If at first you succeed, do it again. And that is exactly was the folks at Southern Distilling Company in Statesville, North Carolina, have done with the release of Batch No. 2 of their Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels.
The first batch released in 2024 sold out almost immediately and was only available at the distillery. Based on the success of the first release batch no. 2 for this year will be released in greater quantities and with a limited-supply outside of the distillery.
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Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels is a cask-strength bourbon bottled at 108.4 proof and finished in locally sourced, honey-drenched barrels. The result is a rich amber spirit crafted from local grains and matured in wildflower honey-saturated oak. The bourbon opens with aromas of sweet butterscotch, earthy spice, and toasted oak, followed by layers of toffee, delicate honey, and floral notes that culminate in a creamy finish.
“We first launched this expression last year as a distillery exclusive, and it sold out almost immediately,” said Pete Barger, co-founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company. “We knew we had to bring it back ahead of the holidays, and while this year’s release will be available in our Statesville Tasting Room and at select ABC stores across North Carolina, it’s still a limited run. We don’t expect bottles to stay on shelves for long.”
If you would like to give this honey barrel finished bourbon a try you can visit Southern Distilling tasting room and partake in four of their honey-forward cocktails. Offerings will include The Buzz—a blend of Southern Star Double Shot and the new Honey Barrel bourbon. A limited distillery-exclusive gift bundle featuring the new release, barrel-aged honey, and hot honey brittle will also be available.
Southern Star Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels Tasting Notes
Color + Appearance: Rich amber with a warm glow
Nose + Aroma: Sweet butterscotch with hints of earthy spice and toasted oak
Palate + Taste: Layers of toffee, delicate honey, and floral notes with a rich, creamy texture
Proof: 108.4 (55.2% ABV)
Southern Star Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels will be available in limited quantities at the distillery and ABC stores across North Carolina with a suggested retail price of $49.95.
Southern Distilling Company has reignited North Carolina’s distilling tradition while embracing the innovation of America’s craft spirits industry. Before Prohibition, Statesville was known as the “Liquor Capital of the World.”
Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country’s largest privately owned distilleries since being co-founded by Pete and Vienna Barger in 2013. It offers a diverse range of standard and custom new fill whiskeys, extensive aged barrel inventory, warehouse barrel storage, private label production, and co-packing for more than 140 brands globally.
Southern Distilling Company supports sustainability and regenerative agriculture processes and sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility. It also produces Southern Star bourbons and rye whiskeys—its own line of award-winning artisan spirits. The distillery, located along Interstate 77 near the I-40 interchange, is open for tours, tastings, cocktails, and bottle sales. It also hosts public events and experiences throughout the year.
Learn more about Southern Distilling Company.
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