Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review.
Just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind… And a dram of Savannah Distilling’s Founder’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon. Savannah is an immaculate coastal city snuggled right on the Georgia and South Carolina border. The city flourishes with cobblestone walkways and oak trees covered in Spanish Moss.
Savannah Distilling has high hopes to eventually break ground for a visitor’s center and distillery right in Savannah’s historic district. They have been slowly growing since 2013. Their portfolio has a range of items, in addition to today’s review, that include Vodka, Premium Bourbon, Sweet Tea Bourbon, and Honey Bourbon. The Founder’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon holds a Platinum Best of Class from the Sip Awards in 2022.
Charles Barfield and Justin Farmer are Georgia natives, co-founders and childhood friends. They created a life in Savannah and didn’t want to live anywhere else, but they did want to make a name for themselves. Eventually, they realized their mutual love for bourbon and their beloved hometown sparked the idea to make their own bourbon, with Georgian flare.
They dove right into the industry and their first release, 88 Premium Bourbon (88 representing the proof), is their staple whiskey and foundation that paved the way for their other bourbon products. From there they’ve also launched Savannah Bourbon & Honey (made with rare sourwood honey from Savannah Bee Company) and Savannah Sweet Tea Bourbon (infused with natural tea leaves and real lemon).
With the Founder’s Reserve what you have here, compared to the typical Savannah 88 blend of four- and five-year barrels, is an American whiskey that’s aged longer (6-7 years) and comes from one barrel. It was first released in 2020.
Tasting Notes: Savannah Distilling Founder’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon
Vital Stats: 108 Proof. Aged 6+ years. Mash bill unknown, but at least 51% corn. They sell direct on-site and local liquor stores in Savannah, GA.
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Appearance: A deep gold color, with some legs that start to slowly show itself and then dance quickly down the edge of the glass to rejoin the whiskey pond.
Nose: The welcome greeting is a scoop of honey pistachio gelato in a freshly made waffle cone. Sitting longer with it, even an Almond Joy comes in to say hello. Yes, a milk chocolate tone is balanced with coconut and a hint of a mild nut. At the very end, even some graham cracker is noticed.
Palate: Oh wow, I love the mouthfeel right off the bat with this one. A velvet candied orange slice hugs the tongue and a caramel apple taffy follows down the throat to warm the chest. This seductive juice has you leaning back, relaxed, and enjoying the ride. And it’s a long ride. There is no hurried exit with this one, not that you want it to.
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