Two Souls Spirits and J. Henry & Sons Release First-Ever Rum-Cask Finished Whiskeys in a Historic Collaboration

Image Credit: Two Souls Spirits

‍HOUSTON, Texas — On May 29, 2026, Two Souls Spirits releases two limited-edition whiskeys made in collaboration with J. Henry & Sons (Dane, WI) — The Hero and The Genius — marking the first time J. Henry & Sons has ever produced a rum-cask finished whiskey. Both bottles are available exclusively at twosoulsspirits.com.

What sets these releases apart is not just the finish — it's how they were made. For the first time, Two Souls worked directly with J. Henry to select the barrels and determine finishing time, then matched each whiskey to its cask. The result: two intentional, well-balanced pours where the rum plays a supporting role rather than stealing the show.

"These were well-thought-out and executed finishes. The resulting whiskey is exceptionally well balanced. That's the best you can ask for."
— James Estrada, Co-Founder & Whiskey Doctor, Two Souls Spirits.

THE HERO — J. HENRY & SONS 7-YEAR RUM-CASK FINISHED BOURBON

The Hero spent over two years in a rare Queen's Share rum cask from Echo Spirits Distilling — a lighter rum cask that took its time making its presence known in the bourbon. Two Souls intentionally proofed it down to 115.32 to achieve a genuinely balanced pour, one that delivers big oak and warmth without tipping into excess.

"For the bourbon, I never would have thought it was a rum finish — nothing indicated rum to me. The dry-sweet-dry progression is just really unique."
— Karen Gentry, Co-Owner, Two Souls Spirits.

Tasting Notes: Dry roasted peanuts, burnt brown sugar, fresh corn cakes, dried tropical fruit, leather, and chewy oak tannins on the finish. As you wish(ed).

The Nerdy Bits:
Mash Bill: 64 Red Corn, 14 Wheat, 14 Rye, 8 Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years, 3 Months, 1 Day
Barrel: Used Rum (Echo), ISC Cooperage, Medium Toast, Char 3
ABV: 57.66%
Proof: 115.32
Yield: 198 Bottles
Price: $89.99

THE GENIUS — J. HENRY & SONS 7-YEAR RUM-CASK FINISHED RYE

The Genius was finished in Two Souls' famed Rum King barrel — a heavier rum cask that made a playful appearance in contrast to the more subtle bourbon finish. The result is a bold, dense rye built for serious rye fans, with warm rum sweetness woven in rather than piled on.

"At its core, this is a bold rye. But I think this will play well with rum fans as well — even people who typically shy away from finished spirits will enjoy it."
— James Estrada, Co-Founder & Whiskey Doctor, Two Souls Spirits.

Tasting Notes: Warm cinnamon spice, clove, green apple, molasses, French vanilla, and burnt sugar with a lingering mint finish. Inconceivable flavor — except it's very real.

The Nerdy Bits:
Mash Bill: 64 Rye, 14 Wheat, 14 Corn, 8 Malted Barley
Age: 7 Years, 4 Months, 16 Days
Barrel: Used Rum (Rum King), ISC Cooperage, Medium Toast, Char 3
ABV: 62.29%
Proof: 124.58
Yield: 169 Bottles
Price: $89.99

ABOUT THE COLLABORATION
This is the first rum-cask finished whiskey ever produced by J. Henry & Sons, and the first time Two Souls Spirits collaborated directly with a distillery partner on barrel selection and finishing time. J. Henry selected the whiskeys to match each rum cask; Two Souls determined the finishing approach. The pairing produced two distinct experiences that reward side-by-side comparison.

"The rye — the rum made a playful appearance and this was such a contrast to the bourbon. I liked the experience of trying them together and comparing the two to each other." — Karen Gentry, Co-Owner, Two Souls Spirits

ABOUT TWO SOULS SPIRITS
‍Two Souls Spirits is an independent craft spirits bottling company based in Texas. The company partners with craft distilleries nationwide to source, select, and bottle limited-edition single-barrel and small-batch spirits — curating experiences rather than simply bottling whiskey. Co-Founder James Estrada has written about American craft spirits for over a decade and co-hosts the Whiskey Uncut podcast. Co-Owner Karen Gentry handles operations and marketing. Two Souls releases spirits only when they've reached their peak — many bottled uncut and unfiltered to preserve their full character.

ABOUT J. HENRY & SONS
‍J. Henry & Sons is a family-owned distillery located in Dane, Wisconsin, known for producing bourbon and rye whiskeys from heirloom red corn and other heritage grains grown on their farm. Founded by Larry Henry, the distillery has built a reputation for patience, craftsmanship, and grain-to-glass integrity.