Devils River Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Devils River Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey is a 58.5% ABV (117 proof), 750mL Texas bourbon bottled at full strength, released in fall 2018. Per the producer, it shares the base bourbon's high-rye mash — 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley — distilled in traditional copper pot stills, proofed with limestone-filtered Devils River water and finished with the brand's proprietary chill filtration, presented undiluted as a nod to how whiskey was enjoyed before the 20th century. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 58.5% (117 proof, producer-published bottling strength)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement
- Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
- Style: Barrel strength — bottled at full strength, undiluted
- Origin: Texas — Devils River Whiskey, released 2018
The Same River, at Full Strength
Barrel Strength is the Devils River bourbon with the water backed off: the same copper-pot, high-rye recipe as the 90 proof original, bottled at 117 proof so the oak, honey and pepper arrive at cask intensity. President and co-founder Mike Cameron framed the 2018 release as a return to pre-20th-century practice, when bourbon was commonly drunk straight from the barrel. Set it against its 90 proof sibling on our bourbon whiskey shelf, explore the wider whisky range, or visit the Devils River vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Pepper and oak with ripe apples, pears and vanilla, per the producer. Palate: Honey, oak and caramel followed by a distinct peppery spice — bold yet smooth. Finish: Clean and lingering on the back palate.
How to Enjoy
Start neat in a Glencairn and add water a few drops at a time — at 117 proof, small additions unlock very different layers of honey and spice. Over a single large cube it makes a slow, intense nightcap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the proof vary from batch to batch? The producer publishes this expression at a fixed 117 proof. Its separate Single Barrel bottling is the one whose proof varies by batch — if a bottle label ever shows otherwise, the label is the authority.
How is it different from the regular Devils River Bourbon? Same 75/21/4 high-rye mash and copper-pot distillation, but bottled at 117 proof instead of 90, undiluted for a bolder, oakier pour.
Has it won awards? The producer's 2018 launch release reported a Gold Medal at Asia's International Beverage Competition for this expression.
Full-strength Texas bourbon, no shortcuts — order Devils River Barrel Strength online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.