Southwell 12 Year Bourbon 750ML is a 12-year-aged straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof) in a 750ml format. What distinguishes this expression is its uncommonly high 84% corn mashbill — well above the 60–70% range typical of most bourbons — resulting in a notably sweeter, rounder flavor profile anchored by butterscotch and vanilla. Quick Facts: ABV: 43% (86 Proof) | Origin: Distilled in Tennessee, Aged & Bottled in Kentucky | 12 Year Age Statement | Distillery: Cooper Spirits Co Production & Heritage Southwell 12 Year is produced by Cooper Spirits Co, distilled in Tennessee and then transported to Kentucky for a full 12 years of maturation in new charred American oak barrels. Bottling takes place in Bardstown, Kentucky — a city widely considered the bourbon capital of the world. The mashbill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley places this squarely in ultra-high-corn territory, a style that favors sweetness and grain-forward character over spice. Very few commercially available bourbons push corn content this high, making it a distinctive entry in the aged bourbon category. Tasting Notes Aroma: Cherries and vanilla beans lead the nose, followed by occasional wafts of rich butterscotch. A subtle caramel undertone develops as the whiskey opens up in the glass. Taste: The palate opens with an immediate wave of butterscotch and melted vanilla ice cream — sweet and full-bodied from the first sip. Sweet corn emerges as the most predominant flavor at mid-palate, balanced by a measured combination of baking spice and oak that keeps the sweetness from becoming one-dimensional. Twelve years in charred oak contribute enough tannic structure to give the whiskey weight without overwhelming the grain character. Finish: Medium in length, the corn sweetness gradually fades into a nicely toasted oak note with lingering caramel. The finish remains smooth and approachable, with just enough dry oak to bring closure. How to Drink Southwell 12 Year Neat or with a few drops of water is the most rewarding way to experience this bourbon, as it allows the full butterscotch and vanilla spectrum to unfold at 86 proof without excessive heat. A single large ice cube also works well, tempering the sweetness slightly while amplifying the oak. For cocktails: an Old Fashioned benefits from the natural butterscotch richness, requiring less sweetener than usual; a Bourbon Sour plays citrus against the corn-driven sweetness for a balanced drink; and a Manhattan pairs the vanilla and caramel notes with sweet vermouth for a dessert-like result. Best For Bourbon drinkers exploring high-corn mashbill expressions Gifting someone who appreciates age-stated whiskey at an accessible proof After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Building an Old Fashioned with a sweeter, oak-rich base spirit Frequently Asked Questions What does Southwell 12 Year taste like? Southwell 12 Year delivers a butterscotch- and vanilla-forward palate driven by its unusually high 84% corn content, with sweet corn flavor at the center balanced by toasted oak and mild baking spice. The finish is medium-length with caramel and dry oak. How does Southwell 12 Year compare to Knob Creek 12 Year? Knob Creek 12 Year is bottled at a significantly higher 100 proof with a lower corn percentage in its mashbill, resulting in a bolder, spicier profile. Southwell 12 Year leans much sweeter and softer at 86 proof, making it a more approachable pour for those who favor grain-forward sweetness over rye-driven heat. Is Southwell 12 Year good for sipping neat? Yes — the moderate 86 proof and prominent vanilla and butterscotch character make it very approachable neat, even for drinkers who typically prefer lower-proof spirits. Where is Southwell 12 Year made? Southwell 12 Year is distilled in Tennessee by Cooper Spirits Co, then aged for 12 years in new charred oak barrels in Kentucky and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky. What foods pair well with Southwell 12 Year? Pecan pie complements the bourbon's natural caramel and vanilla notes; smoked pork belly mirrors the toasted oak character; dark chocolate intensifies the butterscotch; aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory sharpness; and crème brûlée echoes the vanilla and caramelized sugar tones. What sizes does Southwell 12 Year come in? Southwell 12 Year is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Southwell 12 Year worth the price? Southwell 12 Year positions as a mid-to-premium priced bourbon, competing in a 12-year aged category where several well-known alternatives exist. Its value proposition rests primarily on the uncommon high-corn mashbill and full 12-year age statement, which together deliver a flavor profile not easily replicated by competitors. Why Southwell 12 Year? The 84% corn mashbill is the headline here — it places Southwell 12 Year in rare company among commercially available bourbons, most of which top out around 70% corn. That grain bill, combined with a full dozen years in new charred oak, produces a whiskey that tilts decisively toward sweetness and richness while still carrying enough barrel-derived complexity to reward attentive sipping. The Tennessee-to-Kentucky journey — distilled in one state, aged and bottled in another — adds a subtle layer of regional character. For drinkers seeking an age-stated bourbon that prioritizes butterscotch, vanilla, and corn sweetness over rye-driven spice, this expression fills a genuine gap in the market.
