Dead Man’s Hand Whiskey
Dead Man's Hand Whiskey is the everyday outlaw — 80 proof (40% ABV), 750ml, the small-batch California whiskey in the wax-dipped, hand-silk-screened bottle, smooth as Irish and bold as American bourbon with a toasted French oak finish. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750ml
- Mash bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% barley — grain prepared in Kentucky, distilled in California
- Finish: Toasted French oak barrels
- Craft: Handmade start to finish — hand-dipped wax, hand-screened and kiln-baked bottle
The Small Batch Behind the Legend
Before the barrel-strength bottling, there was this: the original Dead Man's Hand small batch, named for Wild Bill Hickok's final poker hand of aces and eights. It takes the same corn-heavy mash and California distillation as its high-proof sibling and finishes it in toasted French oak, which softens the edges while keeping the whiskey's bold, spicy character intact.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Oak, maple, vanilla and lightly spiced caramel. Palate: Full-bodied for its proof — sweet oak, vanilla and pleasant rye spice. Finish: Smooth, slightly dry, with a hint of oak and lingering sweetness.
How to Enjoy
An easy neat pour and a natural cocktail whiskey — try it in an Old Fashioned or a whiskey sour where the oak and spice can shine. Explore more small-batch American whiskeys at Del Mesa Liquor, or step up to the 94.2-proof barrel strength from Dead Man's Hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the two Dead Man's Hand whiskeys? This is the standard 80-proof small batch; the sibling bottling is an uncut 94.2-proof barrel-strength release.
Why is it called Dead Man's Hand? For the poker hand — aces and eights — that Wild Bill Hickok was holding when he was shot in 1876.
Where is it made? Distilled in California from Kentucky-prepared grain, finished in toasted French oak.
Hold all the cards at your next pour — order Dead Man's Hand Whiskey online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.