100 Seasons American Light Whiskey
Alright, so now that we know what Light Whiskey is (from my Vertigo Blended American Whiskey post), how about trying a 100% light whiskey pour.
100 Seasons is a 25-year-old light whiskey distilled by Seagrams in 1992 at what is now the MGP plant in Indiana. Proof and Wood founder Dave Schmier happened upon these barrels at MGP, took them, aged them for another eight weeks in ex-rye barrels and then rested the liquid in steel tanks for an additional two years. Only 500 bottles are available.
When light whiskey came out in the late 60s/early 70s, it quickly failed as a viable product in the US. There didn’t seem to be bourbon drinkers interested in getting into clear spirits, nor vodka or gin drinkers looking to get more into bourbon - at least neither via the light whiskey route. Most producers dropped the line, but a few - like Seagrams - who operated in other countries where light whiskey was more useful and desired, kept up production for another few decades.
When Dave found these barrels, some were used for Vertigo Blended American Whiskey, which had both 25- and 12-year-old light whiskey in the blend. But 100 Seasons is 100% pure light whiskey. The rye finish, as Dave explained to me on the podcast, was to add a little more color and backbone, and I found myself surprised by how much influence the rye had after just eight weeks. That’s not to say this became a rye-forward spirit, but rather that the rye added noticeable flavor in addition to the mouthfeel. Pure light whiskey is thin by design, and it was a smart move to do something to add body since all but the most adventurous whiskey drinkers would probably want at least some mouthfeel.
Good luck finding this - as I mentioned, only 500 bottles are available, priced at $350 but more likely found for $500.Thanks to my friend Richard for a sample of this and the sample of Vertigo!
100 Seasons American Light Whiskey: Specs
Classification: American Light Whiskey
Origin: MGP (Seagrams at time of distillation)
Mashbill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
Proof: 102.3 (51.15% ABV)
Age: 25 Years Old
Location: Indiana
100 Seasons American Light Whiskey Price: $350
100 Seasons American Light Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Eye: Golden apple juice. Thin rims and quick thin legs.
Nose: Like with the Vertigo, I get lots of ethanol and acetone at first. Light corn, a hint of the rye finish. Sweet corn syrup and a hint of diluted maple.
Palate: Lots of oaky spice, but it’s not over-oaked. Light corn notes, wintergreen under the tongue. Doesn’t taste anywhere near 25 years old, in a good way. Mouthfeel is light and silky, enough either proof or oak/age, turns sweeter as it briefly coats the whole palate.
Finish: Slightly bitter at first, then turns sweet again with a creamy oak.
Overall: Different. I’m not sure how much I like it, but I understand the style/category better for having tried it. For just eight weeks, it’s amazing how much influence the rye casks had - they make a statement that adds a little body and extra flavors.
Final Rating: 6.2
10 | Insurpassable | Nothing Else Comes Close (Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel)
9 | Incredible | Extraordinary (GTS, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B518 and B520)
8 | Excellent | Exceptional (12+YO MGP Bourbon, Highland Park Single Barrels)
7 | Great | Well above average (Blanton’s Original, Old Weller Antique, Booker’s)
6 | Very Good | Better than average (Four Roses Small Batch Select, Knob Creek 14+ YO Picks)
5 | Good | Good, solid, ordinary (Elijah Craig Small Batch, Buffalo Trace, Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond)
4 | Sub-par | Many things I’d rather have (A.D. Laws Four Grain, Compass Box “Oak Cross”)
3 | Bad | Flawed (Iron Smoke Bourbon, Balcones)
2 | Poor | Forced myself to drink it (Buckshee Bourbon and Rye)
1 | Disgusting | Drain pour (Virginia Distilling Co. Cider Cask)
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