Two barrel proof whiskeys from Smokeye Hill in Colorado Springs, one bourbon and one rye, both bottled straight from the barrel with no water added. What connects them is heirloom blue corn, which appears in both mashes rather than the standard yellow dent corn used almost everywhere else, and that is unusual enough on the bourbon side but genuinely uncommon in a rye. Both are barreled, aged and bottled in Colorado, where the high altitude and dry climate push maturation harder than the humid Kentucky rickhouses, giving more colour and oak influence than the years alone would suggest. Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon is the rounder of the two. At full strength it pours deep amber and delivers concentrated caramel, dark fruit and toasted oak on the nose, then a thick, mouthcoating palate of brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and leather with real heat behind it, closing long and powerful. Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Rye carries a five year age statement and shifts the balance toward spice. Expect dry rye, black pepper and baking spice on the nose over caramel and vanilla, then a bold palate of peppery rye, clove, toasted oak and a soft blue corn sweetness underneath that keeps it from turning austere. The finish is long, dry and warming. Because both are bottled uncut, the exact proof varies from barrel to barrel and is written on each label by hand, typically landing well above 130. A few drops of water or a large cube open either one considerably. Tasting them side by side isolates grain as the variable at full strength, which is a rare comparison to be able to make.
ABV / Proof
| Barrel Proof Bourbon ABV |
Varies by barrel (pictured 66%) |
| Barrel Proof Bourbon Proof |
Varies by barrel (pictured 132) |
| Barrel Proof Rye ABV |
Varies by barrel (pictured 66%) |
| Barrel Proof Rye Proof |
Varies by barrel (pictured 132) |
| Rye Age |
5 Years |
| Size |
2 x 750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Type |
Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey |
| Mashbill |
Both crafted with heirloom blue corn |
| Production |
Barreled, aged and bottled in Colorado Springs |
| Strength |
Barrel proof, uncut |
Tasting Notes
Barrel Proof Bourbon: Concentrated caramel, dark fruit and toasted oak, then brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and leather, finishing long and powerful.
Barrel Proof Rye: Dry rye, black pepper and baking spice over caramel and vanilla, then peppery rye, clove and toasted oak with soft blue corn sweetness beneath.
FAQ
What is included in this bundle?
One 750ml bottle of Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon and one 750ml bottle of Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Rye, aged five years, both bottled uncut.
What proof are they?
Both are bottled straight from the barrel with no water added, so the proof varies by barrel. Each label has its proof written in by hand, typically above 130.
Is there blue corn in the rye as well?
Yes. Both labels state that they are crafted with heirloom blue corn, which is unusual for a rye whiskey.
How old are they?
The rye carries a five year age statement. The bourbon does not state an age.
How should I drink them?
Try each neat first, then add a few drops of water or a large ice cube to soften the strength and open up the flavour.
Where can I buy this Smokeye Hill bundle online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
