Honey | Creme brulee | Bold rye spice | Plenty of heat

Blast of rye spice | Cinnamon | Nutmeg | Stewed apples | Seasoned dry oak | Bold & punchy | Brings a WOW factor

Rye spice holds | Milky Way bar | Dry oak | Lingering warmth

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.” The concept is similar to the concept behind Lost Lantern, and so far we have enjoyed the exploration in highlighting unique single barrels and microblends from less known distilleries.

Wisconsin Straight Rye is part of Two Souls Spirits’ inaugural release, which also includes a 4-year-old Ohio Straight Bourbon. It’s a single barrel release, with a total of only 152 bottles. The particular barrel was distilled by Yahara Bay Distillers, which opened in 2007 and is known as Madison Wisconsin’s first distillery. At 8 years old it’s quite old for a craft rye whiskey, and doesn’t conform to any of Yahara Bay Distillers’ standard products. Also impressive, is the whiskey’s proof, which clocks in well over 140, but still allows for a very drinkable - albeit punchy - sip that is somewhat shocking at its proof point. While it is a straightforward rye, its combination of intensity and drinkability brings with it a WOW factor that fans of high proof, high rye rye whiskeys will absolutely love.

The bottle being reviewed comes from barrel YB1, bottle 124.