Description
About Smoke Wagon Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey
The Smoke Wagon brand comprises several bourbons, including the Smoke Wagon Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey. It’s a high-rye bourbon that was aged in hand-picked barrels at the heart of their old warehouse, ensuring the consistency of its flavor. It’s a blend of their younger, rye-forward vintages with smoother, creamier, and sweeter older whiskey. Bold and intense, this expression is bottled at 100 proof and has received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2016, 2017, and 2020.
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Key Specs & Production
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand / Bottler | Smoke Wagon — Nevada H&C Distilling Co. |
| Distillation Source | Sourced from MGP Distillery in Indiana, USA. |
| Type / Style | Straight Bourbon, Small Batch bourbon with high rye content. |
| ABV / Proof | 50% ABV, i.e. 100 proof. |
| Mash Bill | ~ 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley. |
| Age / Maturation | NAS (No Age Statement). It uses a blend of younger and older barrels. |
| Cask / Oak Influence | New charred American oak, char level #4 barrels (common in bourbon). Also the aging includes elements like desert climate influence in Nevada warehouse. |
| Filtration / Additives | Non‑chill filtered. |
Flavor & Tasting Profile
Here are what reviewers and drinkers report for aroma, taste, and finish:
| Element | Typical Notes |
|---|---|
| Nose / Aroma | Caramel, vanilla, toasted oak; hints of fruit (cherry, apple, apricot), baking spice (cinnamon, pepper), some citrus or fruit peel. Also light rye spice. |
| Palate / Taste | Sweet opening (caramel, vanilla) then transitions to a stronger rye‑spice component: black pepper / white pepper, baking spices, some dark fruit; oak and sometimes leather or dry wood influence in the background. Balanced between sweet & spicy. |
| Finish | Warm, with lingering spice (especially rye), oak, some dryness; fading sweetness (vanilla, caramel). Not overly harsh at 100 proof, but has heat. |
Strengths & What Makes It Good
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Good balance of sweet and spice — the high rye mash bill gives more character than many bourbons that are mostly corn.
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Bottled at a higher proof (100), so it retains flavour, isn’t overly diluted.
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Blending of younger + older barrels helps smooth out sharp edges while maintaining lively spice.
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Non‑chill filtered keeps more flavour/oils.
Weaknesses / Trade‑Offs
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Because it’s NAS and younger barrels are part of the blend, some reviewers find the finish shorter or less complex than aged bourbons.
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The rye spice is quite forward; for those who prefer very mild bourbon (more sweetness, less spice), it might feel “too spicy” or “too sharp.”
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Oak/tannin or dryness can become noticeable especially in the finish — some say it can get a bit woody.
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In some batches / when not rested, the alcohol heat can be more visible in the nose or palate.
Who It’s Likely Best For
This bourbon is likely to appeal to you if:
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You enjoy bourbons with spice — people who like rye‑influenced character.
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You like bourbon with decent proof but still smooth enough to drink neat.
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You want something with more flavour than “entry‑level” bourbons, but without going into very old or super rare releases.
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You don’t need something extremely delicate or aged; you prefer boldness over subtle complexity.
Reviews
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