Two bourbons from Smokeye Hill in Colorado Springs, built on the same unusual foundation and offered at two very different strengths. What sets them apart from most American whiskey is the grain. Both are made with heirloom blue corn rather than the standard yellow dent corn used almost everywhere else, and both are barreled, aged and bottled in Colorado rather than Kentucky. Blue corn brings a softer, slightly nuttier sweetness than yellow corn, and the high altitude, dry Colorado climate pushes maturation harder than the humid Kentucky rickhouses, which is why these carry more colour and oak than their age might suggest. Smokeye Hill Straight Bourbon is bottled at 93 proof and is the everyday pour of the pair, smooth and rounded with caramel, vanilla and toasted nuts on the nose, then a palate of brown sugar, baked apple and gentle baking spice over soft oak, closing clean and warming. Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof is the same bourbon taken straight from the barrel with no water added, which lands it well north of 130 proof depending on the barrel. Every bottle has its proof written on the label by hand, so the exact strength varies. At full proof everything concentrates: deep 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, finishing long and powerful. A few drops of water or a large cube open it considerably. Tasting them side by side isolates strength as the only variable, which makes the pair genuinely instructive as well as a good looking gift in matching heavy glass bottles.
ABV / Proof
| Straight Bourbon ABV |
46.5% |
| Straight Bourbon Proof |
93 |
| Barrel Proof ABV |
Varies by barrel (pictured 66%) |
| Barrel Proof Proof |
Varies by barrel (pictured 132) |
| Size |
2 x 750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Type |
Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Mashbill |
Heirloom blue corn |
| Production |
Barreled, aged and bottled in Colorado Springs |
Tasting Notes
Smokeye Hill Straight Bourbon: Caramel, vanilla and toasted nuts, then brown sugar, baked apple and gentle baking spice over soft oak.
Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof: Deep caramel, dark fruit and toasted oak, then a thick palate of brown sugar, cocoa, cinnamon and leather, finishing long and powerful.
FAQ
What is included in this bundle?
One 750ml bottle of Smokeye Hill Straight Bourbon at 93 proof and one 750ml bottle of Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof, bottled uncut straight from the barrel.
What proof is the Barrel Proof bottle?
It varies by barrel, since it is bottled with no water added. Each label has its proof written in by hand, and bottles typically land above 130 proof.
What is blue corn bourbon?
Both bottles use heirloom blue corn instead of the standard yellow dent corn, which gives a softer, slightly nuttier sweetness.
Where is Smokeye Hill made?
It is barreled, aged and bottled in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
How should I drink the Barrel Proof?
Try it neat first, then add a few drops of water or a large ice cube to soften the strength and open up the sweetness.
Where can I buy this Smokeye Hill bundle online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
