Founded in 2013 by Pete and Vienna Barger, Southern Distilling Company has quickly become one of the most exciting craft distilleries in the Southeast. Located in Statesville, North Carolina, a town with a deep pre-Prohibition heritage in whiskey production, Southern Distilling is reclaiming that legacy with grain-to-glass precision and a commitment to Bottled-in-Bond excellence.
Built on the foundation of local agriculture, Southern Distilling sources regional grains—including heirloom North Carolina corn—and distills and ages all its whiskey on-site. The Paragon line is their premier expression, showcasing traditional methods with a modern Southern twist. Their wheated bottled-in-bond release is a standout in this growing portfolio, reflecting finesse and integrity in every pour.
Southern Star Paragon Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon has a mash bill of 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley and is moderately priced at $60 a bottle.
The Southern Star Paragon Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon has already turned heads in 2025:
- Best in Show – ASCOT Awards (Texas Spirits Competition, judged by Fred Minnick)
- Best-in-Class Wheated Bourbon – 2025 ASCOT Awards
- Gold Medal – New York International Spirits Competition
These accolades confirm what enthusiasts are quickly discovering—this isn’t just a good craft bourbon; it’s an elite-level expression from a rising regional powerhouse.
The appearance is a warm golden amber that is very vibrant. The color suggests honest barrel aging and minimal filtration.
On the nose, you are greeted with a soft, fragrant bouquet of caramel custard, baked bread, and vanilla oak rises from the glass, with floral undertones from the wheat.
The first sip delivers a wash of sweet cream, butterscotch, and rich caramel, quickly developing into more complex layers of cinnamon, light nutmeg, and baking spice. Mid-palate, the wheat takes center stage, bringing a silky softness that blends seamlessly with notes of a toasted barrel spice.
There’s a distinct balance here—sweet but not syrupy, spiced but not hot, and round without being heavy.
The finish is dry yet sweet, medium in length, with gentle oak, hay, and a faint sugar cookie note that drifts quietly away.
Southern Star’s Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon is a triumph in craftsmanship, balance, and identity. It doesn’t try to imitate Kentucky—it confidently expresses its North Carolina heritage, with a flavor profile that reflects Southern warmth, hospitality, and patience.
This bourbon is a milestone for North Carolina craft distilling. Southern Star Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon proves that high-quality wheaters aren’t exclusive to Kentucky anymore.
At 100 proof, it’s incredibly sippable neat but sturdy enough to stand up in a classic Old Fashioned or Boulevardier. Its performance on the awards circuit in 2025 is no fluke—this is the real deal. For fans of wheated bourbons who appreciate a balance of sweet softness and structured oak, this bottle belongs on your shelf.
Cheers!
This bottle rates 5 out of 5 barrels.
