A Letter from Two Souls: 2025 & What's Ahead

Dec 19, 2025

Dear Friends of Two Souls Spirits,

 

As 2025 comes to a close, I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for supporting Two Souls Spirits—not only this past year, but since we started our journey in 2022. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or joined along the way, your enthusiasm, trust, and curiosity continue to make this work both possible and deeply rewarding. Independent bottling is not for the faint of heart, and your support has made the long hours, spreadsheets, and barrel samples worth it (mostly the barrel samples).

 

Looking back on this year, I’m exceptionally proud of the whiskeys we released—each selected with intention, patience, and more than a few spirited dinner-table debates. Most recently, Pro Bear Rasslin’, our double-barreled bourbon from Manifest Distilling, delivered exactly what we hoped it would: depth, character, and a finish that lingers long enough to demand your attention without overstaying its welcome.

 

Alongside it, Road’s End from J. Henry & Sons marked a meaningful transition for our company (more on this below). This 8-year bourbon, built on heirloom grains and thoughtful aging, is rich, structured, and balanced—proof that time, care, and a refusal to rush things still matter in whiskey.

 

Earlier this year, we released Grape Ape, our oldest and highest-proof whiskey to date. At ten years old and bottled recklessly bold, this rye represents the outer edge of what we’re willing to put in a bottle—and a reminder that age and proof, when handled carefully, can still be elegant (the kind of elegance that melts your face off, of course).

 

We were also thrilled to finally share Son of Ghost Barrel from Sutherland Distilling, a release eagerly anticipated after our original Ghost Barrel. Its maple syrup cask finish adds sweetness and depth without overpowering the underlying 100% corn bourbon—a delicate balance that took time, patience, and more tasting notes than I care to admit.

 

Finally, 2025 marked an important milestone for Two Souls with the release of our first Light Whiskey, Red Light Green Light, sourced from Kozuba & Sons Distillery. Often misunderstood, this category surprised even us with its richness and complexity. It’s a whiskey that quietly challenges assumptions—and then politely proves them wrong.

 

Behind these bottles are our distillery partners, whose craftsmanship and openness allow us to do what we do best: select and bottle whiskeys we genuinely love and believe in. Just as importantly, your feedback and engagement continue to shape how we approach each release.

 

This year also brought a meaningful transition for Two Souls Spirits. After four years of energy and collaboration, my co-founder Chad stepped away from day-to-day operations. I’m deeply grateful for his role in building this company from the ground up—and for surviving the early years when everything was harder, slower, and far less predictable.

 

Stepping into the role of business partner is Karen (“Whiskeykk”), whose palate, perspective, and experience are already influencing the direction of Two Souls in the best possible ways. She brings a playful (check out her IG!), yet disciplined approach to whiskey (she really does love agendas, spreadsheets, and all things organization)—along with a shared appreciation for doing things intentionally and without shortcuts.

 

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about what’s coming next. You can expect a continued focus on distinctive single barrels, meaningful collaborations, and—without giving too much away—a lineup that leans a bit sweeter this winter and spring. Let’s just say dessert notes may be making an appearance—but with all the bold, unapologetic, in-your-face whiskey-ness you expect from Two Souls releases.

 

Thank you again for being part of the Two Souls Spirits community. Your support allows us to remain curious, selective, and just stubborn enough to keep doing this the right way. We look forward to sharing what’s next with you very soon.

 

Warm regards,

James “The Whiskey Doctor” & the Two Souls Spirits Family