Single-Barrel-Bourbon
Starlight Distillery

Single Barrel VDN Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Starlight VDN Bourbon Whiskey is a distinctive expression that showcases the marriage of handcrafted bourbon and the vibrant influence of rare Spanish Vino de Naranja finishing casks. Crafted grain-to-glass on the Huber family’s 850-acre farm, this limited-release bourbon begins with our signature 3-grain and 4-grain mash bills, featuring estate-grown corn, rye, & wheat. Fermented using Starlight’s signature sweet mash process and distilled on our Vendome copper pot stills, the bourbon is matured before being carefully transferred into Vino de Naranja (VDN) casks sourced from the Andalusian regions of Huelva and Málaga, Spain. These exceptional casks, previously used to mature traditional orange wine made by macerating fresh orange peels with white wine, contribute vibrant citrus notes, delicate floral aromatics, and layers of sweet fruit character that beautifully complement the bourbon’s rich caramel, vanilla, and oak-forward profile. Bottled at cask strength, the result is a bold yet elegant whiskey that balances classic bourbon richness with bright Mediterranean influence.

The VDN Cask Influence
Vino de Naranja casks provide a unique finishing environment that enhances bourbon’s naturally sweet and approachable character. The citrus oils, floral nuances, and subtle fruit sweetness imparted by the casks integrate seamlessly with notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, and baking spice developed during maturation. Bright layers of orange marmalade, candied citrus, and honey emerge alongside rich toffee and warm oak, creating a whiskey that is both complex and exceptionally balanced. The interaction between our bourbon and VDN casks results in a spirit that is expressive, refined, and unlike traditional bourbon finishes, offering a distinctive connection between the traditions of Southern Indiana and Southern Spain.

Tasting Notes

Taste

Bright orange marmalade, rye spice, honeyed citrus, toasted malt, cinnamon, and subtle herbal notes

Appearance

Rich golden amber with brilliant copper hues

Nose

Orange zest, candied citrus, wildflower honey, baking spice, and fresh cracked pepper

Finish

Long and layered with lingering citrus oils, warming rye spice, vanilla, and seasoned oak