Cat's Eye Distillery

Cat's Eye Distillery is craft whiskey distilling at its finest featuring it's broad range of finely distilled whiskeys

It's home of OBTAINIUM, The Nassif Family Reserve, The Magi, and Cat’s Eye products.

Obtainium

What is OBTAINIUM and why do we do it?

OBTAINIUM is exactly what the name implies. We “obtain” barrels from distilleries all over the world. Including the US, Europe, Canada, and The Caribbean. We source these spirits of varying types, light whiskey, rye, bourbon, etc. to create our own blends and products.

These products are bottled at either barrel strength or blended to create our signature flavors. That being said, all of our creations, whether it’s a single barrel bottling or one of our blended products, will be unique either to that particular barrel or batch.

No two will ever be “exactly” the same. We strive to ensure flavor consistency throughout every batch of our blends to give our fans confidence and the comfort of familiarity. That paired with slight variances in each batch, brings a sense of anticipation for the next batch.

Canadian Whisky

Krupnik

Aamagnac

GENE NASSIF On Light Whiskey: “I didn’t live through the ’70s. I think that allowed me to look at [light whiskey] objectively,” says Eugene Nassif, a 27-year-old lawyer by trade, who helps source single barrels of whiskey for the Iowa-based Cat’s Eye Distillery, which recently released a 13-year-old light whiskey that Nassif had acquired. “While light whiskey may have gotten a bad rap when it was young, as it aged, it developed into something truly special.”

What is OBTAINIUM and why do we do it? OBTAINIUM is exactly what the name implies. We “obtain” barrels from distilleries all over the world. Including the US, Europe, Canada, and The Caribbean. We source these spirits of varying types, light whiskey, rye, bourbon, etc. to create our own blends and products. These products are bottled at either barrel strength or blended to create our signature flavors. That being said, all of our creations, whether it’s a single barrel bottling or one of our blended products, will be unique either to that particular barrel or batch. No two will ever be “exactly” the same. We strive to ensure flavor consistency
throughout every batch of our blends to give our fans confidence and the comfort of familiarity. That paired with slight variances in each batch, brings a sense of anticipation for the next batch.

OBTAINIUM Rye Whiskey has a full-bodied flavor of rye bread, vanilla, and nutmeg. Sourced from MGP in Indiana. Rye whiskey is, by law, made from a mash of at least 51% rye. (The other ingredients in the mash
are usually corn and malted barley.) The whiskey must be put in the barrels at no more than 125 proof (62.5% abv). Rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years and has not been blended with other spirits may be further designated as straight, as in “straight rye whiskey”.

OBTAINIUM Light Whiskey came into existence in 1968 because consumers were moving away from Bourbon and more into clear spirits such as vodka or gin. Light whiskey is distilled between160-190 proof. Contrast that with Bourbon or American Rye which tops out at 160 proof. It must be aged in used, charred oak barrels or new, uncharred oak. Most distilleries didn’t let it age very long. Sourced from MGP in Indiana. Light whiskey fell out of favor, and stocks were left hanging around, mostly ignored and forgotten. UNTIL NOW!

OBTAINIUM Canadian Whiskey Our OBTAINIUM Canadian Whisky is a 26 year, 100% corn whisky. Distilled at around 160 proof, aged in used Rye casks by Palliser Distillery. Each barrel is bottled individually at barrel strength (unless proofing down is required by state).

Obtainium.com

Nassif Family Reserve

The Nassif Family Reserve was first developed by co-founder Gene Nassif as a whiskey he could enjoy with his family and friends for his wedding. The whiskey was enjoyed so much that he decided to bottle it as a permanent, entry-level whiskey for the Obtainium brand.

Nassif Family Reserve is a blend of 50% 14-year light whiskey from MGP and 50% 3-year 10-month bourye (a blend of 36 rye bourbon and 95 rye distillate aged together in new oak). The blend is bottled at 107 proof. The result is a whiskey that is both approachable for a novice, great in cocktails, yet complex enough to be enjoyed neat by a whiskey enthusiast.

Products

At Cat’s Eye Distillery our mission was to understand the scientific processes which go into creating a hand crafted whiskey from corn that would be perfect for both beginners and refined whiskey drinkers. We take only the premium cuts from the hearts of the distillation run and age them in new charred oak barrels.

CAT’S EYE LINE

(what started it all)

The Cat’s Eye Line of products, is the culmination of John Baker’s (founder of Cat’s Eye Distillery) dream of what a premium corn whiskey and premium liquor should be.

Krupnik

is a honey based product that customers have said tastes like “Christmas in your mouth!”. In addition to the same premium cuts that we use for the Essence of Iowa whiskey, we add honey, orange and lemon zest, cinnamon, and a variety of other spices. The result, is the smoothest, not too sweet, not too spicy, drink you have ever had. Usually between 55-60% abv., KRUPNIK can be sipped warmed, chilled, or right off your shelf. But no matter the temperature, it’s always best enjoyed all on it’s own.

OBTAINIUM

is just what it says. They are barrels we have obtained from sources all over the United States and the world. We then blend, finish, and (per some state laws) proof down, each barrel individually. Most are sold at barrel strength.

The Bottled in Bond Act of 1897

was enacted to ensure the quality and safety of the consumer. In the mid 1800’s, many less than reputable companies were selling concoctions of ingredients and calling it whiskey. Few met the definition of a distilled spirit. Thus the bond act of 1897 was born. Meeting strict guidelines is the only way for a spirit to be deemed “Bonded”. Enjoy with confidence.

Our 7 and 15 year Light Whiskeys

, are aged in used charred oak barrels. Generally having a slightly higher proof than a standard whiskey, these can range from 65% – 70% ABV. Each individual barrel is bottled at barrel strength. So while being similar in age and type, each will have its own unique flavor and nuances.

Our Canadian Whisky

is a 26 year, 100% corn whisky. Distilled at around 160 proof, aged in used rye casks by Palliser Distillery in Canada. Each barrel is bottled at barrel strength unless proofing down is required by state law.

Rescue Bourbon

is a Wisconsin bourbon, individually selected for flavor, then finished in stout beer barrels. Combining the two, creates a unique flavor blend that takes the smoothness of the Bourbon and mixes it with the rich highlights of stout.

Our NASSIF line of products

are specific recipe of spirits, that when combined, make a one of a kind, amazing flavor experience. Proofing to 107, makes the NFR line enjoyable for the novice, as well as the seasoned enthusiast.

This whiskey is a testament to the art of American whiskey blending. A proprietary recipe of light whiskey, bourbon and rye, results in a spirit with all the best notes of each of its ingredients.

This blend of rum, was sourced from both the Caribbean and Americas. Aged a minimum of five years, these rums were finished in new oak, used whiskey barrels, and used port barrels. The end result is a far smoother rum than any other you have tried.

Our Magi line

of products are very limited, exclusive batches, of select imports. Hand selected barrels have been sourced and blended for specific characteristics, to bring you a familiar, yet unique flavor experience.

The 2023 edition of our Magi Blended Rye Whiskey, is another unique blend of 6 barrels of 7-9 year double oak MGP rye whiskey, 1 barrel of 11year French oak Polish rye, 1.5 barrels of 21 year Palliser rye, and 2 barrels of 22 year Palliser rye whiskey finished in port barrels of 1 year.

We imported a very small number of 24-37 year old Armagnac barrels from Chateau Garreau in France. Similar to Cognac, but with its own unique nuances.