Southern Distilling Company might not be a household name in the spirits world. However, this North Carolina-based distillery is known for its award-winning whiskey portfolio. You can’t go wrong with any of its bourbons or rye whiskeys. Recently, it announced the release of a unique expression.
Southern Star Paragon Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks
This limited edition bourbon whiskey was finished for more than a year in used Zinfandel wine barrels. According to the distillery, the result is a multi-layered whiskey that begins with a nose of baking spices, toasted vanilla beans, and charred oak. The palate is centered on notes of wine tannins, dried cherries, raisins, and chocolate. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a mix of oak and gentle campfire smoke.
It’s bottled at a robust 116.1-proof. Sip it neat or with a splash or two of water to open up the aromas and flavors.
“It started with a conversation and a bit of curiosity between friends,” Pete Barger, co-founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company, says.
“We worked with a boutique California winery to source casks, and what we received was well beyond what we imagined. The wines that lived in these barrels were almost port-like with a deep complexity. We knew we had to go all in!”
Where can I buy it?
Southern Star Paragon Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks is available as of February 21st. You can find it exclusively at Southern Distilling Company’s Statesville Tasting Room (211 Jennings Road, Statesville, NC 28625). The price is $49.95 for a 750ml bottle.
