A new style is standing out among the bold blends and high proofs splashed all over bottles in the whiskey aisle: light whiskey.
What is light whiskey?
“Light” does not mean low alcohol content or “diet” whiskey, and definitely not light when it comes to flavor. Instead, light whiskey is a lesser-known gem on the American whiskey scene. Its history dates to the 1960s, when it became a federally recognized category in the United States, and American distillers were trying to create a whiskey comparable to the lighter, smoother blends from Canada and Scotland.
Light whiskey is typically distilled at a higher proof than traditional bourbons or ryes. It’s then aged in used or uncharred new oak barrels, so it does not develop the same intense caramel and vanilla notes. This allows light whiskey’s other, more subtle flavors to take center stage.
Backbone Bourbon released their first bourbon, Backbone Uncut, exclusively in Indiana before expanding in 2014.
Backbone Bourbon
Backbone Bourbon, out of Indiana, is leading the charge when it comes to light whiskey. A recent feature in Whiskey Advocate described it “as one of the most prolific light whiskey blenders today.”
Backbone Bourbon introduced its first bourbon, Backbone Uncut, in 2011, and three years later the brand officially founded the Backbone Bourbon Company. Their mission is to showcase elevated whiskey blends with a focus on unique finishes, flavors, and high proofs. To achieve this, Backbone Bourbon experimented with practices ranging from purchasing young barrels for aging, as well as re-barreling in smaller casks to highlight different flavor profiles.
Backbone Bourbon offers various expressions, carefully blended either entirely or partially with light whiskeys. Their light whiskeys showcase the category’s unique offerings, handled with care and expertly aged high proofs that pack a punch—but with easy-sipping notes of vanilla, toasted marshmallow, and butterscotch.
The Forge was awarded 91 points by Whiskey Advocate.
Backbone Bourbon The Forge
The Forge is one of Backbone Bourbon’s most sought-after blends. Older barrels are used to create this standout mix of mostly 5- and 7-year straight bourbon with straight rye and light whiskey. The resulting stout, decadent bourbon comes in at 110 proof. The sweet oak nose is followed by a cool, full-bodied palate featuring chocolate-covered pretzel, red berry, charred marshmallow, and caramel syrup notes, with a long, warm finish.
Light whiskey is here to stay, and it is becoming a cult favorite among whiskey enthusiasts. Vintegrity carries a variety of Backbone Bourbon expressions, each a perfect addition to any connoisseur’s whiskey collection.
