#USA #Colorado Springs #Rye Whiskey #Smokeye Hill #Heirloom Corn

Smokeye Hill Whiskey Introduces Its First-Ever Rye Whiskey

In an exciting development for whiskey aficionados, Smokeye Hill Whiskey has stepped beyond its award-winning bourbon to introduce the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, marking the brand's inaugural venture into the rye whiskey market. This innovative creation honors the rich traditions of the American Southwest by utilizing the unique flavor of heirloom blue corn, a staple ingredient in the brand’s offerings.

A Unique Recipe and Crafting Process

The Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey is meticulously crafted from a proprietary four-grain mash bill that includes rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn, and malted barley. The distillation takes place in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, but the whiskey is then barreled and matured at an elevation of 6,100 feet in Colorado Springs. Its aging process involves 30-gallon American white oak casks that are charred to different levels—Nos. 2, 3, and 4—to enhance depth and complexity.

The unique climate of Colorado plays a significant role in the maturation process. As seasons change, the barrels experience expansion and contraction, aiding in the development of complex flavors. This results in rich tasting notes showcased in the final product:

• - Nose: butterscotch, honey, warm spice, and dried fig
• - Palate: full-bodied flavors of caramel, cinnamon, dried apricot, sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and a hint of pepper
• - Finish: long and oily, featuring notes of honeyed oak, warming spices, and black tea

According to Blake Johns, the founder of Smokeye Hill, “Our Barrel Proof Rye spends five years aging to develop depth and complexity before being blended with a percentage of our flagship bourbon, ensuring that the signature Smokeye Hill profile shines through.” He further emphasizes that the brand focuses on crafting fresh and distinct spirits while respecting its Southwestern roots.

A Nod to Tradition

The heritage of Smokeye Hill is deeply intertwined with Arizona's cultural fabric, where heirloom blue corn has been cherished for generations. The brand pays tribute to this element of their history, reinforcing their identity through flavors that reflect the land. This commitment to heritage extends to the very name of Smokeye Hill, inspired by a hill on the Johns family ranch where moonshine was clandestinely produced during Prohibition. Local officers would signal ranchers by tying bells to their cattle, a tradition that has resulted in the distinctive bell-shaped whiskey bottle.

For this new rye whiskey, the proof will vary slightly by batch, ranging from 131.2 to 131.7. It will retail at approximately $89.99 and will be launched in October 2025. Whiskey lovers in selected states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, Washington, and Texas will have access to purchase this limited release, which will also be available online nationwide through platforms like Seelbachs and Spirits Network.

Recognition and Craftsmanship

Smokeye Hill's craftsmanship has not gone unnoticed. The brand's Barrel Proof Bourbon earned accolades as the 2024 ASCOT Bourbon of the Year and Best Small Batch Bourbon, in addition to winning a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These honors highlight the brand's commitment to quality and innovation.

For more details about Smokeye Hill and its complete product lineup, you can visit www.smokeyehill.com or follow them on Instagram @SmokeyeHill. Smokeye Hill Whiskey continues to embody the unyielding spirit of the American Southwest, revealing the nuances of flavor and tradition in every bottle.