Our last round of barrels from our trip to Atlanta’s ASW is in, and we’re back with three more unique picks, including our first Rum-Finished and first Georgia Oak-Finished single barrels.
The Georgia Oak-Finished has been getting a lot of attention lately, with Forbes recently naming it one of the Best Small Batch Bourbons at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition. After traditional aging in a charred white oak barrel, it underwent secondary aging in a new, charred Georgia white oak barrel from a local cooperage known for their wider grain, allowing more contact between the bourbon and the wood. Finished for just under two years of its total life, we were most impressed by its bright cherry candy and creamy vanilla tones - especially for a double-barreled product.

Next up, our Rum-Finished single barrel. As Seelbach’s grows we love stumbling across Easter eggs. Back in 2018 we tasted through multiple barrels at Richland Rum for our first barrel pick from the distillery. One particular barrel continued to age and was then sent to ASW after it was harvested. We love small tie ins that we see from craft producers we love, and this end result resulted in vibrant sugars balanced with sweet oak and plump fruitiness.
Lastly, we have another Georgia Heartwood barrel. While our last Heartwood pick had extra age on the finish, this one stood out for its rich, heavy, but classic profile we’ve grown to love from these barrels. Think dark cherries and cigar box.
ASW Fiddler Double Oaked Georgia Oak Encore Bourbon 120.6 Proof #620
The nose is tightly packed and rich, offering cocoa powder, banana split, cherry syrup, and even a kiss of honeysuckle before giving way to fragrant, sweet oak.
The palate is dense and syrupy, rich brown sugar and sweet oak lead the way, followed by coconut snow cone syrup, marshmallow creaminess, and bright cherry candies, all balanced by complementing spices.
The finish is sweet and smooth, with just the right amount of charred oak more familiar in toasted or double-oaked barrels, but it lingers with those brighter cherry notes lasting even further.
ASW Fiddler Rum Finished Encore Bourbon 115.6 Proof #153
Rich cane syrup is prominent on the nose - fruity, fragrant, and inviting. Caramel, vanilla, piña colada, fig, all sorts of fun little nuances can be found in the nose.
The palate is rounded and sweet, tasting a bit more like a cocktail than a whiskey at first. While not overly sweet, there is definitely no mistaking this one is a finished spirit. Cane sugar and vanilla dominate, with longer notes of citrus, spice, floral elements, and a touch of oak tannin that emerges with continued sips.
The finish cascades plump and sweet, a creamy continuation of the palate’s core notes.
ASW Distillery Fiddler Georgia Heartwood Bourbon 120 Proof #289
The nose is rich and robust, with spiced and smoked leather, balanced by inviting notes of sugarcane, Luxardo cherry, sweet oak, and caramel sauce.
The palate is expansive and clinging - spiced leather, brandied cherry, and heavy cigar box followed by lingering notes of confectioners’ sugar and a touch of baked peach and apple cobbler.
The finish is long-lasting. While charred marshmallows, spiced cherries, and leather are present, there’s a comforting, clean sweetness - much like the nose - that ultimately carries through and surpasses it all.
Just a beautifully done Georgia Heartwood barrel.