Circle City Whiskey Company 20 Year American Light Whiskey Review.

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Circle City Whiskey Company 20 Year American Light Whiskey


    American Light Whiskey has quietly been having a moment, and bottles like this are exactly why. Once overlooked, this category is finally getting the attention it deserves thanks to strong releases from brands sourcing well-aged stock and letting it shine. Circle City Whiskey Company steps into that spotlight with their first American Light Whiskey release, a 20-year single barrel pick coming in at a hazmat-level 72.5% ABV. Sourced from MGP and selected as a store pick, this is one of those bottles that immediately grabs your attention both on paper and in the glass.


    This expression is a single barrel American Light Whiskey distilled at a high proof, typically above 160 proof, and aged in used or uncharred oak barrels. That aging method sets it apart from bourbon, allowing for a more subtle oak influence even after extended maturation. At 20 years old and hazmat, this whiskey leans heavily on time and barrel interaction to develop character. With a mash bill dominated by corn, the barrel plays a critical role in shaping the final profile, hopefully bringing in sweetness, spice, and complexity over two decades.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/i2EPdSz7I3k.

Age Statement: 20 years (Single barrel).

ABV: 72.5% (Hazmat).

Mash bill: 99% corn & 1% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Appearance: Liquid gold.


On the nose:
    The nose opens soft for the proof, offering burnt butterscotch, caramelized sugars, and light vanilla sweetness. There’s a gentle ethanol presence, but it never overwhelms. Subtle oak spice, a touch of herbal character, and a delicate honey note round things out. A faint stone fruit sweetness lingers in the background, giving it a slightly playful edge.


Taste:
    Sweetness leads the way with sponge sugar and corn-forward notes. Mid-palate brings light fruit tones, a hint of cinnamon, and a creamy vanilla character reminiscent of sweet cream in coffee. The proof shows up as warmth, but not harshness, and the texture is lighter than expected, delivering flavor in a quick burst rather than a long, coating experience.  


Finish:
    The finish is short to medium with lingering sweetness, light oak, and soft charred wood sugars. It fades cleanly, leaving behind a simple, dessert-like impression.   


Final Thoughts: 
    This is a strong showing for Circle City’s first dive into American Light Whiskey. It captures the essence of the category with a balance of sweetness, subtle oak, and approachable high proof. While it doesn’t fully lean into a rich, lingering profile, it delivers a unique and enjoyable experience that keeps getting sweeter with each sip. At $160, it sits right at the edge of where value meets curiosity, but for a 20-year single barrel at hazmat proof, it earns its place. This is a bottle worth trying, especially if you’re looking to explore what American Light Whiskey has to offer.  


Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $159.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/i2EPdSz7I3k.

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

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