Southern Distilling's Southern Star Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey Review

The Southern Star BiB Rye Whiskey

Southern Star Straight Rye Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond

Distilled, aged, and bottled by Southern Distilling Company – Statesville, North Carolina

100 Proof | Aged at least 4 years | Mash Bill: 51% Rye, 39% Corn, 10% Malted Barley | SRP $49.99

Southern Distilling has been steadily making a name for itself in the Carolinas, and with this Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye, they deliver a spirit that balances approachability with classic rye character. Meeting the strict Bottled-in-Bond standards—distilled in one distillation season, aged at least four years in government-bonded warehouses, and bottled at 100 proof—this whiskey demonstrates both craftsmanship and transparency.

Nose:

The rye opens with a welcoming sweetness layered with complexity. Vanilla leads the way, softening the edges of the grain, followed by a fresh sprig of mint that adds brightness. A dusting of white pepper provides a lively rye kick, while warm baking spices—nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of clove—round out the aromatic profile. The nose is both classic and inviting, with a balance of herbal rye notes and confectionary sweetness.

Palate:

On the first sip, the whiskey reveals a surprisingly creamy texture, offering a lush mouthfeel uncommon in many rye whiskies. Flavors of vanilla cake set the stage, giving the impression of a bakery sweetness, before evolving into layers of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The sweet spice interplay showcases the mash bill’s balance—corn lending richness and body, while rye provides the lively backbone of pepper and herbs. It drinks with an elegance that doesn’t overwhelm but still keeps the rye’s bold character intact.

Finish:

The finish is lingering and viscous, carrying both sweet and savory undertones. Notes of vanilla and cream taper into gentle waves of spice, leaving behind a mouth-coating warmth that invites another sip.

Back Label

Overall Impression:

Southern Star Straight Rye Bottled-in-Bond is an excellent showcase of North Carolina whiskey-making. It bridges the gap between rye’s traditionally assertive spice and a more rounded, sweeter profile that appeals to a wide range of drinkers. At $49.99, it offers strong value for a Bottled-in-Bond rye, delivering both authenticity and refinement. This is a whiskey that would shine neat, but its creamy texture and layered spice also make it an excellent choice for elevated cocktails.

Final Verdict:

A well-crafted and versatile rye—bold enough for rye lovers, approachable enough for bourbon drinkers, and an impressive Bottled-in-Bond expression from one of the South’s rising distilleries.

Thank you to the folks at Southern Distilling and to their marketing team, The Go Social, for sending this to The Library for my unbiased review.

Rebel 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Rebel 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

The 2025 Rebel 10 Year Single Barrel

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Aged 10 Years | 100 Proof (50% ABV)

Mash Bill: 68% Corn, 20% Wheat, 12% Malted Barley

Distilled in Bardstown, KY by John Rempe, Lux Row Distillers

Limited Edition: 2,600 Six-Packs (15,600 Bottles)

SRP: $99.99

Nose

The nose opens with a rich, inviting caramel note—deep, buttery, and unmistakably matured. It’s followed by a unique cherry cola aroma that adds a nostalgic, effervescent twist, reminiscent of soda shop classics. Beneath that brightness lies a soft vanilla bean warmth, rounded by steady notes of seasoned oak, bringing a sense of age and depth. Altogether, it’s a nose that walks the line between sweet indulgence and classic maturity.

Palate

The first sip reveals this bourbon’s true strength: rich, dessert-like complexity balanced with elegant spice. Caramel flan leads the charge—dense, creamy, and sweet, layered with vanilla custard and soft brown sugar. Quickly, the mid-palate evolves, introducing classic baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg—warming but never overpowering. These spice notes feel integrated, not flashy, likely a result of the wheated mash bill’s softness and 10 years of barrel aging. Vanilla cream coats the palate throughout, offering a smooth and silky experience.

Finish

The finish is where the bourbon flexes its age and non-chill-filtered nature. It’s long, smooth, and viscous, leaving behind a slightly oily texture that allows flavors to cling and evolve. As the sweetness fades, soft spice and oak tannins come forward, with a lingering cinnamon-sugar warmth that echoes back to the flan and cherry cola on the nose. It’s a refined, slow fade—comforting, not abrupt.

Overall Impression

Rebel 10 Year Single Barrel is a standout in the modern wheated bourbon landscape—a testament to patience and barrel selection by John Rempe. The 100-proof bottling hits a sweet spot: bold enough to carry complexity, yet smooth and sippable without dilution. Each barrel offers its own fingerprint, but the profile aims consistently for dessert-driven richness, baking spice complexity, and a long, satisfying finish.

This limited edition release is a love letter to traditional wheated bourbon fans, especially those who lean toward Maker’s Mark Cask Strength or Weller 12, but want something with more oak presence and a touch of rebel attitude.

Old Dominick Reserve Bourbon 8 Year - Review

Old Dominick 8 Year Reserve Bourbon

Distilled, aged, and bottled by Old Dominick Distillery — Memphis, Tennessee

Mash Bill: 75% Corn, 13% Rye, 12% Malted Barley

Barrel Info: West Tennessee White Oak, Char #4

Non-Chill Filtered | Small Batch (Min. 6 barrels)

Age: 8 Years

ABV: 50% - 100 Proof

Old Dominick 8 Year Reserve

Nose

The aroma opens confidently with a wave of caramel corn, immediately conjuring the warm, buttery sweetness of a fall fairground. This is quickly followed by sweet cream and vanilla, which soften and round out the profile. As it sits in the glass, light toasted oak emerges, carrying hints of old lumber and charred sugar. It’s a rich but approachable bouquet—classic, southern, and distinctly inviting.

Palate

The first sip reinforces the nose but dials up the dessert-like character. That caramel corn note returns with layered sweetness, soon giving way to a frosted pastry impression—like biting into a flaky vanilla danish. The texture is full and creamy, thanks to the non-chill filtration and 8 years of slow maturation. Mid-palate, vanilla ice cream rises to the top, providing a cooling, velvety contrast to the oak backbone. The rye in the mash bill adds just a nudge of spice, but never overpowers the sweet-driven profile.

Finish

The finish is medium in length, with a dry and slightly spicy taper. Wood tannins begin to grip the tongue gently, bringing balance to the earlier sweetness. A distinct white pepper note emerges at the tail end, lingering just long enough to leave a warm impression without overwhelming the senses. It fades with a touch of charred oak and toasted grain, a nod to its high-char barrels and traditional craftsmanship.

Overall Impression

Old Dominick Reserve 8 Year is a confident and comforting Tennessee bourbon—one that leans into rich sweetness without becoming overly syrupy, and shows maturity in both flavor and structure. The use of West Tennessee white oak and deep char #4 barrels imparts excellent barrel influence, which harmonizes beautifully with the vanilla and pastry notes.

For fans of dessert-forward bourbons that still retain complexity and backbone, this is a highly enjoyable pour. It’s particularly suited to sipping neat, though it could also elevate a classic Old Fashioned with its creamy vanilla and subtle spice.

A big THANK YOU to the team at Old Dominick for sending this amazing Media Box for my unbiased review.