Conviction bourbon is distilled by Southern Grace Distilleries, which is located in the small town of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. Southern Grace Distilleries was founded in 2014 and was initially located in Concord, North Carolina, before moving to Mount Pleasant in 2016. The distillery operates out of an abandoned 1929 state prison, which they refer to as “Whiskey Prison.” They distill onsite, and age their barrels in the prison cell block dormitory. Products include bourbon, corn whiskey, and other flavored distilled spirits.

The Winter 2024 release is a single barrel that was aged for 5 years and 7 months, which includes 2 years in the first barrel and then 3 years and 7 months in the second. Double Oak 1929 Bourbon shares similar underpinnings to the brand’s core Single Barrel expression, but trades sweeter flavors for more savory ones. Dense seasoned oak, caramel, and raisin on the nose are joined by a tobacco scent, which carries through the rest of the sip. Raisin also carries through the sip, which is joined by pie crust, apple, and caramel on the palate. Baking spices emerge on the finish, along with a hint of cigar box, clove, and vanilla custard to add a little sweetness to the mix.

Like the core expression, Conviction Single Barrel Bourbon, Double Oak 1929 is a full-flavored, dynamic pour. The exchange of sweet flavors for savory ones works well here, and though 1929 loses a bit of proof by comparison, it has deeper color and maintains a similar degree of richness of flavor. Results will vary from barrel to barrel, but given the intensity of flavor, it’s likely other older Conviction releases will offer a high degree of flavor as well.

The bottle in review is from the Winter 2024 barrel number 21-0088.