On Saturday, September 7th Southern Distilling officially released their newest limited edition expression during a special event at the distillery’s own tasting room in Statesville, North Carolina. The lively and well-attended celebration was highlighted by the attendance of two Carolina Panthers football legends, Kurt Coleman (safety; 2016-2017) and Wesley Walls (tight end; 1996 -2002) who met fans and signed autographs alongside distillery owners Pete and Vienna Bargers.
The Carolina Panthers and their fans can celebrate the 2024 NFL season and commemorate thirty years of Carolina Panthers football with this special bourbon release. It is the second edition in a five-year series. Adult attendees were able to sample the new bourbon, tour the facility, and enjoy signature cocktails and food during the event with the assistance and hospitality of the Southern Distilling Staff. It was a great day for Carolina Panthers fans and bourbon fans alike.
The mash bill for this expression is 70% corn, 16% wheat, and 14% malted barley. In my sampling, the sweet oak, vanilla, and maple is dominant on the nose, while caramel and pecan are both lingering in the background. On the palate it is outstanding; robust with solid body that coats the mouth. It did not drink like a typical 106 proof, but more like a pleasing high 90. The baker’s spice and caramel are salient before the vanilla and cinnamon come into play here. It is a relatively long and delicious finish with just a bit of heat at the end, just as they have noted.
In short, this release is certainly “as advertised.” I suppose that one could mix it into a classic Old Fashioned and it would be great for that. Probably too good. This is because it is so wonderfully balanced and complex that it is delicious on its own. Such employment of this fine spirit might seem dismissive and disrespectful to its character. However, the old saying goes that the right way to drink whiskey is the way you enjoy it!
From the Southern Distilling website:
“This release is a one-time offering of a nine-barrel blend of six-year-aged, award-winning Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey, hand-selected by [Pete] Barger and finished using virgin oak Cognac staves. Cognac aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of two years, takes on the flavors and aromas of the wood, developing a rich, complex profile that can include notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice which matches perfectly and adds more complexity to the Paragon Bourbon.”
Southern Star 2024 Carolina Panthers
Limited Series Paragon Cognac Finish
Cask Strength Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey
750ml
106 Proof
$99.95 SRP
Nose: French Vanilla | Caramel | Maple | Roasted Pecan | Sweet Oak
Palate: Bakers Spice | Salted Caramel | Vanilla Bean | Cinnamon | Smooth, Balanced Delivery
Finish: Vanilla | Spice | Citrus Notes | Light Heat
With only 3,000 bottles, “…this limited edition is a small batch Paragon Cognac finish of Southern Star Cask Strength Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey.” It is bottled in Statesville with a distinctly attractive label featuring the team’s logo and colors. According to their website, “this release will be exclusively available at Southern Distilling Company’s Tasting Room while supplies last and throughout the Carolinas at North Carolina ABC liquor stores and select South Carolina retailers.”
Get them while you can!
