Disclosure: the sample for this review was provided at no cost. Our tasting notes and score are our own.
A little background
Austin 101 Light Whiskey hails from Austin, Texas. The distillery aimed to create a whiskey that was endlessly smooth and powerful. The grains used in this spirit are composed on 100% Texas-grown corn, wheat, and malted barley. These grains are blended with water that was harvested from the Texas Hill Country. The resulting distillate is aged with high-quality recycled American white oak barrels. This spirit is aged for 101 days before being bottled at 101 proof. MSRP is set at approximately $45.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Pale Yellow
Nose
The nose is light and sweet with hints of ethanol. Oak, vanilla, and barley are the most prominent notes.
Palate
The first sip was thin but interesting with oak and cinnamon notes. The second sip was effervescent and revealed notes of oak, vanilla, and cinnamon. The third sip was pleasant with hints of smoked cinnamon.
Finish
The finish was medium in length and pleasant. Notes of oak, cinnamon was accompanied by clove as the finish began to fade.
In closing
Austin 101 Light Whiskey is surprising when one considers the small aging window. This spirit it not overly complex, however, the nosing and tasting experience are quite enjoyable. Austin 101 Light Whiskey is missing the traditional heat and mesquite wood notes that I associate with Texas whiskey. This is an interesting pour and could make a nice addition to any collection.
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Auston 101. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.
Austin 101 Light Whiskey
101 Proof
