Cat's Eye Distillery

Cat's Eye Distillery – Summary for whisky enthusiasts and potential investors

History

• Founded in 2016 by John Baker (Cat’s Eye Distillery, Bettendorf, IA). The origin and development are centered on creating a premium corn whiskey and related products through craftsmanship and a scientific approach.

• Nassif Family Reserve was originally developed by co-founder Gene Nassif as a whiskey he could enjoy at his wedding; it was later made a permanent entry-level whiskey in the Obtainium line.

• The distillery underpins several product lines: OBTAINIUM, Nassif Family Reserve, The Magi, and Cat’s Eye products.

Production

• General approach: Focus on craftsmanship and an understanding of the scientific processes behind creating a handcrafted corn whiskey, where only the premium cut of the distillate is used and aged in new charred oak barrels.

• OBTAINIUM concept: Barrels are sourced from distilleries around the world (USA, Europe, Canada, the Caribbean) and these spirits are blended/finished to create its own products. The products can be barrel-strength or blended; each batch can be unique, while aiming for flavor consistency across batches.

• Specific production details:

• 7- and 15-year-old Light Whiskeys are aged in used charred oak barrels, typically at higher ABV (65–70%) and bottled at barrel strength.

• OBTAINIUM Rye Whiskey: full-bodied with notes of rye bread, vanilla, and nutmeg; ingredients sourced from MGP (Indiana).

• OBTAINIUM Light Whiskey: origin story described; produced and aged under the relevant regulations within the same concept.

• OBTAINIUM Canadian Whisky: 26 years old, 100% corn; distilled around 160 proof, aged in used rye barrels at Palliser Distillery in Canada; bottled at barrel strength with minimal proofing.

• Nassif Family Reserve: a blend of 50% 14-year-old Light Whiskey from MGP and 50% 3-year-old 10-month bourye (bourbon-rye blend) bottled at 107 proof.

• Rescue Bourbon: Wisconsin bourbon finished in stout beer barrels.

• Krupnik: honey-based spirit infused with orange and citrus peels, cinnamon, and various spices; typically 55–60% ABV.

• The product range includes both single malts/whiskies and special releases framed by the mentioned Armagnac cask finishes and exclusive blends.

Whisky products (selected products mentioned in the text)

• OBTAINIUM

• OBTAINIUM Rye Whiskey — full-bodied with notes of rye bread, vanilla, and nutmeg; sourced from MGP, Indiana.

• OBTAINIUM Light Whiskey — the origin story and concept behind light whiskey.

• OBTAINIUM Canadian Whisky — 26 years, 100% corn; aged in used rye barrels at Palliser in Canada.

• Nassif Family Reserve

• A blend of 50% 14-year-old Light Whiskey (MGP) and 50% bourye (3-year-old 10-month bourbon/rye blend); bottled at 107 proof.

• Krupnik

• Honey-based spirit, infused with orange and citrus peels, cinnamon, and various spices; described as well-balanced, not too sweet or too spicy.

• Cat’s Eye Line

• Marketed as the original vision for premium corn whiskey, drawn from the heart of the distillate cut and aged in new charred barrels.

• The Magi (line)

• Very limited, exclusive batches of selected imports; for example The Magi Blended Rye Whiskey (2023 edition) comprising multiple barrels and vintages (multi-barrel blending including MGP and Palliser rye/rye, cask finish in port casks).

• The Magi Canadian Whisky — house-blended from selected casks and proofed down to a high ABV.

• Armagnac cask: Imported Armagnac casks aged 24–37 years from Chateau Garreau in France; intended to add distinctive nuances.

• Nassif Line

• Specific recipe for the spirit, blended to create a unique flavor experience (nearly a signature blend), bottled at around 107 proof.

• Rescue Bourbon

• Wisconsin bourbon finished in stout beer barrels to create a distinctive flavor profile.

Tasting notes

• OBTAINIUM Rye Whiskey: full-bodied with notes of rye bread, vanilla, and nutmeg.

• Krupnik: honey-based, with orange and citrus peels as well as cinnamon and various spices; described as well-balanced, not overly sweet or spicy.

• Nassif Family Reserve: notably versatile and approachable (cocktail-friendly, while still enjoyable neat); combines accessibility for beginners with complexity for enthusiasts.

• General descriptions for The Magi releases and Armagnac finishes imply complex blends and finish notes (port finish, Armagnac finish, etc.), but specific flavor profiles are not listed in the text.

Events and news

• YouTube reviews are mentioned as sources for flavor and product reviews:

• YouTube Reviews: The History of Light Whiskey; The Bourbon Note Review: Nassif Family Reserve; My Bourbon Journey — Nassif Family Reserve; WhiskeyFellow Obtainium Single Barrel 14-Year Light Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes; and several other reviews and ratings.

• No specific tastings or distillery visits are mentioned as concrete events in the text, but there is active online content and reviews.

Company philosophy and values

• Quality and craftsmanship: highlighted as “craft whiskey distilling at its finest” and a focus on craftsmanship through selecting premium cuts and aging in new charred oak barrels.

• Innovation: The OBTAINIUM concept illustrates the ambition of global collaboration through sourcing barrels and building blocks for unique, batch-to-batch variants. The desire for flavor consistency combined with the joy of small variations suggests reliability and excitement for fans and investors.

• Accessibility and versatility: The product lines range from entry-level Nassif to premium lines and limited editions, suggesting a strategy that appeals to both beginners and seasoned whiskey lovers.