Strawberries | Orange | Molasses | Heavy oak

Hazelnut | Stone fruit | Prune | Thick oak

Molasses | Charred oak | Burnt sugar | Black pepper | Touch of clove & hazelnut

Two Souls Spirits is an independent bottler headed by James Estrada and Chad Civetti. Known as “The Whiskey Doctor,” Estrada has written for Bourbon Sippers and co-hosts the Whiskey Uncut Podcast. According to Two Souls Spirits, they intend to “curate craft spirits from across the United States,” that are “big, bold, 100% uncut and unfiltered, and exceptionally rare.”

Watershed, the fan favorite Columbus, Ohio distillery, is now owned by Marussia Beverages. Since their acquisition in 2023, they’ve largely stayed the course, and that is not a bad thing. Their age statement continues to climb with this Two Soul’s release, it clocks in at just over 6 years old. What makes this release stand out though, is that it was finished in a used Watershed bourbon barrel for an undisclosed amount of time. If you like Watershed bourbon then this release further amplifies what you love about them.

For those unfamiliar with Watershed’s characteristics, the nose on this release is the most varied part of its sip, as it features shades of strawberry, orange, and molasses before a layer of thick rich oak overtakes the aroma. The palate and finish are also dominated by this bold oak and, later, charred oak. With the bourbon’s high proof and double barreling, oak is the foundation of the entire sip. Some of Watershed's typical flavors do poke out, particularly with hazelnut, stone fruit, and prune on the palate, and molasses and burnet sugar on the finish.

If you like big oak that leans sweet, or Watershed bourbon in general, you’ll find a lot to enjoy from this Two Souls’ release. The first sip starts hot, but in time the bourbon’s sweetness from its oak component helps temper it. The whiskey doesn’t offer the widest gamut of flavors but definitely goes big on the few it does offer.