Starlight Single Barrel Light Whiskey Review.
Starlight Distillery has quietly built a strong reputation out of southern Indiana, expanding distribution while continuing to lean into what makes them unique. Their deep focus on finishing barrels, many of which are sourced directly from their own farm, has helped them carve out a recognizable identity in the craft whiskey space. This bottle, however, steps slightly outside of what most people expect from Starlight.
This is a single barrel Indiana Light Whiskey, selected by Indiana Liquor Group. It immediately caught my attention, partly because light whiskey remains an underrepresented category on shelves and partly because I had never tried Starlight’s take on it. I’ve been vocal in the past that some Starlight releases hit for me and others do not, so this felt like a fair chance to see how age and barrel selection shape a style that’s already unconventional.
Light whiskey often confuses people, but it has nothing to do with calories or vodka-adjacent spirits. The defining characteristic is a higher distillation proof, with anything distilled above 160 proof qualifying for the category. Historically, it was introduced as a softer alternative to traditional whiskey, meant to appeal to drinkers who found bold, barrel-forward profiles too intense.
Age Statement: 8.5 years. (Single Barrel).
ABV: 58.25%. (Barrel Proof).
Mash bill: N/A. (Possibility 99% corn, 1% malted barley).
Area of Distillation: Borden, Indiana.
Appearance: Pale golden.
On the nose:
The nose immediately signals light whiskey. It’s soft and gentle, led by butterscotch and vanilla cream, with a mild corn sweetness underneath. Early on, there’s a noticeable ethanol presence that reads like rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, though it fades as the whiskey opens up. A light dustiness and faint barrel char appear, but overall the aroma remains delicate and somewhat fleeting, with a butterscotch cupcake and vanilla buttercream impression lingering the longest.
Taste:
The palate is more engaging than the nose suggests. Buttercream and butterscotch arrive first, followed by a subtle earthiness and a soft peppery note. There’s a pleasant warmth that spreads across the tongue without becoming aggressive, and the texture clings just enough to remind you of the proof. The sweetness is straightforward and corn-driven, supported by vanilla rather than oak-heavy spice.
Finish:
The finish introduces the most interesting elements. There’s a mild ethanol bite that never turns off-putting, paired with a lingering spice that feels slightly herbal and medicinal rather than rye-forward. A faint funk emerges, almost reminiscent of a rum-like character, which adds an unexpected layer of complexity. It’s not bold, but it’s distinctive enough to keep the sip from fading too quickly.
Final Thoughts:
As light whiskeys go, this is a respectable example. It’s soft, sweet, and uncomplicated, with just enough nuance on the finish to keep it interesting. At around $50, the age statement makes the price feel fair, especially if you already understand what the category offers. This isn’t a bottle that redefines light whiskey, and it doesn’t push boundaries the way some craft producers have managed to do, but it delivers a solid, honest experience.
This feels like the kind of bottle you bring to a bottle share, partly because many people have never tried light whiskey and partly because it sparks conversation. It won’t be for everyone, but for those curious about the style, it’s a worthwhile pour.
Rating: C (Average).
Cost: $49.99 for 750ml.
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