American Light Whiskey | 48% ABV | Aged 20 Years
This one needs a few explanations. “Light whiskey” was a maligned mid-century style created to combat vodka’s popularity. It’s distilled and aged at higher proofs than bourbon or rye, with the liquid matured in used or un-charred new oak containers. The mash bills can vary, but this one is an interesting 99% corn and 1% malted barley. The expression is from the World Whiskey Society (WWS), which was established in 2020 and curates rare and ultra-premium expressions, occasionally adding its own barrel maturation. Here, that means a 20-year-old light whiskey finished in a rare combination of Cognac, Tawny Port, awamori, tequila, PX sherry and Madeira casks. Those wine casks are imparting a lot of dried fruit, raisin and fig, but dig in a little and you’ll find citrus/lemon, tobacco, caramel and a nuttiness.
