I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a bottle of Southern Star Paragon Cask Strength for over a year now, but I live in Colorado, so that has made the acquisition a bit difficult. I was finally able to get a bottle, thanks to a friend who recently took a trip to NC and brought me back a bottle. Boy were my expectations exceeded! What a pour! Nose: Warm, buttery brown sugar and molasses, a little cherry, toasted oak/marshmallow. Palate: Creamy caramel, vanilla, light plum/raisin, all coated with a sweet, rich oak. Phenomenal. Finish: Dark, rich, and long, in the best way. Just like how you feel right after finishing two slices of pecan pie at Thanksgiving. Rating: 9/10 (An all-time favorite.) This bourbon is nearly dessert in a glass. It has every bit of sweetness you want from a wheated bourbon without pushing it too far. No young or “crafty” notes observed at all. This is legitimately one of the best bourbons I’ve had, easily standing its ground against older, more expensive bottles in my collection. Because of this, I just HAD to put it in a blind. I am a big fan of Weller Antique 107, it’s easily one of my top ten bourbons. I blinded this bottle of Paragon Cask Strength (106.5 proof) against Weller Antique 107 and Paragon won, quickly and easily. Admittedly, I was immediately aware of which was which, as I drink Weller 107 often, but I absolutely preferred the Paragon hands down. I don’t think I’ll be spending very much money on Weller from here on out. I’m just going to have to buy this stuff by the case whenever I visit my family in NC.

- Lonnie Foster Verified

Response from Southern Distilling Company Hi Lonnie - thank you for this incredible review. YOU are welcome at Southern Distilling Company any time. Stay tuned, we will be offering our Cask Strength Paragon online in the next 4-6 months. Until then, come for a visit or send your friend back.