UpTheGrove Laura Upthegrove Light Whiskey is a distinctive 2-year-aged American light whiskey bottled at 100 proof, crafted by Indian River Distillery as part of their limited series collection. This Florida-made spirit delivers layered complexity and assertive character that honors the legendary "Queen of the Everglades" herself.
Named after the notorious Laura Upthegrove, who rode with the Timber Lake Gang through South Florida's untamed wilderness in the early 20th century, this whiskey embodies the rebellious spirit and balanced character of its namesake. Indian River Distillery has crafted this limited series expression to capture the essence of young Florida spirit, creating a whiskey that reflects both the wild heritage of the Everglades and the emerging craft distilling traditions of the Sunshine State.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Fresh grain sweetness, vanilla bean, light oak spice, citrus zest, honey blossom
- Palate: Layered corn sweetness, white pepper, caramel undertones, subtle tropical fruit notes, balanced oak influence
- Finish: Medium length with assertive spice, vanilla warmth, lingering grain character
Product Details
| Spirit Type | American Light Whiskey |
|---|---|
| ABV | 50.0% (100 Proof) |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Age Statement | 2 Years |
| Distillery | Indian River Distillery |
| Region | Florida and Indiana |
| Series | Limited Series |
Perfect For
- Craft Whiskey Exploration: Discovering the unique character of American light whiskey and Florida distilling
- Historical Appreciation: Honoring the outlaw legends and folk stories of early 20th-century Florida
- Collector's Portfolio: Adding a limited series expression from an emerging craft distillery
- Neat Sipping: Appreciating the layered complexity and assertive character at full proof
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UpTheGrove Laura Upthegrove Light Whiskey taste like?
This light whiskey offers layered grain sweetness with vanilla and caramel notes, balanced by white pepper spice and subtle tropical fruit influences. The 100-proof bottling strength delivers assertive character while maintaining the smooth, approachable nature characteristic of well-crafted light whiskey.
What is light whiskey and how is it different from bourbon?
Light whiskey is distilled at higher proof than bourbon (between 160-190 proof versus bourbon's maximum 160 proof) and aged in used or uncharred oak barrels rather than new charred oak. This results in a lighter color and more subtle oak influence, allowing the grain character to shine through with less vanilla and caramel intensity than traditional bourbon.
Who was Laura Upthegrove and why is she featured on this whiskey?
Laura Upthegrove was known as "The Queen of the Everglades" and rode with the Timber Lake Gang, a band of early 20th-century outlaws who operated in South Florida's wild interior. She has become a legendary figure in regional folk stories, and this limited series whiskey honors her rebellious spirit and the untamed character of historical Florida.
Is this whiskey good for cocktails or better neat?
The 100-proof strength and layered character make this whiskey excellent both neat and in cocktails. Its assertive grain sweetness and spice profile work beautifully in classic whiskey cocktails like Old Fashioneds or Manhattans, while the complexity rewards careful neat sipping to appreciate its unique light whiskey character.
What makes Florida whiskey different from traditional whiskey regions?
Florida's warm, humid climate accelerates the aging process and creates unique flavor interactions between the spirit and barrel. The tropical environment can impart subtle fruit notes and different oak extraction patterns compared to Kentucky or Tennessee whiskeys, resulting in distinctive regional character that reflects the Sunshine State's emerging craft distilling identity.
You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.