Austin 101 Light Whiskey Review.

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Austin 101 Light Whiskey

I received this spirit as a review sample from Austin 101, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.

    Austin 101 is a name that takes me back to the early days of diving into light whiskey, long before the category started getting the attention it deserves. Fast forward to 2026, and American light whiskey is finally having a moment, showing up on more shelves and in more conversations. Revisiting this bottle now feels like checking in on an old favorite to see if it still holds up.

    There’s also something immediately appealing about what Austin 101 is doing. This is a fully in-house operation, distilling, aging, and bottling their own spirit using local Texas grains and repurposed bourbon barrels. It’s a true craft approach that leans into both sustainability and regional identity, and that always adds a layer of intrigue before the first sip. Austin 101 produces this light whiskey using a mash bill of non-GMO white corn, red winter wheat, and malted barley from Fort Worth, Texas. 

    As a light whiskey, it’s distilled above 160 proof, which differentiates it from bourbon and contributes to its softer, more delicate profile. Instead of new charred oak, this whiskey is aged in used bourbon barrels sourced locally, creating a unique partnership between Texas distillers. The light whiskey is aged at least 101 days, the name “Austin 101” cleverly ties into both its proof point and maturation period.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/dsERP9jqAgs.

Age Statement: At least 101 days.

ABV: 50.5%.

Mash bill: N/A (Non-GMO white corn, red winter wheat, malted barley).

Area of Distillation: Texas.

Appearance: Pale golden.


On the nose:
    The nose opens up light and airy, almost effervescent in character. There’s a soft wave of vanilla cream and butterscotch that leads the way, backed by a gentle sweet corn note that reminds you of its grain-forward foundation. As it sits, a subtle smokiness begins to develop, layered with a faint savory edge that leans toward curing salt or lightly smoked meats. There’s also a touch of oak and a light caramel drizzle note, almost like a whipped buttercream sweetness. A small hint of ethanol is present, but it never becomes sharp or distracting, keeping the overall aroma approachable and easygoing.


Taste:
    The first sip carries a smooth, lightly coating mouthfeel that spreads evenly across the palate. You’re met with soft oak tones and a gentle spice, leaning into herbal cinnamon and a mild pepper warmth. That subtle smokiness from the nose carries through, though it presents more as a lingering background note rather than anything bold or dominant. A light vanilla sweetness balances things out, accompanied by a faint salinity that adds a bit of contrast. Mid-palate, there’s a touch of orchard fruit that comes through, something in the range of a crisp apple, adding a bit of brightness to the profile.


Finish:
    The finish is clean and moderately short, but satisfying. A gentle peppery note and lingering oak spice carry through, accompanied by a soft warmth that never turns hot or aggressive. The subtle smoke and slight salinity fade slowly, leaving behind a light sweetness and a touch of dryness. It’s the kind of finish that invites another sip without overwhelming the palate, staying true to the whiskey’s easy-drinking nature.


Final Thoughts: 
   Austin 101 delivers exactly what it sets out to do. This is an approachable, craft-driven light whiskey that highlights local ingredients and thoughtful production. It’s not trying to overwhelm with intensity, but instead offers a balanced, easy-drinking experience that works neat, on ice, or even in cocktails.

    It stands out as an accessible entry into the light whiskey category, especially compared to some of the older, more allocated releases hitting the market. It’s also a great bottle to bring to a share and introduce others to something different. 


Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $48.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/dsERP9jqAgs.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt.

Learn more about Austin 101 Whiskey via the link here: https://www.austin101whiskey.com/.

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