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05/28/2026

My friends invited me to take part in their Light Side vs. Dark Side campaign featuring light whiskey (the Light Side) and American single malt (the Dark Side). The goal is to compare the two whiskeys and then pick a side and align with one of the owners Karen and the Light Side or James and the Dark Side.

My tasting notes:

Kozuba & Sons Florida Light Whiskey
3 years old
Made from 100% malted rye
123.48° / 61.74% abv
Aromas: vanilla bean, sugar cookies
Flavors: vanilla and sweet cream, basil, toasted marshmallow, caramelized brown sugar, big punch of warm spice
Finish: light basil-mint, cinnamon, gingersnaps

J. Carver American Single Malt
6 years old
Distilled from 99% Irish stout / 0.5% caramel malt / 0.5% chocolate malt
125.28° / 62.64% abv
Aromas: Coffee beans, cocoa powder
Flavors: pie crust, baked fruit, very dark roast coffee, bitter chocolate, charred oak
Finish: more coffee, milk chocolate, sweet dried fruit

This was really close for me, I thought it would be an easy choice before I tasted the whiskeys. I ended up giving the edge to the J. Carver American single malt and team .

This was super fun to participate in. Thanks to and Karen & James. Cheers!

FYI, I just checked and both of these whiskeys are still available at twosoulsspirits.com. Grab one (or both) if your palate aligns with the tasting notes.

4 spirits I’ve been enjoying lately that aren’t whiskey. You know I do drink many other things besides whiskey and these...
05/25/2026

4 spirits I’ve been enjoying lately that aren’t whiskey. You know I do drink many other things besides whiskey and these are a few that I’ve really been getting into lately.

Armagnac
Armagnac will be a familiar flavor profile for whiskey drinkers. It’s a spirit distilled from specific grape varietals grown in the Armagnac region of France and aged in oak barrels. I’ve been using it as a direct replacement for whiskey in many traditional whiskey cocktails.

Liqueur
Cohasset Punch is a rum based liqueur blended with wine and fruit. It’s glorious over ice in a highball.


My new tequila obsession. I’ve been making batches of margaritas with both the blanco and reposado and I don’t think I’ll stop until summer is over (and even then I’ll probably keep going).


A gin unlike any other I have had, made from single malt. It’s been the only gin that goes into my Negronis for quite some time and I don’t see that changing.

There’s a bunch of ways to make a margarita but if you need a really simple batched recipe that you can make in 5 minute...
05/24/2026

There’s a bunch of ways to make a margarita but if you need a really simple batched recipe that you can make in 5 minutes … this is it. I’m not much for sweetener in my margs but feel free to add agave syrup, simple syrup, or honey to your personal taste.

5 minute batched margarita
• 24oz blanco tequila like
• 16oz orange liqueur like
• 8oz fresh lime juice
• 4oz cold water for dilution

Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. Serve 3-4oz pours over fresh ice! Enjoy!!

There are lots of ways to make a margarita but if you need a really simple batched recipe that you can make in 5 minutes...
05/24/2026

There are lots of ways to make a margarita but if you need a really simple batched recipe that you can make in 5 minutes … this is it.

I don’t think Margaritas need any sweetener but by all means add some agave, honey, or simple syrup to your personal taste.

5 minute Easy Batched Margarita
• 36 ounces blanco tequila like
• 24 ounces orange liqueur like
• 8 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
• 4 ounces cold water (for dilution)

Mix all ingredients together and serve over fresh ice with a lime wedge. Cheers!!

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