Devils River Bourbon Whiskey
Devils River Bourbon Whiskey is a 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL Texas bourbon, first released in April 2017. Per the producer, it is distilled in traditional copper pot stills from a high-rye mash of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, aged in deeply charred oak, proofed with limestone-filtered water from the Devils River in southwest Texas, and finished with a proprietary chill filtration for a smooth, deep-amber pour. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 45% (90 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement
- Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
- Origin: Texas — Devils River Whiskey, founded by Mike Cameron, launched 2017
- Process: Copper pot stills; deeply charred oak; limestone-filtered Devils River water; proprietary chill filtration
Texas Bourbon Named for a Wild River
The Devils River, running through southwest Texas near Del Rio, is one of the state's most pristine waterways — Texas Ranger John Coffee Hays is credited in brand lore with naming it in 1840 — and its limestone-filtered water is this bourbon's signature ingredient. Founder Mike Cameron, a co-founder of Rebecca Creek, launched Devils River in 2017 with the rye content roughly doubled versus a typical bourbon recipe, for a bolder, spicier Texas pour. Line it up against other high-rye pours on our bourbon whiskey shelf, explore the wider whisky range, or visit the Devils River vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Slightly peppery, with ripe fruit, vanilla and nutmeg, per the producer. Palate: A bold, peppery start opening into oak, honey and caramel. Finish: Warm, sweet and smooth with a soft mouthfeel.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water to open the honey and caramel. The producer publishes its own Old Fashioned recipe for this bourbon — its spice and oak stand up well to bitters and a rich syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Devils River? For the Devils River in southwest Texas, whose limestone-filtered water the brand uses in proofing the whiskey. The river's name is credited to Texas Ranger John Coffee Hays in 1840.
Is Devils River a high-rye bourbon? Yes — the mash is 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley, with the rye roughly double a typical bourbon recipe in the brand's own description.
Has it won awards? The producer states 18 medals, 8 of them gold, for this bourbon, including 91 points at the USA Spirits Ratings in 2019, and launch coverage reported a Gold at the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition.
Bold, peppery Texas bourbon — order Devils River Bourbon online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.