Southern Distilling Company has built its reputation on reviving Statesville, North Carolina’s once-proud distilling heritage, and its latest limited release Southern Star Cask Strength Finished in Honey Barrels, shows just how far the distillery has come in blending tradition with creativity.
Founded by Pete and Vienna Barger, Southern Distilling opened with a mission to restore Statesville’s historic role as a distilling center, once known as the liquor capital of the world. Since its start, the distillery has emphasized local agriculture, modern equipment and a willingness to experiment. One of those experiments turned into a fan favorite in 2024: bourbon finished in barrels saturated with locally sourced wildflower honey. That first run sold out almost immediately, setting the stage for its return.
The Honey Barrel Story
The “honey barrel” concept isn’t a gimmick here. Southern Distilling ages its base bourbon to maturity, then finishes it in barrels that previously held wildflower honey. Those barrels impart a natural floral sweetness, subtle waxiness and elevated viscosity, without crossing into artificial or flavored territory. The result keeps the whiskey squarely in bourbon land, but with a lift of warm sweetness and complexity. Think of an already made hot toddy that grandma used to make for us when we were sick, minus the lemon.
After last year’s rapid sellout, Southern Distilling brought the expression back in this year as a cask-strength offering, bottled around 108 proof, making it both richer and more expressive than the original release.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Deep amber with heavy legs that cling to the glass — a preview of the honey-kissed texture to come.
Nose:
Rich wildflower honey leads the way, but it’s supported by baking spices, toasted oak, toffee and a touch of orange peel. The proof adds a pleasant pop of pepper that keeps the aroma from drifting too sweet.
Palate:
Full-bodied and immediately warming. The honey influence shows up as a silky, rounded sweetness rather than a sugary punch. Expect flavors of caramel, hot honey on baked brioche, cinnamon, roasted nuts and a soft floral note that’s almost tea-like. A splash of water brings out toasted marshmallow and deeper oak.
Finish:
Long, warm and evolving. Pepper, oak tannin and lingering honey mingle as the sweetness gradually dries out. For a cask-strength bourbon, it’s surprisingly balanced and inviting.
Southern Star’s Honey Barrel Cask Strength release is a successful blend of bold proof, traditional character and thoughtful finishing. The honey never overwhelms; instead, it frames the bourbon’s natural richness and brings a dessert-like roundness to the edges.
Fans of cask-strength whiskey will appreciate the weight and spice, while drinkers who usually lean toward finished bourbons will enjoy the gentle, natural sweetness that never turns sugary.
With its limited availability, approachable price point at $49.95 and strong execution, this bottle is one of Southern Distilling’s most enjoyable holiday-season releases and a standout for anyone looking to add a unique, flavorful pour to the whiskey shelf or make themselves the perfect hot toddy.
Cheers!
This bourbon rates 4 out of 5 barrels.
