Review: Austin 101, 111, and 121 Light Whiskeys

Light whiskey stepped into the American playbook in 1968, when federal regulators created a new category. The move was less about tradition and more about survival. Vodka and other lighter imports were pulling drinkers away from bourbon, and distillers needed something that could hold its own in that shifting landscape.

Despite the name, light whiskey isn’t a watered-down version of anything. The spirit runs off the still at a higher proof than bourbon, between 160 and 190 proof, and matures in used cooperage or uncharred new oak. That approach shapes a profile that feels lighter and less oak-driven than what most people expect from straight whiskey.

The category never quite found its footing in the 1970s. Interest faded, shelves cleared, and for a while it looked like a short-lived experiment. Seagram kept it in rotation behind the scenes, mainly for blending, but it stayed out of the collective consciousness for consumers.

Decades later, a new wave of bottlers began digging into well-aged reserves, much of it tied to stocks from Lawrenceburg, Indiana (formerly Seagram). That connection still defines how many drinkers think about light whiskey today.

There’s more going on now than one location, though. A small group of producers has started to put its own spin on the style, including Austin Craft Spirits Company in Austin, Texas. Their approach focuses on regional sourcing and production setup. The whiskey pulls from Texas-grown grain, including non-GMO white corn, red wheat, and a malted barley known as “wildfire” from Texas Barley in Fort Worth. Fermentation runs for four days in a closed system before the mash heads to a continuous column setup that uses steam rather than a traditional pot still.

Only a few stills in Texas operate this way, and Austin Craft Spirits contracts with two of them, built by Forsyths and Vendome. The distillate enters the barrel at 125 proof, although light whiskey is allowed to enter the barrel at a much higher proof. From there, it rests in previously used barrels of varying sizes, including 15, 25, 30, and 53 gallons. The barrels all previously held bourbon, primarily bourbon distilled in Texas. All barrels are stored in warehouse conditions shaped by intense heat and wide temperature swings. Heavy evaporation takes its toll along the way.

Austin Craft Spirits provided Drinkhacker with samples of three offerings for review: Austin 101, Austin 111, and Austin 121.

This is a lineup that doesn’t trace back to Indiana and doesn’t follow the same methods. Whether that difference shifts expectations around light whiskey, or simply adds another perspective to a niche corner of the market, is something to consider as these bottles come into focus. Let’s see what it’s all about!

Austin 101 Light Whiskey Review

Austin 101 Light Whiskey pulls from barrels of varying ages, each at least 101 days old, and lands in the bottle at 101 proof. Much of the Indiana-made light whiskey on shelves leans into high proof, so this release gives drinkers a chance to explore the style without the intensity turned all the way up. The aroma starts with buttered popcorn and dried orchid petals. Soon after, notes of raw pie dough and freshly washed linens come through. Anyone expecting something in line with typical MGP light whiskey will notice right away that Austin Craft Spirits is charting a different path.

That peculiar profile carries into the taste. The first impression brings to mind chewing on a No. 2 pencil, followed by a rubber eraser. After that unusual opening, flavors of pan-fried plantains and French vanilla ice cream step in, backed by a thick oiliness that coats the palate. The finish shifts gears with Honey Nut Cheerios, a dry cork note, and a closing mix of cinnamon and peach yogurt.

From beginning to end, this is a bit of a puzzle. The aroma and early palate lean in a direction that does not fully land for me, though they do stick in memory. The finish, on the other hand, pulls things together in a way I enjoy. Even with that turnaround, it is not a bottle I plan to revisit. 101 proof. B- / $45

Austin 111 Cask Strength Light Whiskey Review

Austin 111 spends at least a year in the barrel, with proof brought down slowly over time in the barrel until it settles at 111. Right away, it comes across as a clear step forward from Austin 101. The aroma opens with butterscotch candies and honeysuckle. As that floral note fades, vanilla bean ice cream and sweet cornbread fill things out. It is enjoyable from the start and sets up real interest for the first sip.

On the palate, cinnamon candy and Bazooka bubble gum arrive first, then give way to black cherry soda. There is more going on here than the aroma hints at, with flavors shifting in a way that keeps things interesting. The finish leans into creme soda, cinnamon gum, and a touch of burnt honey.

Overall, this is a quality pour from start to finish. It challenges the usual idea that light whiskey needs long aging and high proof to stand out. Despite its relatively young age, Austin 111 delivers a well-rounded and worthwhile experience. 111 proof. B+ / $63

Austin 121 Cask Strength Light Whiskey Review

Austin 121 is aged for at least a year and always sees two Texas summers. No water is added after it enters the barrel, which helps preserve its full strength character. The aroma leads with white gummy bears and canned pear juice, bringing a strong fruit presence. As that settles, hints of ice cream cones and flan crust come into play, tying everything together nicely. Like Austin 111, the nose builds anticipation.

The palate starts with canned fruit cocktail syrup and Fig Newtons. Moving into the mid-palate, brown sugar glaze and pickled ginger add a good amount of heft, all carried by a dense, weighty mouthfeel. The finish brings ripe pears, French vanilla, and a cooling note of eucalyptus.

This release goes even further than Austin 111 in setting itself apart within the category. In a blind setting, many would not guess its age or even that it falls under light whiskey. It stands assuredly on its own and ranks among the best examples I have tried outside Indiana, especially without extended aging. 121 proof. A- / $100

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