13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon – Georgia's Bold Heritage Meets Colorado's Craft Spirit Scene

Updated → August 2025

Experience the robust character of 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon at 120+ proof, an uncut expression from Georgia's oldest operating distillery that delivers cherry pie sweetness, hazelnut richness, and a memorable root beer finish that bourbon connoisseurs are chasing nationwide.

The Cask Strength Bourbon Boom in 2025

The American whiskey market has experienced unprecedented growth, with cask strength offerings leading the charge. Premium bourbon sales increased by 17% in 2024, and barrel-proof expressions now command 23% of the high-end market segment. 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon exemplifies this trend, offering whiskey enthusiasts an uncut, unfiltered experience that showcases the true character of Georgia-aged bourbon.

What sets cask strength apart from standard bottlings goes beyond mere alcohol content. These expressions preserve the complete flavor profile as intended by the master distiller, delivering oils, esters, and congeners that would otherwise be diluted. The result is a more viscous mouthfeel, extended finish, and flavor complexity that evolves with each sip. For bourbon aficionados visiting Wagon Wheel Liquors in Durango, this represents an opportunity to experience whiskey in its purest form.

How 13th Colony Stacks Against Premium Competitors

The comparison reveals 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon occupies a sweet spot in the premium market. While younger than some competitors, its unique Georgia aging process accelerates maturation, creating flavor depth that punches above its age statement. The 21% rye content provides more spice character than typical bourbons, distinguishing it from sweeter, corn-forward expressions.

Georgia Terroir: The Secret Behind the Flavor

Americus, Georgia's climate plays a crucial role in developing 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon's distinctive profile. The region experiences temperature swings of 40-50 degrees between day and night during peak seasons, causing rapid barrel expansion and contraction. This aggressive interaction between spirit and wood extracts more flavor compounds in less time than traditional Kentucky rickhouses.

The steady humidity levels, averaging 70% year-round, prevent excessive evaporation while maintaining optimal angel's share rates. This environmental factor contributes to the bourbon's concentrated flavors without losing too much volume to evaporation. Master Distiller Graham Arthur hand-selects each barrel when it reaches peak flavor, regardless of age, ensuring every batch of cask strength release meets exacting standards.

Your First Pour: A Sensory Journey

Opening a bottle of 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon releases an immediate bouquet of toasted hazelnuts and sweet Georgia corn. The nose evolves as it breathes, revealing layers of cherry syrup, smoked oak, and worn leather. These aromatics promise complexity that the palate delivers in abundance.

The initial taste strikes with sweetness reminiscent of cherry pie filling and warm angel food cake. Despite the 120.64 proof, it drinks remarkably smooth, coating the mouth with viscous texture. Mid-palate transitions bring buttery maple notes before the finish surprises with craft root beer and candy shop licorice ropes. The finish extends for minutes, leaving warming spice and subtle floral notes of anise and apricot.

Why 120.64 Proof Matters

The specific proof point of 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon represents the natural strength at which the bourbon emerges from the barrel. This 60.32% ABV sits in the sweet spot for cask strength expressions—high enough to deliver full flavor impact but approachable enough for neat sipping without overwhelming heat. Each batch varies slightly in proof, making every release unique.

Limited Release Strategy & Secondary Market Reality

13th Colony Distilleries produces only 15,000 bottles of their cask strength expression annually, with distribution across 13 states. This scarcity has created significant secondary market demand, with some bottles reaching $1,000 on auction sites. The 2025 release doubled production from the previous year, yet still sold out in most markets within weeks of launch.

Colorado receives one of the larger allocations due to the state's enthusiasm for craft spirits. Wagon Wheel Liquors, with its 60-year history serving Durango, often secures bottles for loyal customers. The store's relationships with distributors and reputation for supporting craft distilleries positions them well for accessing limited releases like 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon.

Perfect Food Pairings for High-Proof Bourbon

The robust character of 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon demands equally bold food pairings. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher complements the bourbon's sweet notes while standing up to its proof. Aged cheeses, particularly sharp cheddars and smoked goudas, create delightful flavor interplay with the whiskey's oak and caramel elements.

For main courses, grilled ribeye with a bourbon reduction sauce showcases how the spirit enhances savory dishes. The high proof cuts through fatty richness while the cherry and vanilla notes complement char-grilled flavors. Dessert pairings excel with pecan pie, bourbon balls, or crème brûlée, where the bourbon's sweetness harmonizes with caramelized sugars.

Cocktail Applications: Beyond Neat Pours

While purists might insist 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon should only be enjoyed neat, its concentrated flavors make exceptional cocktails. The high proof maintains bourbon character even when diluted with mixers. A cask strength Old Fashioned, using half the typical bourbon volume, delivers intense flavor while allowing bartenders to control dilution precisely.

The Manhattan benefits similarly, with the bourbon's spice notes complementing sweet vermouth beautifully. For adventurous mixologists, try a Boulevardier where the bourbon's cherry notes play against Campari's bitterness. Even simple highballs shine when made with cask strength bourbon—the extra proof ensures flavor persists through ice melt and soda dilution.

The Water & Ice Debate: Finding Your Sweet Spot

Adding water to 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon isn't heresy—it's chemistry. A few drops of room-temperature water can open up aromatic compounds, revealing hidden flavors masked by alcohol heat. Start with 2-3 drops per ounce, swirl gently, and taste. Some drinkers prefer bringing proof down to 100-110, finding their personal sweet spot through experimentation.

Ice serves a different purpose, chilling while diluting gradually. A single large cube minimizes surface area, slowing dilution while cooling the bourbon. This method particularly suits summer sipping on Durango's warm afternoons. Whiskey stones offer cooling without dilution but can't match ice's ability to evolve the drinking experience as it melts.

Storage & Serving Temperature Guidelines

Proper storage preserves 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon's integrity for years. Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from temperature fluctuations. Unlike wine, bourbon doesn't improve in the bottle, but proper storage prevents degradation. Keep bottles away from direct sunlight, which can break down flavor compounds and fade the liquid's amber color.

Serving temperature significantly impacts perception. Room temperature (68-72°F) provides the fullest flavor experience, allowing all aromatic compounds to volatilize properly. Slightly chilled (60-65°F) can tame alcohol heat for those sensitive to high proof. Never serve cask strength bourbon too cold, as low temperatures mute complex flavors you're paying premium prices to experience.

Investment Potential & Collector Value

The secondary market for 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon demonstrates strong appreciation potential. Previous releases have doubled or tripled in value within 12-18 months of selling out. The distillery's growing reputation, combined with limited production, creates favorable supply-demand dynamics for collectors.

However, bourbon investment requires proper storage and patience. Bottles must remain sealed with intact tax stamps to maintain value. Original packaging, including boxes and documentation, significantly impacts resale prices. Consider purchasing multiple bottles—one for drinking, one for collecting—if you can secure allocation at retail price from Wagon Wheel Liquors.

Durango's Growing Bourbon Culture

Durango's bourbon scene has evolved dramatically over the past decade. The city's 7,000-foot elevation affects alcohol perception, making spirits taste stronger than at sea level. This makes cask strength bourbons like 13th Colony particularly interesting for local enthusiasts who appreciate bold flavors that cut through altitude effects.

Local bourbon clubs meet monthly at various venues, with Wagon Wheel Liquors hosting occasional tastings featuring allocated releases. The store's Happy Hour (Monday-Friday 4-6PM) offers opportunities to discuss bourbon with knowledgeable staff and fellow enthusiasts. This community aspect enhances the bourbon experience beyond simple consumption.

Ordering Options at Wagon Wheel

Wagon Wheel Liquors offers multiple purchasing options for 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon. In-store pickup remains the most popular choice, allowing customers to browse the extensive selection while securing their bottle. The store's central location at 30 Town Plaza provides convenient access with ample free parking—a rarity in downtown Durango.

Online ordering through wagonwheelliquors.com streamlines the purchase process for busy customers. Orders can be placed 24/7 for next-day pickup during store hours. For special releases like cask strength expressions, joining the store's email list ensures notification when new shipments arrive. Given the limited nature of these releases, acting quickly upon notification is essential.

Gift-Worthy Occasions & Presentation Tips

13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon makes an exceptional gift for milestone celebrations. The limited availability and premium positioning communicate thoughtfulness and sophistication. Consider pairing the bottle with quality glassware—Glencairn glasses or neat bourbon tasters enhance the sipping experience and create a complete gift package.

Presentation matters for gift-giving. Request gift wrapping at Wagon Wheel Liquors, or create a custom bourbon basket including artisanal bitters, bourbon cherries, and cocktail recipe cards. For corporate gifts or special occasions, include a handwritten note explaining the bourbon's unique Georgia heritage and limited production story.

The Expert Verdict: Is It Worth the Premium?

After extensive evaluation, 13th Colony Cask Strength Southern Bourbon justifies its $89-99 price point through exceptional quality and uniqueness. The Georgia terroir creates flavors unavailable from traditional bourbon regions, while the uncut presentation preserves every nuance the master distiller intended. For bourbon enthusiasts seeking something beyond standard Kentucky offerings, this represents excellent value.

The combination of accessibility and excellence makes this an ideal purchase for both beginners exploring cask strength territory and seasoned collectors building comprehensive libraries. While the limited availability creates urgency, resist paying significant secondary market premiums—patience and persistence at retailers like Wagon Wheel Liquors will eventually reward you with retail-priced bottles.