STATESVILLE, N.C. (November 5, 2025) — Back by popular demand, North Carolina’s Southern Distilling Company has announced the release of the second batch of its Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels — just in time for the holiday season.
The first batch, released last year as a distillery exclusive, sold out almost immediately. This year’s release will be more widely available, but quantities remain limited. Beginning November 8, bottles can be purchased at the Southern Distilling Company Tasting Room (211 Jennings Road, Statesville) and at select ABC stores across North Carolina.
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.”
To celebrate the launch, the distillery will serve four honey-forward cocktails at its Tasting Room, including The Buzz—a blend of Southern Star Double Shot and the new Honey Barrel bourbon. A limited distillery-exclusive gift bundle ($65) featuring the new release, barrel-aged honey, and hot honey brittle will also be available.
Southern Star Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels
(108.4 Proof / $49.95 MSRP)
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Color + Appearance: Rich amber with a warm glow
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Nose + Aroma: Sweet butterscotch with hints of earthy spice and toasted oak
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Palate + Taste: Layers of toffee, delicate honey, and floral notes with a rich, creamy texture
For more information, visit SouthernDistillingCompany.com
