Distillery: Nevada H&C Distilling
Region: Las Vegada, Nevada
Aging: Undisclosed, but likely a blend of 4-8 year MGP Bourbon
ABV: 50% ABV
Proof: 100 Proof
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Barley
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
MSRP Price: $45
Smoke Wagon Small Batch Bourbon Tasting Notes
Appearance: Dark Honey
Nose: Caramel, oak, vanilla, smoke, light fruits, apple, apricot, rye spice
Palate: Rye spice, caramel, toasted oak, pepper, smoke
Finish: Spicey, heavy finish – leaves you with a lot of pepper and spice on the palate with hints of smoke, oak, and light fruits
Is Smoke Wagon Small Batch an Approachable Whiskey?
Smoke Wagon Small Batch has a bit of heat to it and may be a little strong for beginners.
The pepper and rye spice are very rich and heavy so if you’re a fan of that, this is a pretty unique pour.
Is Smoke Wagon Small Batch Complex?
Smoke Wagon Small Batch has a few layers of complexity to it.
It starts with a nice and heavy nose full of caramel, oak, smoke, and rye spice with light notes of fruit, citrus, and vanilla.
Once you take your first sip, you are met with big and bold rye spice and pepper. There is a bit of smoke to it, but the rye spice and pepper are front and center.
After the initial hit of flavor, your taste buds are met with some of the sweeter caramel, vanilla, and light fruit notes that lie behind the scenes.
What are Smoke Wagon Small Batch’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Smoke Wagon Small Batch’s strongest attribute is definitely its heavy rye spice and peppery kick.
Right from the first sip, you know exactly what you’re in for.
Is Smoke Wagon Small Batch a go-to whiskey?
Smoke Wagon could be a go-to whiskey for you if you are a fan of the bold rye-forward whiskeys.
I’m a fan of high-rye bourbons, but I do normally go for a little bit sweeter bourbons so this one may not be a go-to for me.
It is good enough that I would pour it on a cold day when I’m in the mood for a nice flavor kick.
Is Smoke Wagon Small Batch priced accurately to its quality?
Smoke Wagon Small Batch is priced well for its quality.
It definitely delivers.
It’s not often that you find a high-rye bourbon with a nice kick of spice and pepper without being too overpowering.
This pour has a nice balance between the amount of spice and heat you taste on each sip compared to the amount of flavor it offers.
Conclusion for Smoke Wagon Small Batch
Smoke Wagon Small Batch is a very solid purchase at the $45 price point.
It offers a big and bold flavor profile that is rye-heavy and outperforms some of the other competitors in this price range.
It almost reminds me of the New Riff Single Barrel Rye which is a top rye whiskey choice of mine.
If you’re a fan of rye spice and pepper finish, this is one you should pick up if you see it on the shelf.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
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Thanks for reading and cheers!
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