Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof 5 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey
Straight Rye Whiskey | 750mL | ~131–132 Proof (barrel proof, varies by batch) — Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof 5 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey is the brand's first rye (released October 2025): a proprietary four-grain mash of rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn, and malted barley, aged five years in 30-gallon new American white oak barrels with a mix of No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 chars, then bottled uncut and non-chill filtered at barrel proof — approximately 131–132 proof depending on the batch. Matured at ~6,100 ft in Colorado Springs. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
The whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to the brand's spec — do not confuse the Colorado Springs brand with Kansas City's Restless Spirits. Under 1,400 cases (~8,400 bottles) were made. Official notes: butterscotch, honey, and dried figs on the nose; a full-bodied palate of caramel, cinnamon baking spice, dried apricot, sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of pepper; a long, oily finish of honeyed oak, warming spice, and black tea. Drinkhacker gave it an A- (Nov 2025): "drinks beyond its age." A heavyweight for rye collectors.
Tasting notes
Nose: butterscotch, honey, warm wintry spice, dried figs (brand press release); pine sap, pipe tobacco, charred caramel (Drinkhacker). Palate: caramel, cinnamon baking spice, dried apricot, sweet vanilla, toasted oak, touch of pepper; figgy pudding, allspice. Finish: long and oily — honeyed oak, warming spice, black tea.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 750mL, ~131–132 proof — bottled uncut, non-chill filtered at barrel proof (proof varies by batch)
- 5 years in 30-gallon new oak (No. 2/3/4 chars), proprietary four-grain mash with heirloom blue corn
- First rye release from Smokeye Hill — under 1,400 cases made
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Serve neat with patience — at ~131 proof this wants small sips; a few drops of water open the fig-and-honey core.
Frequently asked questions
What proof is Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye?
It is bottled at barrel proof and varies by batch — approximately 131–132 proof (65.6–65.9% ABV) per the brand's launch release.
How old is it?
5 years, age-stated on the label.
Where is it made?
Distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana to Smokeye Hill's spec, and matured at altitude in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The brand does not name the distillery.
Is it really straight rye?
The label says Straight Rye Whiskey; the brand's own launch copy mentions a percentage of flagship bourbon blended in, so the statement of class should be verified against the bottle.