Review: Fiddler Bourbons of ASW Distillery
In 1979, the Charlie Daniels Band’s hit song, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” told the now-legendary tale of a fiddle-playing showdown between the Devil and a young man named Johnny. Years later, in 1993, Mark O’Connor, joined by Johnny Cash, Marty Stuart, and Travis Tritt, released the sequel, “The Devil Comes Back to Georgia.” In both songs, the Devil, confident in his musical prowess, challenges a mortal man to a fiddle contest for his soul—and loses.
This enduring story cemented the connection between the Peach State and the fiery spirit of fiddling. Decades after the Devil’s musical defeat, ASW Distillery was founded in Atlanta in 2016, keeping that legacy alive with its Fiddler Whiskey line.
ASW Distillery recently sent samples of its Fiddler Wheated Bourbon 6-Years-Old and Fiddler Georgia Heartwood: Big Green Egg Golden Ratio Release to Drinkhacker for review. While both bourbons share a mash bill of 51% corn, 45% wheat, and 4% malted barley and were distilled by MGP in Indiana—a common supplier of quality whiskey—they were transformed by ASW’s unique approach.
After arriving in Atlanta, many of the barrels underwent secondary maturation in a racked warehouse with a poured slab and a metal roof. This personalized finishing process is what allows ASW Distillery to make these sourced whiskeys stand out. While many distilleries source from MGP, ASW has put its own distinct stamp on these wheated bourbon expressions, creating a character all their own.
ASW Distillery Fiddler Wheated Bourbon 6 Years Old Review
This bottling is a blend of four barrels. The bourbon began its life in Indiana, where it matured for three to five years in a variety of barrels from Kelvin Cooperage and Independent Stave Company, featuring char levels ranging from #1 to #4.
After being transferred to Georgia, the barrels embarked on two different maturation paths. Some continued to age in their original casks, while the contents of others were moved to new barrels from West Virginia Great Barrel Company and Independent Stave Company for a double-oaked finish. These secondary casks were a mix of toasted, charred, and even spiral-cut barrels, allowing ASW Distillery to impart a new layer of character.
The final product is a blend of 50% double-oaked bourbon and 50% traditional bourbon, showcasing a range of ages of 6, 7, and 7.5 years. This complex process results in a bourbon with a final proof of 92, ready for bottling.
The nose begins with unsweetened dried apricots and moves into dry cocoa powder. The fruit character continues with dried banana chips and a mild note of toffee. What stands out is how the fruit presents itself without added sweetness—more dry and slightly earthy than juicy.
On the palate, flavors of burnt brown sugar, toasted coconut, and milk chocolate are noticeable. The first sip brings to mind Girl Scout Samoa cookies. As that flavor fades, the banana chip note from the nose returns on the palate. The mouthfeel is medium-thick—not heavy, but with enough body to give it some presence.
The finish brings back childhood memories of Pillsbury Orange Rolls and Tootsie Rolls—not overly sugary, but with a soft, candy-like quality.
Fiddler Wheated Bourbon 6 Years Old delivers a good experience overall. With only 50% of the blend being toasted, it adds some spice without going too far. At 92 proof, the level of heat works well. Those looking for something with more punch might find this too low-key, but for someone who wants an easygoing pour that also mixes well, this is a strong option.
And at $40, it offers good value and is worth considering for anyone seeking a dependable bottle without breaking the bank. 92 proof. B / $40
ASW Distillery Fiddler Georgia Heartwood Big Green Egg Golden Ratio Release Review
This limited release is a triple-oaked. Like all Georgia Heartwood expressions, the wheated bourbon started at MGP in Indiana, where it was aged for four years in barrels from Kelvin Cooperage with #3 and #4 chars. The whiskey was initially barreled at 120 proof.
After its initial maturation, the bourbon was transported to Georgia. There, it was re-barreled at 116 proof into casks from the West Virginia Great Barrel Company and matured for an additional two to three years. The finishing barrels had chars ranging from #2 to #4.
The final maturation process elevates this release. While all Georgia Heartwood expressions utilize toasted and charred staves for finishing, this specific release is unique because the staves were prepared using a Big Green Egg grill. ASW Distillery partnered with Big Green Egg, using the grill’s direct and indirect heat to toast and char the finishing staves. Ten of these uniquely prepared staves were inserted directly into the barrels for four to six weeks. The final blend consists of two barrels finished with indirectly heated staves and one barrel with directly heated staves before bottling at 121 proof.
While Fiddler Wheated Bourbon 6 Years Old leans toward a more modest toasted profile, Georgia Heartwood: Big Green Egg brings the heat right away. Chai spice leads on the nose with assertive character, followed by a quick flash of toasted coconut. Soon after, tobacco steps in with strength and confidence—more Charlie Daniels than subtle nuance—before giving way to a wave of raisins.
The palate opens with vanilla extract, but it doesn’t linger long. Cedarwood soon takes over, setting the stage for flavors that shift toward orange juice and the spiced zing of Big Red gum. The toasted barrel character adds a pleasing dry texture to the experience. That dryness continues into the finish, where soft leather and more chai spice come through. Just when it seems the finish may end too dry, a touch of brown sugar rounds things out and brings it all to a close.
This expression stands out as a strong upgrade from the Fiddler Wheated Bourbon 6-Year-Old. The additional proof and age make a real difference, offering a bolder experience without pushing the toasted spice too far. At $80, Georgia Heartwood: Big Green Egg delivers a well-executed take on toasted bourbon that balances power, spice, and structure in a way that should appeal to seasoned drinkers and fans of barrel-forward profiles. 121 proof. A- / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
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