Distillery: ASW Distillery – Atlanta, GA
Proof: 116.4
Age: 4+ (no age statement)
Mashbill: 51% Corn, 45% Wheat, 4% Malted Barley
MSRP: $85
Company
ASW Distillery is in Atlanta, GA. ASW = American Spirit Whiskey. ASW is a relatively new distillery, with its first commercial release in 2011. But they are aggressively developing labels. As of the date of this review, they have four bourbons and one rye in the market.
Production
ASW Distillery calls this their “renowned foraged high-wheat bourbon.” Unlike its sister bourbon, Fiddler Unison, Heartwood is all outsourced distillate, presumably from MGP.
What is unique about Heartwood is it is a triple-oaked bourbon. Like one of the fine distilleries in Kentucky, ASW adds oak staves during the final few months. However, ASW uses white oak staves sourced from Georgia.
Fiddler Georgia Heartwood Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes
Nose 4/5
As you might expect, this one is quite oaky on the nose. Green apple with caramel, reminiscent of an old-time county fair.
Palate 2.5/5
The dark copper color of this single barrel (#721, 20 staves) would have you assume it’ll be a richly flavorful pour. But I was disappointed from the first sip. The higher proof seems to take away from what should be a packed palate.
A few drops of water to tone down the proof proved me right as the flavors came full forward. Caramel with a little heat, a little butterscotch, and toffee that you’d expect from a wheated.
Finish 2.5/5
The spice comes through unexpectedly and lingers a long time as the mouthfeel is quite oily. A lot of cinnamon and that familiar caramel. This is one where some added water or over-ice adds value and does not significantly diminish the complexity.
Value 1/5
I would have expected much more from this bourbon with its triple-oaked dark copper color, and high wheat content. For $90, I’m a hard pass on it.
In fact, I will pass this bottle to a friend, hoping it finds a home with someone who enjoys it.
ASW Georgia Heartwood Review: The Verdict
2/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.25 – 5
- Gold – 3.25 – 4.24
- Silver – 2.75 – 3.24
- Bronze – <2.75
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.