bourbon profiles. Since their first release in 2022, 15 STARS has earned over 100 major awards, including “Blender of the Year” (2023) from the John Barleycorn Awards, multiple “Best of Show” titles, and numerous Best in Class accolades from top competitions, cementing the Johnsons as leaders in modern Bourbon craftsmanship.