Georgia called; they want you to know they make whiskey too. Founded in 2009, 13th Colony is the oldest operating distillery since Prohibition in the state. Their master distiller, Graham Arthur, is the final say in all things liquid quality. 13th Colony offers a brief background on Graham, saying:
Trained as a classical chef, Graham Arthur is truly an artist of flavor. While liquor has been his passion for over 13 years, he started in the culinary world, graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, Graham worked in notable southern restaurants in Atlanta, and Charleston. He has devoted his talents to creating unique flavors in the 13th Colony spirits.
Graham personally tastes EVERY barrel to ensure our unique flavors meet the standards 13th Colony has become known for. This is why our Southern Bourbon & Rye Whiskey's do not have age statements. After the minimum of 4 years, Graham selects the barrel at the time it is taste-test ready. So each batch has barrels 4, 5 & 6 years old.
Graham is a veteran of our great country having served in the the US Coast Guard. These years formed the foundation that have led to how we, 13th Colony, create flavor in our spirits. We take the approach of a highly trained chef who’s consistently looking for harmony in the taste of our products. When you sip a Thirteenth Colony product, you can trust that every ingredient has been specifically chosen for its flavor and quality to create a unique experience.
What they claim makes them unique is South Georgia's climate, providing natural heat cycles with 20+ degree swings year-round. They also run quite humid, something that anyone who has visited in the summer can attest to. In a unique twist, this release features French oak spirals, a tight-grain wood that is known for aging whiskey a little differently than the looser-grain American oak. French oak is often celebrated for its subtlety, as well as its ability to impart more color in distilled spirits like Scotch. Wondering if this could be your next favorite shelfer? Let's jump in and find out. It should be noted that 13th Colony sent along their flagship bourbon and rye for the purposes of a review with no strings attached. In accordance with our editorial policy, this in no way affects the final rating of the whiskey under review.
Company on Label: Thirteenth Colony Distilleries, LLC Americus, GA
Whiskey Type: Rye whiskey distilled in IN
Mash Bill Percentages: 95% rye, and 5% malted barley
Proof: 95°
Age: A blend of 4-6 year barrels
Further Identification: Southern rye whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels with custom toasted French oak wood spirals; it features a distinct bottle shape reminiscent of Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, yet it boasts an affordable MSRP of $45
Nose: The aromas that lead the way upon lifting the glass are subtle but fruity and citrus-forward for sure, a pretty typical hallmark of this Indiana mash bill. I find lemon curd, fried dough, and the metallic screaming carnival ride we know and love as the Zipper. The general profile has a slight mustiness to it that vaguely reminds me of a horse barn. The nose doesn't really wow me with anything special here, so I'll move into a sip before continuing my patient exploration.
Soft vanilla permeates the well-rested and warmed glass. The distant scent of pool water can be made out on long inhales. Overall, it is light beyond light in all aspects. Deep inhales of my glass resemble the inhalation that follows a long sigh ringing out in the air that fills the room. The empty glass smells of fir boughs and dry clay.
Palate: On first taste, this whiskey leads with a pretty vague character. Some light lemon notes crop up before lingonberry and Bavarian cream doughnuts take over an incredibly easy sip. Vanilla bean, coffee bean, and cardboard notes slide out almost accidentally from the delicate linger. There's absolutely nothing to dislike, but I'm struggling to discern a novel characteristic that sets it apart from most other shelf whiskey. I was hoping to find some distinct Georgia terroir, but I'm left a bit let down in my exploration here overall. Late in the glass some fresh briar wood comes up, a nod to an era where I had an affinity towards pipe tobacco early on in adulthood. Palate calibration comes in many forms. My last sip offers a hint of anise, a flash of Douglas Fir tea, and an underlying Choco Taco vibe. The finish is nonexistent.
TL;DR: A lack of profound character makes for an impeccably easy sip
Rating: 3/5
This is a pour built for the warmth of the south. The lack of heat, bold flavor, and distinct character here is clearly designed to be approachable for the warm weather enthusiasts the distillery keeps near and dear. As a reviewer in the throes of a New England cold front, this pour clearly lacks the gusto I'm looking for in a whiskey ready for winter. The bold character of MGP distillate has been blended to oblivion here. What is a complaint for me will likely be a benefactor to most other more casual whiskey sippers. It's an easy one to sit with and sip without too much thought, which is not how I enjoy drinking whiskey personally. As someone who tastes hundreds of whiskeys per year, this pour struggles to stand out from the crowd.
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