Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye is the first rye whiskey from Smokeye Hill, the Colorado brand that went semi viral in 2024 when its blue corn barrel proof bourbon was named Bourbon of the Year by Fred Minnick, besting top names from Kentucky and beyond. Inspired by the moonshiners of the American Southwest, who legend says hung bells on their roaming mules to warn of lawmen rounding the bend, the brand leans into a distinctly southwestern swagger. This release carries that identity into rye for the first time, and it is the first rye whiskey on the market crafted with heirloom blue corn. It is built on a proprietary four grain mash bill of rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn and malted barley, contract distilled to Smokeye Hill's recipe in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then barreled and matured in Colorado Springs at around 6,100 feet of elevation in new American white oak barrels of various sizes and char levels. After five years of aging, a portion of the brand's flagship blue corn bourbon is blended in, so while the label reads straight rye, the brand has confirmed this is more precisely a blended rye. It is bottled uncut and non chill filtered at barrel proof, with this bottling landing at 132 proof, a figure that varies slightly from batch to batch. Heirloom blue corn, prized in the Southwest for centuries, lends a deeper, earthier sweetness and a dusty character alongside the rye spice. The nose is earthy and rye forward, with pine, antique wood, tobacco leaf and orange peel. The palate brings herbal rye spice, orchard fruit, vanilla and that distinctive blue corn sweetness, and the finish is long and warming. A limited edition of fewer than 1,400 cases, it is best enjoyed neat with a few drops of water.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Smokeye Hill |
| Producer |
Smokeye Hill Whiskey (Colorado Springs, CO); aged by Hazelwood Spirits Co. |
| Category |
Rye Whiskey (barrel proof; blended rye — see note) |
| Mashbill |
Four grain: rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn, malted barley |
| Age |
5 Years |
| Distillation |
Contract distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana; matured in Colorado Springs (~6,100 ft) |
| Maturation |
New American white oak (various sizes/chars); non chill filtered |
| ABV |
66% |
| Proof |
132 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
| Region |
Colorado / Indiana |
Tasting Notes
Color: Deep amber.
Nose: Earthy and rye forward with pine, antique wood, tobacco leaf and orange peel.
Palate: Herbal rye spice, orchard fruit, vanilla and earthy blue corn sweetness.
Finish: Long and warming with dusty spice and oak.
FAQ
What makes Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye unique? It is the first rye whiskey on the market made with heirloom blue corn, built on a four grain mash bill and bottled uncut at barrel proof.
What proof is this bottle? It is bottled at barrel proof, here 132 proof, or 66 percent alcohol by volume. The exact proof varies slightly from batch to batch.
Is it a straight rye or a blended rye? The label reads straight rye, but the brand has confirmed that a portion of its flagship bourbon is blended in after aging, making it more precisely a blended rye.
Where is it made? It is contract distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then aged in Colorado Springs at roughly 6,100 feet of elevation.
How should I drink it? Neat first, with a few drops of water to open it up given the high proof.
Where can I buy Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
