Sweet caramel, tart fruit, and serious oak make this Whiskey Prison bourbon a pour that deserves your attention.
“This would be hard to beat in a blind tasting.”
That was my reaction after tasting Conviction Cask Strength Founder’s Reserve, Barrel 536. At 120.8 proof, it delivers plenty of strength, but what impressed me most was how comfortably the flavor carries that proof. The caramel lasts, the fruit adds contrast, and the oak makes its presence known.
We have now visited Southern Grace Distilleries in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, twice. Readers may remember our first visit from Behind Bars at Whiskey Prison: Bourbon, History, and an Unexpected Brotherhood. There is plenty to write about at a distillery operating inside a former prison. This time, though, the attention belongs to one particular barrel.
The bottle: Conviction Cask Strength Founder’s Reserve, Barrel 536
Expression: Straight bourbon whiskey, sour mash
Proof: 120.8 | 60.4% ABV
Bottle year: 2025
Production: Local grains; distilled, aged, and bottled by Southern Grace Distilleries at Whiskey Prison
Filtration: Uncut and unfiltered
Age: No age statement
Southern Grace describes Founder’s Reserve as a bourbon made from local corn and barley and bottled at cask strength. The expression earned Double Gold and 98 points in the 2026 San Francisco competition, advancing as a Best of Class finalist. That recognition concerns the 2026 entry, rather than the 2025 bottle reviewed here. As of October 31, 2026, the final Best of Class result remains pending.
Appearance
4.00 / 5.00
The traditional round bottle has a short neck and a vintage label. A solid black rubber stopper fits the black-and-white color scheme nicely. It is a straightforward presentation that suits the bourbon.
The whiskey looks very dark in the bottle, becoming a rich, dark copper in the glass. Great legs follow a swirl.
There is no age statement, so I cannot put a confirmed number on its time in the barrel. What I can say is that it tastes well aged.
Aroma
4.25 / 5.00
Strong caramel leads the nose, followed by vanilla and brown sugar. Those familiar bourbon aromas have plenty of presence here.
Tart green apple adds a bright contrast to the sweetness, with cherry arriving toward the end. The combination makes this an inviting nose, especially for a bourbon carrying 120.8 proof.
Flavor
4.25 / 5.00
Sweet caramel starts the sip and stays through the middle of the palate. That lasting sweetness is one of the things I enjoy most about this barrel.
Then the profile shifts. Tart fruit comes forward, followed by black pepper, strong oak, and vanilla. There is a clear progression, with enough sweetness to carry into the more forceful flavors on the back of the palate.
This is a serious bourbon with the strength and character that fans of higher-proof whiskey appreciate. It is also remarkably smooth for its proof. The alcohol has presence, but the flavor gives it plenty of company.
Finish
4.00 / 5.00
Long and strong, with the spice I expect from a cask-strength bourbon. Oak continues through the finish, leaving a dry impression as the warmth lingers. It is assertive, but I keep returning to how smoothly this barrel drinks for its proof. The finish delivers strength without undoing the enjoyment of the sip.
Barrel Proof Score
Overall editorial score: 4.25 / 5.00
The lasting caramel, progression into tart fruit and pepper, and substantial oak finish make this an impressive tasting experience. Aroma and flavor are particular strengths, while the finish gives the bourbon a long, confident close. The overall score reflects that drinking experience, with flavor and finish carrying the greatest importance.
Tasting Notes
Caramel is the thread that holds Barrel 536 together. Vanilla and brown sugar build the nose, green apple and cherry bring tartness, and black pepper and strong oak give the palate its backbone. The finish is long, spicy, and dry.
My notes ended with this:
“This would be hard to beat in a blind tasting. If you like cask strength or higher proof bourbons, this is for you. Totally impressed.”
That is an impression, rather than the result of an actual blind comparison. But it captures exactly how I felt about this barrel. Conviction Founder’s Reserve has the flavor, maturity of character, and comfortable delivery of proof that make me want to see how it stands beside some very respected bourbons.
Honest Scores for Your Pours.
