Southern Star 7 Year Straight Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels

2025 Southern Star Honey Cask Finished Bourbon

Southern Star Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Honey Barrels

Distilled, Aged, and Bottled by Southern Distilling Company, LLC — Statesville, North Carolina

Age: 7 Years

Proof: 108.3 (Cask Strength)

Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

SRP: $49.95 (375mL)

Overview

Southern Star’s latest cask strength release—a 7-year-old bourbon finished in honey barrels sourced from three different local beekeepers—is a testament to the creativity and terroir-driven approach of North Carolina whiskey-making. This bottle takes an already mature, rye-forward bourbon and layers it with a natural sweetness that complements, rather than overpowers, its bold Southern character.

Nose

The nose is instantly inviting and complex, evoking the rich warmth of baklava—toasted nuts drizzled in honey and spice. As it opens, notes of dried fig and vanilla bean rise from the glass, balancing sweetness with depth. There’s a subtle undertone of oak and rye spice that hints at the bourbon’s age and strength without overwhelming the senses. A few drops of water bring out a soft floral quality, a gentle reminder of the honey finish’s natural origin.

Palate

At 108.3 proof, the first sip is assertive yet elegant. Waves of savory honey glide across the palate, joined by sweet bread and a burst of baking spices galore—cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice taking turns in the spotlight. The high rye content delivers a peppery structure that contrasts beautifully with the honeyed sweetness, giving this whiskey an engaging push-and-pull dynamic. The mouthfeel is luxurious—coating, rich, and just shy of syrupy, yet never cloying.

Finish

The finish is where the whiskey truly shines. It lingers warm and viscous, offering a hearty NC hug that settles deep and slow. Notes of clove, honeycomb, and gentle oak remain long after the sip, evolving into a mellow sweetness that invites another pour. The honey influence is unmistakable but integrated—accentuating the bourbon’s natural character rather than masking it.

Final Thoughts

Southern Star’s Honey Barrel Finish strikes an exceptional balance between innovation and tradition. The combination of a mature, high-rye bourbon with local honey barrel finishing results in a spirit that’s both comforting and complex. It’s a whiskey that appeals equally to seasoned enthusiasts and adventurous newcomers—offering layered sweetness without sacrificing backbone.

At just under $50, this 7-year cask strength bourbon delivers remarkable value and craftsmanship. It’s the perfect pour for a cool evening—preferably neat, with time to unfold in the glass.

Penelope Estate Collection - Omega 11 Year Bourbon Review

Penelope Estate Collection – Omega

The 2025 Penelope Estate Collection - Omega

Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Finished in French Oak Barrels

Aged 11 Years | Non-Chill Filtered

Mash Bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

54.9% ABV (109.8 Proof)

Batch 25-1801

MSRP: $129.99

Distilled in Bardstown, Kentucky

Nose

The bouquet is deep, rich, and immediately decadent. Brown butter rises first, warm and nutty, followed by a wave of toffee sweetness. Vanilla wafers add a confectionary note that blends seamlessly with seasoned oak undertones. The French oak finishing enhances the nose with a subtle elegance, lending layers of toasted sweetness and refined wood influence. It’s a complex yet inviting aroma that promises richness without heaviness.

Palate

The first sip is silky and full-bodied, coating the tongue with layers of praline and toasted marshmallow. A ribbon of vanilla nougat carries through the mid-palate, lending both sweetness and creamy texture. The balance between the long oak maturation and the rye’s subtle spice creates depth and structure, never letting the bourbon lean too far into sweetness. There’s a harmonious marriage of confectionary richness with warm, toasty oak influence that speaks to the craftsmanship behind this release.

Finish

The finish is long, warm, and lingering, leaving behind a luxurious oily mouthfeel. Rye pepper spice emerges with confidence, accented by a subtle touch of clove that adds sophistication and complexity. The French oak imprint lingers gracefully, offering refined tannins and gentle warmth that carry well into the next sip.

Craftsmanship & French Oak Selection

One of the most remarkable elements of the Omega expression lies in the French oak finishing process. Each stave used in maturation was seasoned and matured for three years before being precision-selected using OakScan® technology. This meticulous approach ensures a consistent balance of sweetness, spice, and structure, highlighting how scientific precision and artisanal aging can work together to elevate a bourbon’s character.

Overall Impression

The Penelope Estate Collection Omega is an exceptional bourbon that showcases both patience and precision. Its 11 years in traditional aging combined with a refined French oak finish create a whiskey that’s simultaneously indulgent and balanced. From the brown-butter and toffee nose to the silky praline and marshmallow palate, and finally to the lingering spiced finish, every stage of the experience is carefully layered and deeply satisfying.

At $129.99, it positions itself as a premium offering, and it earns that distinction with its level of craft, presentation, and depth of flavor. Omega stands as a testament to Penelope’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, delivering a bourbon that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

Thank you very much to the entire Penelope Team as well as BYRNE PR for getting this exquisite bottle to The Library for a sneak peak at another winner!

Three Chord Bourbon - Flipside Triple Wood Review

Three Chord Bourbon Flipside – Triple Wood Vol 1

Three Chord Bourbon's Flip Side - Triple Wood

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Finished in Toasted French Oak & American Oak | 45% ABV (90 Proof)

Distilled in Kentucky

Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 21% Rye, 4% Malted Barley

Aged 4-7 Years

MSRP: $34.99

Awards: SF World Spirits Competition DOUBLE GOLD

From Three Chord Press Release: "Flipside Triplewood Bourbon features Guitar Shorty, an incredible blues artist who we lost in 2022. Bob Dylan once said that "Shorty played guitar with everything but his hands." His performances were electrifying. This blend of straight Kentucky bourbons is aged in new charred American Oak barrels and then finished in a mix of new and used toasted French and American oak barrels.

4-7 years old, 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley. Finished for 2-3 months."

Check out the entire Three Chord lineup by clicking HERE

Lets get rockin'!

Nose

The nose opens with an inviting sweetness that leans toward dessert-like qualities. Vanilla frosting sets the stage, creamy and light, followed by the warmth of toasted oak. Hints of marshmallow emerge, evoking the aroma of a campfire treat without the smoke. The French oak influence adds an elegant sweetness while the American oak lends depth and familiarity. Overall, the bouquet is approachable and confectionary, setting expectations for a balanced sip.

Palate

On the palate, the bourbon introduces a pleasant contrast to its sweeter nose. A touch of dark chocolate bitterness immediately makes its presence known, grounding the profile and adding sophistication. This bitter edge quickly gives way to graham cracker notes, lightly toasted and dusted with baking spices. The rye in the mash bill peeks through here, offering subtle spice and structure to the mid-palate. The layered wood finishing adds a roundness, bridging sweetness and spice without overwhelming the core bourbon character.

Finish

The finish is medium to light in length but leaves behind a pleasant memory of spiced undertones. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and a trace of oak tannin linger gently, reminding you of its multi-wood influence. While not long, it’s clean, balanced, and encourages another sip rather than overstaying its welcome.

Three times the fun

Overall Impression

Three Chord Bourbon Flipside – Triple Wood Vol 1 is a thoughtful, approachable whiskey that punches well above its price point. At $34.99, it offers an elegant balance of sweet, toasted, and spiced elements. The finishing in both French and American toasted oak brings extra layers of complexity without overshadowing the base bourbon, making it an excellent value pour for both casual sipping and sharing.

It’s a bourbon that will appeal to those who enjoy dessert-like aromatics paired with a palate that introduces just enough depth and spice to keep things interesting. Think of it as a crowd-pleaser with subtle sophistication—versatile enough for neat pours, yet flavorful enough to shine in a simple Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Presentation

Adding to the experience, the label design is strikingly unique—it mimics the look and feel of a classic vinyl record cover. This not only ties back to the brand’s musical roots but also gives the bottle a collectible, nostalgic charm. It feels less like a standard whiskey label and more like an album you’d want to spin on a turntable, making it stand out immediately on the shelf.

Many thanks are in order to the team at Three Chord and to CHQ Media for gracing The Library with a couple of the newest expressions for purpose of genuine and unbiased reviews.