Corbin Cash Blended Whiskey

Some whiskeys taste familiar; this one feels like California’s farm fields in a glass. Corbin Cash Blended Whiskey is a blended American whiskey from Atwater, California, crafted farm-to-bottle by the Souza family using their own sweet potatoes and Merced rye. The blend is composed of an 80/20 mix of estate-grown sweet potato spirits and Merced rye whiskey, each matured separately in custom-charred American white oak barrels for up to four years before blending.

Right away, its character feels intentionally “bourbon-esque” rather than rye-driven. At 90 proof, it shows a mellow, sweet profile that’s more welcoming than fiery, designed to win over drinkers who usually reach for Kentucky bourbon instead of rye. That sweet potato base softens the edges, wrapping the rye’s spice in an easygoing, rounded texture that makes the whiskey feel surprisingly approachable neat or on the rocks.

On the nose and palate, you notice the twist. There’s gentle sweetness that recalls candied yams and toffee, but it’s quickly joined by cocoa, light baking spice, charred oak, and a faint vegetal note that keeps things grounded. It doesn’t chase enormous complexity; instead, it leans into softness, subtle spic,e and a short, slightly dry finish that makes each sip feel clean and ready for the next.

In cocktails, this bottle really earns its keep. The distillery even leans into highball and Buck-style serves, where ginger, citrus, and a touch of sweetness amplify its toffee, cocoa, and char without burying the grain. Think of it as a bridge whiskey: a gentle step up for bourbon drinkers curious about rye-influenced blends, and a playful, farm-rooted option for bartenders chasing something just a bit different behind the bar.

Nose: Sweet aromas rise first, with soft sweet potato, vanilla, and toffee drifting over gentle oak. Hints of cocoa, light baking spice, and a faint charred edge add warmth without feeling heavy.

Palate: The palate feels mellow and silky, showing caramel, vanilla cream, and baked sweet potato tones that echo holiday candied yams. Toffee, cocoa, mild rye spice, and charred oak follow, creating a bourbon-esque profile that stays easygoing and approachable.

Finish: The finish is medium and slightly dry, featuring notes of cocoa powder, oak tannin, and a hint of tobacco leaf. Sweet potato, toffee, and soft char linger briefly, then fade cleanly, inviting another relaxed sip.

Bold flavor, gentle proof—this whiskey pairs perfectly with comfort food that has a bit of edge. Try it with grilled pork chops brushed in maple and mustard; the sweet potato and toffee notes echo the glaze while the char links up with grill marks. Fried chicken with cracked pepper and honey hot sauce is another delightful pairing, allowing the mellow sweetness to temper the spice between bites.

For a snack, pair a glass with smoked almonds, kettle chips, or a bacon cheeseburger loaded with sharp cheddar and pickles. The salt and fat amplify the cocoa, caramel, and oak, while that slightly dry finish keeps your palate from ever feeling weighed down.

Cheese boards lean into their softer side. Aged Gouda, mild blue, or nutty comté all play beautifully with the sweet potato richness and charred oak. Add toffee, dark chocolate, or a square of pecan fudge for dessert, and you suddenly have a casual, end-of-night ritual built around a very California kind of whiskey.