Smoke Wagon Blender’s Select Straight Rye Whiskey Review.
Smoke Wagon Blender’s Select Straight Rye Whiskey Review.
Smoke Wagon is one of those brands that immediately draws attention, partly because of its striking bottle design with wax seals and etched glass, and partly because of the mystery surrounding its sourcing and blending philosophy. Based out of Nevada, Smoke Wagon has built a reputation around curated blends, often utilizing MGP distillate while being unusually transparent about what goes into the bottle. Unfortunately, distribution is limited, and for me that means a drive to Ohio just to pick one up, but curiosity finally got the better of me.
This release is a blend of two distinct rye mash bills. The first consists of 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malted barley. The second is one of MGP’s newer recipes, made up of 51% rye and 49% malted barley. These components are blended together and released at a robust proof without clear indication of whether it is true cask strength. The bottle reviewed here was bottled on September 30th, 2023, and is labeled as Batch 5C.
Age Statement: N/A.
ABV: 57.9%.
Mash bill: A blend of 51% rye, 45% corn, & 4% malted barley, 51% rye & 49% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Appearance: Golden hue.
On the nose:
On the nose:
The first thing that jumps out is fresh apple sweetness, reminiscent of homemade cider from a fall orchard. There is a gentle rye spice present, but it avoids the sharp herbal or dill-heavy profile often associated with MGP rye. Instead, the aroma leans into soft barrel spice, light char, vanilla cream, caramel, and a rock candy sweetness. As it opens up, floral rye notes emerge, rounded out by malt-driven softness that adds balance and approachability.
Taste:
The palate delivers a beautifully textured mouthfeel that coats evenly without heat. Rye spice becomes more pronounced here, showing herbal and floral characteristics while remaining clean and controlled. Green apple and rock candy sweetness carry through, supported by subtle malted barley richness. There is a light earthiness on subsequent sips, along with hints of barrel char and wood sugars, but nothing harsh or youthful shows through despite the high proof.
Finish:
The finish is warming, well-integrated, and gently spiced. Floral rye notes linger alongside apple sweetness and soft oak, making this an easy sipper for a high-proof rye. It leaves you wanting another pour rather than demanding a break.
Final Thoughts:
Smoke Wagon Blender’s Select Straight Rye Whiskey delivers a rounded, expressive profile that avoids the stereotypical MGP rye fingerprint. The blend showcases sweetness, spice, and floral character in harmony, with no sharp edges or youthful notes at nearly 58% ABV. While the typical $80 price point feels a bit steep, the quality in the glass justifies the purchase if you can find it, This is the kind of rye that would impress at a bottle share and shine during colder months when bold spice and layered sweetness are exactly what you want.
Rating: A- (Amazing).
Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.
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