Two Souls Spirits is at it again, challenging commonly held beliefs in the whiskey world in hopes that consumers will step out of their comfort zones and give their latest release a go. Not only have they released a somewhat misunderstood expression, Light Whiskey, but they're also doing so with one of their youngest barrels to date, and from a distillery whose origins began in Poland. There's a lot to chew on, or rather sip on, here, so let's start with the basics: What is Light Whiskey (or American Light Whiskey, both are interchangeable)?
The TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) created the Light Whiskey category in 1968, which was a surprise for me to learn, considering its lack of popularity in modern times. But more on that in a moment. To be Light Whiskey in the United States, specific guidelines must be met:
Made from grain
Distilled to more than 160 proof (80% ABV) but no less than 190 proof (95% ABV)
Aged in used or new uncharred oak barrels
Bottled at a minimum of 80 proof (40% ABV)
Distilled after 1968 to receive the light whiskey designation
If you're wondering what makes this whiskey different than the rest, you're not the only one. How about that distillation proof number? That seems a bit ... high, right? Yes. Unlike bourbon or rye whiskey, which cannot have a barrel entry proof of more than 80% ABV, Light Whiskey requires it. The high barrel entry proof (or distillation proof, not to be confused with bottling proof) makes this different from other whiskies. It often results in a lighter, creamier, and gentler flavor profile, which was a consumer demand during the whiskey crisis of the 1960s. Light Whiskey came onto the scene during that time as a way to diversify the whiskey market, or more likely, to try to keep the heart beating, even if ever so gently. Unfortunately, or maybe not, bourbon and rye regained popularity in the 1980s when consumers returned to favoring bolder and more robust flavors. Today, Light Whiskey circulates amongst niche whiskey communities and those looking to broaden their palates.
In the case of Two Souls Spirits Light Whiskey, this expression hails from Kozuba & Sons, a distillery of Polish origin now based in St. Petersburg, Florida, since 2014. On Two Souls Spirits website, they shared:
[This barrel was] our first official purchase as Two Souls Spirits. We visited Kozuba & Sons in March of 2022 determined to buy a barrel of their highly-acclaimed hight-wheat rye whiskey, but couldn't resist coming away with what, in our humble opinion, is one of the tastiest whiskeys we have ever released.
For better or for worse, Light Whiskey has become rather synonymous with hyper-aged MGP—a popular MGP brand with a 17-year-old American Light Whiskey in particular. This whiskey-producing powerhouse responsible for bringing recognition to the category in recent years may also be a roadblock for craft distilleries looking to break into the Light Whiskey scene with age statements not in the double digits. Fear not! We consumers can answer the call of curiosity and ask not what well-aged whiskey can do for us but what well-made whiskey can do instead. Age and quality may be correlated, but age is certainly not the only cause for good whiskey. Will that be the case with this 3-year-old American Light Whiskey? Let's dive in and find out.
Company on Label: Kozuba & Sons (Bottled by Two Souls Spirits)
Whiskey Type: Light Whiskey
Mash Bill Percentages: 100% Malted Rye
Proof: 123.48°
Age: 3 years
MSRP: $69.99
Further Identification: Initially finished in a used Kozuba rye barrel, TSS then transferred and aged in a second finishing ex-bourbon barrel from their first release
Nose: Right from the jump, the nose presents creamy and sweet, with notes of sticky honey and puffy marshmallows. Cinnamon and nutmeg come in soon after, a reminder of the barrel finishes, which work well in shaking up what could be a one-noted sweet bomb. A few swirls release notes of fresh apple, orange slices, and a well-ripened fuzzy peach. This smells like spring, fresh and fruity with extra spoonfuls of sugar. Deep inhales reveal how well-balanced this nose is; the aromas are gentle but by no means quiet. Returning to the nose after a few sips brings forth a soft floarity of blooming honeysuckle flowers dancing in a cool breeze. With deeper inhales, there is now a toasted note coming through, as is a bit of alcohol, which blows away rather quickly. The empty glass aromas are vanilla cream, lime skin shavings, and granulated sugar.
Palate: What an impeccable mouth feel. Wow. The pure silk gliding across my tongue is accompanied beautifully by the taste of clover honey and vanilla bean. A lovely, warm rye spice comes in mid-palate, mirroring what I experienced on the nose (which I adore!). With a few more sips, the spice and sweet mingle into the best part of a cinnamon roll: the gooey, sweet, and decadent middle. The linger is long and fizzy, like taking a swig from a warm can of ginger ale. As the liquid grows lower, the flavors continue to evolve; honey remains steadfast, with a welcome bit of molasses and clove. The final sips leave a lasting impression with a pop of winter green mint and crumbs from a box of honey graham crackers. The uniqueness of this sip cannot be understated.
TL;DR: a creamy dram packed with gentle flavors that will have you swooning for more
Rating: 4/5
Hats off, once again, to Two Souls Spirits for pushing unique and delicious whiskey into the market. Offered at a reasonable price point, with an equally reasonable proof, this particular offering is, in my opinion, the perfect introduction to Light Whiskey. I look forward to sharing this pour with loved ones during a cool spring evening after a Sunday supper of roast ham.
Comments