Southern Distilling High Rye Bourbon
Picked June 2026 / Released August 2026
The Details - Crafted by Southern Distilling in Statesville, North Carolina, this bourbon features an unusually high-rye mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted rye. It is aged for almost 6 years and bottled at 113.5 proof. While it comfortably meets the legal definition of bourbon, the elevated rye content gives it a personality that leans toward the bold, floral & spice-driven character often associated with rye whiskey. The result is a whiskey that balances vibrant baking spices and robust complexity with the rich caramelized sweetness, dark fruit, and vanilla notes bourbon enthusiasts expect. It's a distinctive interpretation of the style that offers the best of both worlds, appealing to fans of both traditional bourbon and high-rye expressions.
His Nosing Notes – Rich, dark aromas of sugary baked cherries lead the nose, layered with cinnamon, clove, brown sugar, worn leather, and a subtle hint of mint. A few drops of water transform the profile, bringing ripe autumn apples and warm brown sugar to the forefront, accented by a touch of lemon zest while allowing the cherry and baking spices to linger more gently in the background.
Her Nosing Notes - Right out of the glass, it hits with a very bold wave of cherry cola and rich vanilla, layered with soft, inviting hints of fine suede and leather.
His Tasting Notes - The palate opens with bold cherry and creamy vanilla before developing deeper flavors of leather and molasses on subsequent sips. Water brightens the whiskey considerably, revealing flavors reminiscent of baked apple pie topped with cherry sauce, softening the darker elements while maintaining a pleasant sweetness with a lightly drying character.
Her Tasting Notes - Surprisingly approachable for its proof. It hits the palate with the balanced, easygoing refreshment of a classic half-and-half iced tea enjoyed on a warm afternoon. On subsequent sips, it transitions into a decadent vanilla pound cake smothered in a spiced rum glaze, bursting with vibrant notes of cinnamon and cloves right at the front of the palate. Soft touches of citrus linger in the background, leading into a finish that is impressively long, warm, and deeply satisfying. Adding just a few drops of water takes this pour on an entirely new adventure. The aroma absolutely explodes out of the glass, unlocking lush waves of brown sugar syrup and warm caramel popcorn. Meanwhile, the mouthfeel transforms into something luxuriously buttery, opening up crisp floral notes intertwined with rich elements of honey.
The Finish - The finish is exceptionally long and full-bodied, carrying rich dark cherry notes well into the aftertaste, supported by mild oak tannins and a delicate touch of lingering spice that slowly fades.
His Conclusion – This is an exceptional bourbon, particularly for just a 5½-year age statement. Virtually no ethanol interferes with the nose or palate, allowing the whiskey's complexity to take center stage. I'd happily compare it to any legacy distillery's high-rye bourbon, and I'm confident it would hold its own among the finest.
Her Conclusion - As someone who typically steers clear of colas entirely, I found myself completely entranced by how this unique flavor profile comes together without leaning into cloying sweetness. This release captures the exact kind of complexity, depth, and character we always hope to find when collaborating on a single barrel selection for our community. It bridges the gap between bold, high-proof structure and remarkable approachability, making it an absolute must-have for your local whiskey collection and a fantastic conversation starter at any tasting table.
Pour yourself a glass alongside a warm fruit dessert—think a fresh-baked berry cobbler or a rustic pie—or simply drizzle it over a bowl of high-quality homemade vanilla ice cream. Cheers!
