Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Bourbon Review — 134.2° Deep Dive
As you'd expect from a 134.2 proof, 5-year-old bourbon, the ethanol practically roars on the nose, and it takes some patience to get behind it to discover notes of light caramel, orange peel, honey, toffee and cappuccino.
BOTTLE DETAILS
- DISTILLER: MGPI, but aged, blended and bottled in Colorado Springs, CO, by Smokeye Hill Whiskey.
- MASH BILL: An unspecified blend of Heirloom Blue Corn, Yellow Corn, Rye and Malted Barley
- AGE: 5 years
- YEAR: 2025
- PROOF: 134.2 (67.1% ABV)
- MSRP: $84.99
- BUY ONLINE: Available nationally at Seelbachs, Spirits Network, Keg N Bottle
STEVE'S NOTES
SHARE WITH: Bourbon drinkers who like hot, spicy and slightly tannic whiskies.
WORTH THE PRICE: Not really for me. I'd like it to be older, a bit more mellowed and more complex for that price.
BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar, especially if you like slightly oaky bourbon.
OVERALL: As you'd expect from a 134.2 proof, 5-year-old bourbon, the ethanol practically roars on the nose, and it takes some patience to get behind it to discover notes of light caramel, orange peel, honey, toffee and cappuccino. If you let it alone for a few minutes, the heat retreats some to reveal iced graham cracker and powdered donut.
To the palate comes a lot of heat and spice that isn't restrained by much body; it's leaner than I expected from a bourbon mash bill containing two types of corn. There are some good tropical fruit notes embedded in the mix, but it's tough–for me at least–to hang with the heat to enjoy them. I'm not bothered by high proof whiskies, but I find that older ones are better mellowed with long aging and oxidation. This one's fiery presentation attests to its youth.
The finish is lightly drying, short and warm, but subsequent sips see the dryness move in with authority. Some, cigar smokers especially dig that, but it's not for me. Having been aged in Colorado may have something to do with this, or it could be cooperage choices. I don't know for sure. But I do know I'd prefer the whiskey be a little richer and full bodied. Your mileage may vary of course, and different preferences are part of what makes drinking fun and interesting. Given the oral fireworks this provides, I'm betting it will make a hell of a Manhattan or old fashioned.
BRAND NOTES
PROCESS: Aged in new American White Oak 30- and 53-gallon barrels with No.2, No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 barrel chars, and non-chill filtered.
AROMA: Creme brulee, vanilla, tobacco, leather, dark wood.
FLAVOR: Robust vanilla, caramelized brown sugar, honey nougat, oak, rich tobacco, leather and oak.
FINISH: Long lingering finish of vanilla and caramel with honey.
Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.