Whiskey Review: Cathead Distillery Old Soul Bourbon

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Cathead Distillery. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.

The Cathead Distillery is among the oldest of the small number of distilleries operating currently in Mississippi. Located in Jackson it was founded in 2010, a mere 90 years after prohibition. Many of us are used to seeking out labels named after old school bourbon makers such as Pappy Van Winkle, Fitzgerald, Colonel Taylor and so on. Those labels come from distilleries that have often been operating (in one form or another) since the late 1800’s. When we think bourbon, we think American history.  So, why the late start, Mississippi?

Well, in 1920 the Volstead Act came about and 13 years of a relatively dry America followed. Not only did it ruin the true American invention called a cocktail for decades, but it caused a huge increase in crime surrounding the smuggling of alcohol. Many conservative southern states helped lead the forefront for prohibition, Mississippi being one of them.

Mississippi enacted prohibition in 1907 and didn’t fully repeal it until 1966! That’s a tough 60 years. Without a doubt, any lingering legislation would have made opening a distillery rather difficult. Social norms would likely dissuade individuals from opening such places as well. Now, luckily, a couple folks gave it a go.

Austin Evans and Richard Patrick opened Cathead Distillery, named after a respectful term for an artist originating from the days when blues was up and coming. They have several products, including your instant money makers – vodka and gin. They also have a chicory liqueur, something that should interest anyone who has been to the south and enjoyed the woody, nutty chicory coffee you can find almost anywhere.

Now, Old Soul Blended Straight Bourbon Whiskey is available. It has transparent information on the label, such as mash bill and blend percentages. It also lets us know that some of the juice is sourced, but without a doubt they’re in good motion to have everything in the bottle be made at the Cathead Distillery. I look forward to that day, because it will only get better I’m sure!

Cathead Distillery Old Soul Bourbon (image via Cameron Holck/The Whiskey Wash)

Tasting Notes: Cathead Distillery Old Soul Blended Straight Bourbon

Vital Stats: 90 Proof, 21% rye, 75% corn and 4% malted barley. Blend of 2 year 1 month, 4 year 3 month and 4 year 8 month whiskey. Non chill filtered and no color added. Distilled in both Mississippi and Indiana. Around $50 for a 750.

Appearance: Wonderfully textured and classy label. Golden amber hue.

Nose: Caramel and pecans with a touch of lactic acid. Shoe fly pie, touch of lemon zest and soft corn.

Palate: Soft and nicely balanced. Nice citrus and red berries on the front, with a lingering salivation that goes into toasted wood, vanilla, molasses, lightly toasted cinnamon and a nice chalky finish.