Southern Distilling Company Releases Second Batch of Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels for the Holidays

Limited-Time Seasonal Expression Available at Statesville Distillery and ABC Stores Across North Carolina

STATESVILLE, N.C. (November 5, 2025) - Back by popular demand and just in time for the holidays, North Carolina's Southern Distilling Company has announced the release of the second batch of its limited-edition Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels. The first batch sold out almost immediately when launched last year as a distillery exclusive, and while this year's release will be more widely available, quantities remain limited. Beginning November 8, the bourbon 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 a locally sourced honey-drenched barrel. A meticulous blend of local grains and a final period maturing in wildflower honey-saturated barrels create a rich amber spirit offering aromas of sweet butterscotch, earthy spice, and toasted oak, unfolding on the palate with layers of toffee, delicate honey, and floral notes ending with a creamy finish. Balanced in flavor and finish, this versatile new limited release is crafted to be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a favorite cocktail.

"We first launched this expression last year as a distillery exclusive, and it sold out almost immediately," shared 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."

In celebration of the November 8 launch, Southern Distilling Company will serve four honey-forward cocktails at its Statesville Tasting Room, including The Buzz, made with Southern Star Double Shot and Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Honey Barrels. A limited distillery-exclusive gift bundle ($65) featuring the new Honey Barrel bourbon, 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)

• Color + Appearance: Rich amber color with a warm glow

• Nose + Aroma: Sweet and butterscotchy with a hint of earthy spice and toasted oak

• Palate + Taste: Layers of toffee, delicate honey and floral notes, with a rich, creamy texture

For more information, visit the link below.

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About Southern Distilling Company

Family-owned and operated by Pete and Vienna Barger, Southern Distilling Company has proudly reignited North Carolina's distilling tradition while embracing the innovative future of America's craft spirits industry. Headquartered in storied Statesville, N.C. — once labeled the "liquor capital of the world" in the 1800s — Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country's largest privately owned distilleries since being founded in 2013. Today, it offers an innovative range of new-fill barrel production, aged-barrel sales, barrel-warehouse aging, and co-packaging for more than 170 brands globally. Rooted in North Carolina's agricultural community, Southern Distilling Company supports a stringent grain-to-glass sustainability process that sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility.

Southern Distilling Company also produces its own line of award-winning artisan spirits. The distillery is open for tours, tastings, and craft cocktails, plus hosts public and private events year-round. For more information, visit the link below.