Hooten Young '30th Anniversary Of Operation Gothic Serpent' Rye Whiskey
Hooten Young '30th Anniversary Of Operation Gothic Serpent' Rye Whiskey is a commemorative release from veteran-founded Hooten Young, honoring the 30th anniversary of Operation Gothic Serpent — the October 1993 mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, depicted in Black Hawk Down — and created by Norm Hooten, who served in that mission, as a tribute to the 19 fallen service members. Distilled by MGP in Indiana from a 95% rye / 5% malted barley mash bill, it is bottled at a deliberate 93 proof (46.5% ABV) in 750mL — the proof honors the year 1993. It's available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 46.5% (93 proof) — bottled at 93 proof to honor 1993
- Size: 750mL
- Age: commemorative edition — confirm the bottle's printed age statement before printing (2023 edition documented at 6 years; brand now lists 7)
- Mash bill: 95% rye, 5% malted barley
- Origin: distilled by MGP, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
- Edition: 30th-anniversary tribute created by Norm Hooten; originally paired with an Operation Gothic Serpent 30th Anniversary cigar
A Tribute in Rye
Norm Hooten — co-founder of Hooten Young and the real-life "Hoot" of Black Hawk Down — built this rye to mark three decades since the October 3-4, 1993 firefight in Mogadishu. The 95% rye mash bill gives it the backbone of a classic MGP rye: candied apricot and caramelized pear on the nose, warm baking spice on the palate, and a long, dry, spice-trailing finish (official brand notes). Breaking Bourbon has called it a sourced MGP rye "that has more to say than you'd expect." Explore rye whiskey or the Hooten Young collection at Del Mesa.
Tasting Notes
Per the official store notes and published reviews: nose of candied apricot, caramelized pear, cracked pepper and dried herbs; palate of warm baking spice, nutmeg, honeyed fruit and vanilla oak; finish long and dry, with spice trailing off slow.
How to Enjoy
Neat at room temperature — the brand recommends letting the apricot and spice open up first. Mature enough to stand on its own, it also holds up in a rye-forward cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it bottled at 93 proof?
The 93 proof honors 1993 — the year of Operation Gothic Serpent and the Battle of Mogadishu.
What is Operation Gothic Serpent?
The October 1993 U.S. military mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, depicted in Black Hawk Down; this rye honors the 19 service members who died there.
What is the mash bill?
95% rye, 5% malted barley, distilled by MGP in Indiana.
Honor, heritage, and high-rye spice — order Hooten Young '30th Anniversary Of Operation Gothic Serpent' Rye Whiskey online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.