Southern Distilling Company Launches Southern Star Paragon Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks

A Distillery-Exclusive Release Showcasing Bold Innovation and Indulgent Flavor

STATESVILLE, N.C. (February 18, 2026) — North Carolina's Southern Distilling Company, celebrated for its award-winning line of bourbons and rye whiskeys, announces the release of its limited-edition Southern Star Paragon Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks. Beginning Saturday, February 21, the expression will be available exclusively at Southern Distilling Company's Statesville Tasting Room (211 Jennings Road, Statesville, NC 28625) for $49.95.

To complement the release, the distillery is offering a limited gift bundle priced at $79.95, featuring the new expression paired with wine-inspired artisan chocolate truffles and a bar of handmade whiskey chocolate, curated for elevated sipping and chocolate pairings.

Southern Star Bourbon Finished in Zinfandel Casks is the latest addition to Southern Distilling Company's Paragon Collection, bottled at 116.1 proof after spending more than a year finishing in used Zinfandel wine casks. The expression showcases yet another innovative approach from Southern Distilling Company to elevate their portfolio and push boundaries within American whiskey. The finished bourbon presents a rich burgundy hue, with aromas of baking spice, vanilla bean, and warm oak, leading to a viscous palate layered with earthy spice and cherry candy, followed by a bold oak and sweet campfire finish.

"It started with a conversation and a bit of curiosity between friends," says Pete Barger, co-founder and CEO of Southern Distilling Company. "We worked with a boutique California winery to source casks and what we received was well beyond what we imagined. The wines that lived in these barrels were almost port-like with a deep complexity. We knew we had to go all in!"

The finished bourbon is strikingly complex, with notes of dried candied fruit and chocolate, like a dessert tray captured in a bottle. It is rich without being heavy, indulgent without being overpowering, and unlike anything Southern Distilling Company has done previously.

"Zinfandel-finished bourbon isn't something you see every day. From the start, this release was about innovation and pushing boundaries, bringing bourbon together with a wine profile that refuses to be subtle," says Barger. "Driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to try something rare, the result exceeded our expectations and proved that the boldest barrels often tell the best stories."

Southern Star Paragon Whiskey Finished in Zinfandel Casks

(116.1 Proof / $49.95 MSRP)

• Color + Appearance: Rich burgundy

• Nose + Aroma: Baking spice, vanilla bean, and soft warm oak

• Palate + Taste: Viscous mouthfeel with a tannic, earthy spice, and cherry candy. Followed by dried fruit and chocolate, like a dessert tray captured in a bottle

• Finish: Strong oak and sweet campfire

About Southern Distilling Company

Family-owned and operated by Pete and Vienna Barger, Southern Distilling Company is proudly reigniting North Carolina's distilling tradition while embracing the innovative future of America's craft spirits industry. Headquartered in storied Statesville, N.C. - once labeled the "liquor capital of the world" in the 1800s - Southern Distilling Company has grown to become one of the country's largest privately owned distilleries since being founded in 2013. Today, it offers an innovative range of new-fill barrel production, aged-barrel sales, barrel-warehouse aging and co-packaging for more than 130 brands globally. Rooted in North Carolina's agricultural community, Southern Distilling Company supports a stringent grain-to-glass sustainability process that sources quality grains from farms within 20 miles of its facility.

Southern Distilling Company also produces its own line of award-winning artisan spirits, including Southern Star Paragon Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Southern Star Standard High-Rye Bourbon Whiskey, Southern Star Double Rye Whiskey, Southern Star Double Shot Bourbon Cream Liqueur and Hunting Creek Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey. Southern Star products are available in more than 18 markets across the U.S. with expanding national distribution. The distillery is open for tours, tastings and craft cocktails, plus hosts public and private events throughout the year.

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