Military Bourbon Review: ASW Distillery – Georgia Heartwood

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History – At ASW Distillery, their narrative is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and innovation. It begins with the whispered tales of our forebears – Searlas Tompson, Jacques Chastain, and Justin Wingo – whose legacies spanned continents and centuries. From the misty shores of Ireland to the sun-drenched vineyards of France and the rugged landscapes of England, their journeys laid the groundwork for their own odyssey, infusing it with a deep sense of heritage and adventure.

Amidst the bustling halls of the University of Georgia, friendships flourished and dreams took root. Jim Chasteen and I, Charlie Thompson, found ourselves drawn together by a shared passion for whiskey and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Thus, American Spirit Whiskey was born – a tribute to our collective vision and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship.

But their story didn’t unfold in isolation. Fate intervened when we crossed paths with Justin Manglitz, a fellow UGA alum whose passion for brewing and innovation mirrored our own. Together, they embarked on a journey to redefine the boundaries of distillation, blending ancient traditions with cutting-edge techniques to create spirits that are as timeless as they are innovative.

This esteemed bourbon, crafted from meticulously foraged high-wheat grains, boasts a wheat content surpassing that of the renowned allocated wheated bourbons by over twofold. It sits in its original charred white oak barrel for the first 4 years, then they transfer it to a second new charred white oak barrel for another 2 years and finally finish it the final few months on staves of hand-harvested charred white oak.

Today, as Southern Pot-Still Pioneers, they stand at the forefront of a new era in the world of spirits. With every bottle we craft, they pay homage to the past while boldly forging ahead into the future. In each carefully distilled drop, you’ll find echoes of their ancestors’ journeys, woven seamlessly into the fabric of our modern-day quest for perfection. Lets dig in!

Value – It’s right on par for the complexity it puts off!

Appearance – What an amazing bottle and cream colored label. I love the wine bottle shapes.

Nose – Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Grape Soda but keep you hovering soaking in the deep flavor. This is a smell to grasp onto. I imagine just sitting on a porch enjoying this smell time after time.

Palate – Heavy Smoke and Char / Very Thick / Cinnamon Cookie and at its Cask Strength offering it gives you so much flavor. It’s heavy and complex all at once.

Finish – Lingering with a lovely thickness that sits in the tongue for some time. The cooling lasts only for 5-8 seconds and it really coats your mouth with a very fine Smoke flavor. I have to say this is one of my favorite finishes. Not sure if I could ask for something better.

Summary – This spirit captivates my senses effortlessly. ASW Distillery’s offerings, marrying age-old traditions with innovative techniques, embody a pioneering ethos. Its intricate layers of flavor are complemented by excellent value, while the exquisite bottle design mirrors the meticulous craftsmanship within. With a mashbill rich in wheat, its complexity shines brightly, setting it apart from the rest. ASW seamlessly integrates the echoes of their forebears’ adventures into a contemporary pursuit of excellence, positioning themselves for extreme success.

“Complex and Masterful….Above All Excellent!”

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 10

Appearance- 1-10 – 8

Nose- 1-20 – 18

Palate- 1-20 – 18

Finish- 1-20 – 20

Value- 1-20 – 18