A little background
Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey represents Southern Distilling Company‘s innovative approach to American single malt production. Crafted in Statesville, North Carolina, this whiskey distinguishes itself from traditional pot still American single malts through its continuous column still distillation process, combined with a 100% malted barley mash bill. Aged for six years in toasted American white oak barrels, Southern Star is bottled at 114.8 proof as a small batch release with a retail price of $50 for a 375mL bottle. The distillery utilizes advanced automation, controls, and analytics in their production process to maintain consistency and quality in their spirits portfolio.
The whiskey’s production methodology bridges American distilling innovation with single malt tradition, employing continuous column distillation rather than the pot stills typically associated with the American single malt category. This technical approach, combined with the extended six-year aging period and high 114.8 proof bottling strength, creates a product designed to stand apart from both Scotch whisky and conventional American single malts. The distillery’s location in Statesville, North Carolina, and their commitment to using toasted American white oak barrels for maturation further establish Southern Star’s distinct regional and stylistic identity within the growing American single malt whiskey market.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Straw
Nose
Honey, peaches, cherries, citrus, toasted malt, oak
Palate
Peaches, honey, cinnamon spice, caramel, vanilla, and oak
Finish
Black pepper, dark chocolate, oak, dark honey, drying spice
In closing
Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey delivers a distinctive take on the American single malt category that sets it apart from both traditional Scotch and other American Single Malt counterparts. The experience begins with honey, peaches, and cherries on the nose, transitions through spiced honey and cinnamon on the palate, and concludes with black pepper, dark chocolate, and lingering warmth on the finish.
At 114.8 proof, the whiskey remains remarkably approachable, with well-integrated alcohol that allows the complex flavor profile to shine through from start to finish. Southern Distilling Company’s innovative production methodology results in a whiskey that may challenge traditional single malt expectations while offering solid value at $50 for a 375ml bottle. The six-year aging in toasted American white oak barrels provides sufficient maturation to develop depth without overwhelming the spirit’s inherent character. While the flavor profile may prove polarizing for those seeking conventional single malt characteristics, the whiskey succeeds in establishing its own identity within the expanding American single malt market. Southern Star American Single Malt is an overall enjoyable pour that has me excited to try more from the brand.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Southern Distilling Company. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Southern Star American Single Malt Whiskey
The Good
- Uniqueness
- Flavor profile
- Proof
