Tasting Notes: Old South Seven Year Old Wheated/Sorghum Bourbon 7 Year Old (Estate Collection #3)

As a follow on to my review of Old Soul’s Wheat Whiskey from its estate collection, I was able to pick up another estate collection release, which is a seven year old wheated bourbon but that also has sorghum grain in the mashbill. The exact mashbill is on the label, 65% corn, 28% wheat, and 7% sorghum. Sorghum grains are often used to feed cattle, but can be popped like popcorn and eaten much like corn if cooked properly. The plants themselves contain a lot of great sugars that can be used to make molasses. The common sorghum grian in the gulf south is milo, and presumably that is what is in this bourbon. It is bottled at 111.5 proof. Given how much I enjoyed the wheat whiskey, I am excited to try this. This bottle was $75.

Color and Swirl

The bourbon presents a solid amber color, which is about right for its age. Swirling the glass reveals a thin film that gradually develops slow-moving, thick legs, pointing to an oily character.

Nose

The nose is elegant and multifaceted. Rich vanilla and baking spices form the base, intertwined with toasted marshmallow and cherry fruit that evokes a fresh, creamy sweetness. There’s a faint earthy complexity, likely attributable to the sorghum grain, while subtle notes of citrus and bubblegum add layers to the aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, the whiskey is buttery and round, presenting sweet, nutty notes of almond and hazelnut. A pronounced cherry flavor, reminiscent of cherry cordial, and green apple. These flavors merge with cocktail bitters and vanilla cream, yielding a vibrant profile. Beneath this, soft molasses and caramel tones blend with hints of grain and gentle floral notes, echoing the arrival of fall with a caramel apple nuance. There is a bit of youthful bitterness on the first pour. However, this youthful bitterness is gone when sampling it the next day. Unlike most wheated bourbons, this does not have the typical baked goods/cinnamon rolls notes, which I attribute to the sorghum grain adding more caramel than you would typically find on a wheated bourbon.

Mouthfeel

The mouthfeel is medium but gives a surprisingly oily impression. Each sip feels deliberate and substantial, with the texture-driven craft origins of the whiskey shining through.

Finish

The finish is clean yet lingering, with a harmonious interplay of grain, cherry cordial, green apple, vanilla, and fleeting citrus—almost suggesting a creamsicle sensation. There’s a brief hint of youthful bitterness, but this fades quickly with a bit of oxygenation, making the whiskey soft and highly drinkable after a day of letting it breathe. The flavors persist pleasantly, ending on Southern dessert notes with a subtle nod to the estate’s roots.

Overall Impression

Old Soul’s Estate Collection Number 3, which is Bourbon with wheat and sorghum in the mashbill stands out for its layered sweetness, cherry and apple profile, and textural richness. While there may be momentary youthful bitterness at first pour, this dissipates with time, revealing a nuanced, enjoyable pour that highlights Mississippi’s distilling terroir. This bottle excels in balancing approachable drinkability with bold flavor, earning high marks for those who appreciate cherry, apple, and nutty bourbon profiles. This is not a true wheated bourbon but something else altogether. The sorghum, even though only a small percentage of the mashbill, has an outsize influence on the flavor. I think sorghum is the source of the caramel apple flavors in the bourbon. Although I do have to say I prefer the wheat whiskey, this is a very interesting and different bourbon.

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