Intense caramel | Applesauce | Raisin | Sweet | Aromatic

Raisin | Apple pie | Dense seasoned oak | Tobacco | Caramel | Rich

Baking spices | Raisin | Brown sugar | Caramel | Clove | Vanilla custard | Long

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.

Conviction Single Barrel Bourbon is the company’s flagship product. It goes into the barrel at 105 proof, which is relatively low, and then is bottled at barrel proof with no water added. It’s a full-flavored bourbon that goes all-in on intensity of flavor. On the nose, intense caramel is met with applesauce and raisin, and is delivered in an intensely sweet, aromatic way. Raisin, apple pie, dense seasoned oak, tobacco, and caramel on the palate give way to baking spices, raisin, brown sugar, caramel, clove, and vanilla custard on the finish.

Discovering new bourbons is enjoyable when it’s a noteworthy pour, and Southern Grace Distilleries’ Conviction Single Barrel Bourbon delivers when it comes to an intense, memorable flavor profile. Their two-grain mashbill is somewhat unusual, drawing from the same playbook as Kings County Distillery. All-in at $55 per bottle, this is an off-the-beaten-path bottle that’s worth discovering for bourbon drinkers interested in something that’s full-flavored and a little different.

The bourbon in review is from barrel number 1007.