'Real' Bourbon? The 13th Colony Mystery

By Charlie G. Peterson, IV

​As I sit at my mahogany desk, the golden glow of my desk lamp casting a warm light on the aged pages of bourbon history before me, a story unfolds – one that is as much a part of America's rich tapestry as the Declaration of Independence itself.

​​Today, we delve into a contemporary enigma that mirrors the old-world charm and secrecy of the bourbon industry: the curious case of the 13th Colony bourbon.

​​The 13th Colony saga is more than just a question of provenance; it's a glimpse into the heart of bourbon culture. It's about the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle, whether distilled in a small craft distillery or sourced from a larger producer. This passion is what drives the bourbon industry forward, pushing the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship, and weaving new stories into its history.

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​Whiskey enthusiasts may have raised an eyebrow or two upon hearing the recent revelations about 13th Colony Distillery's bourbon. The distillery, nestled in the heart of Georgia, has become the center of a swirling mystery: Are they distilling their own bourbon or sourcing it?

The answer, or the lack thereof, paints a picture as intriguing as any archaeological find I've come across in my travels.

The evidence is a mosaic of marketing semantics and historical precedent. The distillery's choice of words – “handcrafted,” “made,” “crafted from hand-selected barrels” – dances around the term “distilled,” leaving a whisper of doubt lingering in the air. Such linguistic choreography is not new to the bourbon world; it's as old as the spirit itself. The fact that 13th Colony has a history of sourcing their Sour Mash Bourbon, a practice mirrored by many in the industry, adds another layer to this puzzle.

​As we sip our bourbons, whether they come from the copper stills of a craft distillery or the vast warehouses of a larger producer, we are tasting more than just a spirit. We are savoring the rich, complex flavors of history, culture, and craftsmanship. We are experiencing the essence of America, distilled into a glass.

​In my explorations of ancient ruins, I've learned that what is not said often speaks volumes about the truth. The same holds for bourbon. The mash bills employed by 13th Colony bear a striking resemblance to those used by renowned sourced whiskey producers. This, combined with the absence of typical craft whiskey characteristics in reviews, suggests that the hands crafting this bourbon might belong to a more seasoned, possibly larger, distillery.
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This revelation is not an isolated event but a thread in the grand tapestry of bourbon history. Sourcing whiskey is a practice as old as the industry itself, a tradition woven into its very fabric. It’s a reminder that the bourbon industry, like America, is a melting pot – a blend of different stories, techniques, and origins.

​Bourbon's history is a chronicle of resilience and ingenuity. From the early days of frontier distillers to the rise of large-scale operations, the industry has always been about adaptation and survival. The art of sourcing and blending is not just a business tactic; it's a craft in itself, honed over centuries. Distilleries like 13th Colony, whether they distill their whiskey or not, are part of this legacy – a legacy of creating a product that resonates with the palate and the soul.
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The bourbon industry's narrative is reflective of the broader American story. It's a history marked by a spirit of exploration, a willingness to adopt and adapt, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. Just as America has been shaped by diverse influences and cultures, so too has bourbon been crafted by a multitude of hands, each leaving their unique imprint on its flavor and character.

​The 13th Colony saga is more than just a question of provenance; it's a glimpse into the heart of bourbon culture. It's about the passion and dedication that goes into every bottle, whether distilled in a small craft distillery or sourced from a larger producer. This passion is what drives the bourbon industry forward, pushing the boundaries of flavor and craftsmanship, and weaving new stories into its history.
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As a journalist with an eye for detail and a heart for the narrative, I see this unfolding story as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the bourbon industry. The ambiguity surrounding 13th Colony's distilling practices isn't a mark of deception; rather, it's a hallmark of the bourbon industry's complexity and depth. In this industry, the blending of sources, stories, and techniques is not just a practice but an art form.

​This artistry is mirrored in the broader strokes of American history. From the early settlers blending their Old World techniques with New World ingredients to create unique American spirits, to the modern-day craft movement that pushes the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making, the story of bourbon is a microcosm of the American experience. It's a narrative of innovation, of blending the old with the new, of creating something uniquely American.
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In the case of 13th Colony and many others in the bourbon industry, sourcing whiskey is part of this grand narrative. It's a practice that speaks to the industry's resilience and adaptability, its ability to embrace change while honoring tradition. This duality is at the heart of bourbon, reflecting the dual nature of America itself – a land of tradition and innovation, of history and progress.

​As we sip our bourbons, whether they come from the copper stills of a craft distillery or the vast warehouses of a larger producer, we are tasting more than just a spirit. We are savoring the rich, complex flavors of history, culture, and craftsmanship. We are experiencing the essence of America, distilled into a glass.

In conclusion, the enigma surrounding 13th Colony is more than a mere quirk in the bourbon narrative; it's a cryptic chapter in a much grander saga. As we unravel the threads of its story, we find ourselves entwined in the broader, enigmatic tapestry of the bourbon industry and American history. It's a tale that speaks not only to the spirit of bourbon but to the spirit of America itself – a story steeped in tradition, yet shrouded in mystery.

So, as we savor our glasses of bourbon, we can ponder the deeper mysteries that they hold.

Are we merely tasting a spirit, or are we imbibing the very essence of a past filled with secrets, a present cloaked in intrigue, and a future yet to be distilled?

In every sip, there lies an untold story, a hidden chapter of a distillery's saga, a sip of America's enigmatic past. Let's raise our glasses to the mysteries of bourbon and the enigmatic dance of history and craft that it embodies.

Here's to the secrets yet to be revealed.

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Inspiration

​The article from The Bourbon Culture about the 13th Colony bourbon focuses on the suspicion that the 13th Colony Distillery may be sourcing their whiskey rather than distilling it themselves.

Several points are highlighted to support this claim:
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1. Lack of Explicit Distillation Claims: The distillery's marketing material and website do not explicitly state that their whiskies are "distilled" by 13th Colony in Georgia. Instead, terms like “handcrafted,” “made,” and “crafted from hand-selected barrels” are used. The absence of clear language stating the whiskey is distilled by them suggests they might be sourcing it.
2. History of Sourcing: The distillery has previously admitted to sourcing their Sour Mash Bourbon, which was distilled in Wyoming, likely from Wyoming Whiskey. This history of sourcing supports the argument that other products might also be sourced.
3. Mash Bills Similarity to Other Sourced Whiskey: The mash bills listed by 13th Colony for their products are similar to those used by well-known sourced whiskey producers, including a 70/21/9 bourbon mash bill, which is the same as one produced by Green River Distilling in Owensboro, Kentucky.
4. Lack of Common Craft Whiskey Characteristics in Reviews: Reviews of 13th Colony's whiskey do not mention typical characteristics associated with craft whiskey, such as astringency or "green" notes. This absence suggests that the whiskey might be produced by a larger, more experienced distillery.
5. Barrel Design Indicative of Sourcing: The design of barrels used by 13th Colony, as seen in a video, is consistent with those used by distilleries that age their barrels standing upright, a common practice among large distilleries that source whiskey.

​The article concludes that while 13th Colony produces a well-received product, there is a strong indication that they do not distill their own whiskey.

​This conclusion is based on the evidence gathered from their marketing materials, historical sourcing practices, mash bills similarities, and the nature of reviews​​​​​​.