Just how light is “light whiskey?” It’s a valid question if you aren’t familiar with the category. Not that long ago, I had never even heard of it, so perhaps a short brief is is order…in 1968 the U.S. government created the category in an attempt to help American whiskey producers compete with vodka and other clear liquors that were stealing market share. The response from buyers was a collective shrug, after which they went on to buy more vodka, gin, rum, etc. The category mostly died off until a renaissance recently as whiskey producers are trying lots of different things…and whiskey drinkers are happy to buy and try them, too!
Light Whiskey is generally made from the same cereal grains that bourbon is made from, although in vastly different percentages…there is not law about any specific grain having to be used or what percentages they have to be used at. The whiskey is distilled at 160 to 190 proof, much higher than the maximum bourbon distillation at 160 (and most distill bourbon much lower). Finally light whiskey can only be aged in used barrels or uncharted oak barrels, which contributes to its unique flavor.
So today I present to you Obtainium Light Whiskey, created by MGP of Indiana and bottled by Cat’s Eye Distillery in Iowa. This particular Obtainium is aged 19 years in used charred oak barrels and is bottled at 142.6 proof (71.3% ABV). My experience with light whiskey is limited, but this one is the darkest I’ve seen, a medium amber that probably is close to a 6-year old bourbon. Research stated that MGP light whiskies are 99% corn and the aroma supports that…I got notes of popcorn and butterscotch on the nose, as well as just a touch of oak.
Taking a sip, the Obtainium Light Whiskey was very sweet, almost confectionary, but with some bright fruit like apple and pear in the mix, too. Then the haz mat proof hits the palate and everything turns to fire and tingling. It takes a couple sips to acclimate to the proof, but once you do, you start to get more wood notes on the back end, while the sweetness just drives all the way through. Honestly, this stuff is great. It’s also very dangerous. Not only will it catch fire around open flames, it tastes so good that you could easily drink too much of it. I will be careful, drink only a little of this at a time, and make the bottle last a good long time.
