Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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 Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review.

    Some bottles rise from obscurity overnight, and Smokeye Hill is one of them. When Fred Minnick gave this Colorado-based brand his seal of approval in 2024, their bourbons vanished from shelves faster than you could say “secondary markup.” But now that the hype has settled, prices have dropped, and I finally got my hands on a bottle.
   
    Though Smokeye Hill operates out of Colorado, the whiskey itself begins life at MGP in Indiana. What makes it stand out is the unique mash bill, a blend of blue corn, yellow corn, rye, and barley, a departure from MGP’s traditional recipes. After distillation, the spirit makes the journey west to Colorado, where it’s aged and bottled. That blue corn addition immediately caught my attention. From my experiences, blue corn adds a unique mouthfeel and texture to the whiskey.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/akdEKHO9w4o.

Age Statement: 5+ years.

ABV: 67.1% (Barrel Proof).

Mash bill: N/A. (Heirloom blue corn, yellow corn, rye, and malted barley).

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Aged in Colorado.

Appearance: Deep amber.


On the nose:
    Right away, this one surprises. It opens with a wave of lemon pound cake; bright, sweet, and buttery, rounded by vanilla bean paste and a light oak char. Despite its 67% ABV, it doesn’t burn; the alcohol is well-integrated, giving way to a subtle spice and an intriguing dusty blue corn note. There’s also a trace of black pepper and a soft waxiness from the barley that rounds everything out beautifully.


Taste:
    The sip begins with an unexpected black tea note, earthy, herbal, and floral, the kind of flavor Indiana rye is famous for. Honey, caramel, and vanilla glide across the tongue, with a touch of tobacco sweetness and a citrus lift that reminds me of freshly squeezed lemon in tea. It’s thick, coating, and wonderfully balanced between sweet and spicy, with the blue corn lending a softer texture and mellow sweetness. Despite the proof, it drinks smooth, controlled, and dangerously approachable.   


Finish:
    Long and layered. The tea note lingers alongside gentle oak spice and hints of lemon zest. There’s a graceful taper, warm but not hot, and it leaves behind a memory of sweet pound cake and herbal depth. It’s the kind of pour that invites another sip before you realize how strong it really is.
   

Final Thoughts: 
    Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a knockout example of how contract distillation can still produce a spirit with its own character and soul. At SRP, it feels like a steal, especially given the quality and proof. The blue corn mash bill gives it a unique edge, and that black tea character ties everything together in an unforgettable way. This is the kind of pour that turns skeptics into believers.    


Rating: A (Excellent).

Cost: $69.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/akdEKHO9w4o.

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

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