All right, I’ve got another first-pour review, this time it's a bourbon from my home state of Georgia. Today I’m reviewing Thirteenth Colony Distilleries’ 2026 Cask Strength Southern Bourbon Whiskey, coming in at 120.82 proof.
Nose
I poured a glass and let it sit for a couple of minutes, as I typically do with higher-proof bourbons, before diving in. The nose is very traditional and straightforward, opening with baking spices, primarily clove and soft cinnamon. From there, caramel and vanilla notes emerge. For a 120.82-proof bourbon, I’m surprised by how little ethanol is present on the nose. That’s a pleasant surprise. After the first sip, some ethanol briefly comes forward but quickly settles down again. With a few more sips, cherry and dark fruit notes begin to develop.
Palate
The first sip delivers an aggressive hit of ethanol and baking spice; it really punches you right in the face. I went back to the nose briefly, then returned for a second sip. By then, the ethanol had subsided as my palate acclimated. Flavors of clove, black pepper, vanilla, and a touch of honeyed graham cracker come through. There’s also a subtle minty rye spice that’s nicely balanced by a gentle honey sweetness.
Given the mash bill (70% corn, 21% rye, and 5% malted barley), I didn't expect this much rye influence. Interestingly, the malted barley seems to play a nearly equal role, adding an earthy quality to the palate. That said, make no mistake, you know you’re drinking a 120-proof bourbon. Fortunately, it’s a well-balanced experience with a moderate sweetness to offset the heat.
This is an improvement over Thirteenth Colony’s 2025 cask strength release. It’s buttery, slightly syrupy, and carries a punchy heat with a spicy backbone. Keep in mind that the more you sip on it, the sweeter it becomes. Despite its relatively young age (5 to 6 years), I still pick up some dry oak and dry tobacco starting from the mid-palate and carrying through the finish. Later in the tasting, a praline-pecan nuttiness and sweetness begin to show up, adding another layer of complexity.
Finish
The finish is long and spicy. Baking spices linger, while the heat brings a moderate drying effect, accompanied by notes of dry oak and tobacco.
Final Thoughts
This is a good bourbon. While it is not in the realm of one of my all-time favorites, Thirteenth Colony Double Oaked Batch 1, it’s an enjoyable expression, especially considering its 5–6 year age. I’m interested to see how this profile evolves as the bottle opens up after this first-pour review.