Tincup American Whiskey
Tincup American Whiskey is a 750mL whiskey bottled at 42% ABV (84 proof) in Colorado — a blend of high-rye straight bourbon distilled and aged in Indiana with a small amount of Colorado single malt whiskey, cut to proof with Rocky Mountain water. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 42% (84 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: American whiskey — high-rye straight bourbon blended with Colorado single malt
- Origin: Bourbon distilled and aged in Indiana; blended, cut with Rocky Mountain water and bottled in Colorado
- Mash: Corn, rye and malted barley — the combined blend is reported as 64% corn / 32% rye / 4% malted barley
- Maturation: New charred American white oak barrels (No. 3 char)
- Founder: Jess Graber; owned by Proximo Spirits
The Original Tincup: Midwestern Bourbon Meets Colorado Malt
Tincup launched in 2014 as Jess Graber's tribute to Tin Cup, Colorado — the mining town named for the cups its miners drank whiskey from, a story the brand carries in its hexagonal bottle and metal tin-cup cap. Graber's aim, per the launch release, was a bolder, spicier alternative to ordinary bourbon: take a high-rye straight bourbon from the Midwest grain belt, blend in a small amount of Colorado single malt, and cut it with Rocky Mountain water. That malt component is exactly why the bottle is labelled American Whiskey rather than bourbon — the distinction is deliberate, and it gives the Original its rye-spice snap over a caramel base. See the whole range on the Tincup vendor page and in our whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer: caramel in colour; an aroma of citrus, black pepper and ginger snaps; a flavour of rye spice, cinnamon and caramel; and a clean finish that returns to rye spice.
How to Enjoy
Sip it from the signature tin cap as the brand intends, neat or on the rocks around a campfire, or use it as a spicier base for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned; the brand also features it in a Frozen Lemonade. More American whiskeys are in our spirits collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tincup called American Whiskey and not bourbon?
Because the blend combines high-rye straight bourbon with a small amount of Colorado single malt whiskey — once a separate malt whiskey is blended in, the result is labelled American Whiskey, which is the producer's own name for it.
Where is Tincup American Whiskey made?
The bourbon component is distilled and aged in Indiana; the blend is cut with Rocky Mountain water and bottled in Colorado.
How strong is Tincup American Whiskey?
84 proof (42% ABV), in a 750mL bottle.
The one that started the tin-cup story — order Tincup American Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.