Proof: 85 proof About the product: Austin 85 shares the same crafting principles that made Austin 101 Light Whiskey win 3 gold medals in a year, including at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. No wonder it too just won a gold award at the 2022 Texas Whiskey Festival, only a few weeks after it launched. Austin 85 Light Whiskey has a balanced nose with mineral, butterscotch and vanilla aromas, spectacular roundness and a long, smooth finish. Exceptionally versatile in cocktails. We use corn, wheat, and malted barley primarily grown in Texas; nothing is added. Aged and finished sustainably in high-quality recycled American white oak barrels from local bourbon distillers. Seelbach's Story: Austin Craft Spirits is a new-to-us player in the Texas craft distillery scene, known for creating unique, high-quality spirits with a distinct local flair. They pride themselves for using Texas grown grains - barley, corn, wheat, and rye straight from the heart of the Lone Star State. With an increased eye on Texas spirits, it's nice to see another one carving their own unique path. What makes Austin Craft Spirits stand out from other Texas distilleries is their emphasis on crafting more experimental and creative expressions while still maintaining high standards of quality. That is to say, they aren’t just producing classic whiskey, but they’re exploring things like light whiskey, aged spirits, and even some experimental small-batch releases. They focus on small-scale production, which allows them to experiment with different distillation techniques, aging processes, and flavor profiles. When it comes to their light whiskey, this is where they shine. You may remember us recently talking about light whiskey, a less common style compared to traditional bourbons and ryes. It’s distilled at a higher proof (usually over 160 proof), which results in a lighter, smoother taste with a more neutral flavor base. The Texas climate can sometimes make whiskey push toward oaky or intense, but Austin’s lighter approach to whiskey keeps things smooth, soft, and easy-drinking, without losing the character of the Texas-grown grains. Rich butterscotch, deep dark fruits, and vanilla custard lead but nipping with the barrel spice you’d expect, staying creamy and lingering, and still having a backbone of grains similar to so many craft producers we love.
