Review: Solus American Single Malt Whiskey

The relationship between distilled spirits and the Christian Church is far older — and far more intertwined — than many modern observers realize. Today, some regard distilled spirits as standing in moral opposition to Christian teaching, yet history tells a different story. For centuries, monasteries were the crucibles in which the art of distillation was nurtured, preserved, and advanced.

Monastic distillation reaches back a millennium, long before whiskey took anything like its present form. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, monks across Europe were operating early stills to create aqua vitae — not as a pastime, but as a medicine. These first distilled liquids were remedies, not refreshments. In monastic hands, distillation shifted from mysterious alchemy to a disciplined, repeatable craft. From the 11th through the 13th centuries, monasteries became centers of experimentation where treatises were copied, techniques refined, and theory finally brought into practical mastery — while most of Europe still struggled to grasp even basic fermentation.

The first glimmer of whiskey’s lineage appears in a monastic ledger: in 1494, Brother John Cor of Lindores Abbey in Scotland received malt “to make aqua vitae,” a moment widely recognized as the earliest documentation of a spirit clearly on the evolutionary path toward whiskey. In the monastic world, distillation began as healing work but soon became a means of supporting the community. The sale of distilled spirits helped many monasteries remain financially independent, and several iconic liqueurs that endure today originated as fundraising ventures. Chartreuse and Benedictine stand as living examples of medicinal monastic distillation evolving into thriving commercial traditions.

As distilled spirits spread beyond infirmaries and began to be consumed for pleasure rather than cure (particularly by the 14th–16th centuries), the Church’s attitude shifted. What had been a tool for healing became a cause for moral scrutiny. By the 1600s — and especially during the 1700s — strong, inexpensive spirits created visible social problems. In response, various Church leaders and reformers denounced drinking as destructive and spiritually compromising. Although distillation itself was never outlawed, its abuse became a frequent target of sermons and religious commentary. The debate over ardent spirits has continued ever since: some Christians reject beverage alcohol outright, while others embrace its moderate use. Many Catholic parishes even host events such as “Beer & Bible” gatherings or “Theology on Tap,” where theological discussion unfolds alongside a glass or two.

Against this backdrop of centuries of tension, Burnt Church Distillery opened in Bluffton, South Carolina, in March 2021. Its striking design — complete with stained glass — intentionally evokes the silhouette and atmosphere of a church. In November 2025, the distillery released Solus American Single Malt Whiskey. Solus, Latin for “alone” or “solitary,” echoes the language of monastic literature, where phrases such as vivere solus (“to live alone”) and solus cum Solo / solus cum Deo (“alone with God”) appear frequently. With Solus, Burnt Church Distillery offers a tribute to the contemplative monastic tradition and to the early history of distilled spirits.

Though the distillery has already earned praise for its releases, Solus is its first whiskey distilled entirely on-site. Earlier offerings were contract-distilled in Kentucky according to Burnt Church’s specifications. Solus, however, is wholly produced in Bluffton by Head Distiller Peter Thompson. It is distilled from 100% 2-row winter malted barley grown at Weathers Farms near Cow Tail, South Carolina, and malted by Palmetto Malt in St. George. After a roughly 48-hour closed-top fermentation, the mash was distilled on a 14-inch Vendome column still. The raw spirit came off the still at 131.3 proof and entered barrels at 120 proof.

Although Burnt Church now lays down 53-gallon barrels, its early production relied on smaller 15-gallon casks. Solus was aged in these 15-gallon barrels, which had previously held Anita’s Choice bourbon for 2–2.5 years. To minimize bourbon influence on the developing single malt, the barrels were allowed to dry thoroughly before refill. Originally coopered with a #2 char and medium toast by The Barrel Mill, the 12 barrels destined for Solus were filled on November 30, 2021, and emptied on November 19, 2025 — just two days short of 4 full years of aging. Before reducing to 105 proof for bottling, the natural proof averaged 121.5. Burnt Church’s Chris Crowe noted an unusual detail: while the distillery’s barrels typically lose proof over time, the Solus barrels gained proof instead.

Small-format barrels often yield youthful whiskey that leans harsh and tannic, which has understandably led many enthusiasts to approach such releases with caution. Yet Burnt Church has repeatedly demonstrated a rare ability to guide small-barrel aging toward refinement rather than aggression — arguably more successfully than any other American distillery employing this method. With Solus, its first fully in-house whiskey, the question naturally arises: did Burnt Church once again manage to coax quality from small casks?

Let’s find out.

Solus American Single Malt Whiskey Review

The aroma opens with a pronounced note of Honey Nut Cheerios, followed by nutmeg that brings a modest spice character. As the profile broadens, buttercream frosting joins with the scent of a perfectly baked buttery pie crust. Given that this whiskey spent essentially four years in a 15-gallon barrel, it’s striking how free it is from any sign of excess oak. Nothing in the aroma betrays the use of small-format casks.

The first sip recalls Nilla Wafers along with a lightly floral hint of honeysuckle. The center of the tasting introduces hints of Bazooka bubble gum and vanilla Tootsie Rolls, creating a direction that leans sweet yet very enjoyable. For a column still spirit, the texture carries notable substance and viscosity. As with the aroma, the flavor avoids the harsh tannins so often associated with 15-gallon barrels.

The finish arrives with a strong wave of clover honey, then shifts to mild cinnamon gum and toasted walnuts. Burnt Church has repeatedly shown an adept hand with small-format barrels, and each new release challenges the assumption that such casks limit potential. If Solus had been matured in traditional 53-gallon barrels, it would already stand as a commendable American single malt; achieving this character through 15-gallon barrels makes the result even more noteworthy.

At 105 proof and priced at $42, Solus stands out as a reliable, low-risk purchase that delivers consistent satisfaction. Burnt Church Distillery continues to establish itself as one of the country’s most skilled operators when working with small-format maturation.

105 proof.

B+ / $42

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