Smockeye Hill
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“The Smokeye Hill win is the greatest upset of any major competition Ive seen in my career. And the thing is, in a blind tasting, professional judges loved it over some of the biggest A listers in bourbon.”
Fred Minnick
Fresh off of winning Best Small Batch Bourbon, knocking out George T. Stagg, and continuing to knock out Elijah Craig C923 for Bourbon of the Year in The Ascot Awards, we are excited to share Smokeye Hill here on Seelbach's.
This is another prime example of a brand who uses contract distilling for their unique four grain recipe, in this case with the addition of Blue Corn, and then continues to age and bottle in their home of Colorado Springs, CO. Prized for many centuries in the Southwest, heirloom blue corn adds a distinct floral richness, making for an altogether exceptional and unique bourbon.
They also use a mix of barrel sizes and chars for their overall profile - aged 5+ years in new American White Oak 30 & 53 gallon barrels. No.2, No. 3, No. 4 & No 5 barrel chars. This is true for their barrel proof as well as their 93 proof offering.
This results in a bold, full-flavored whiskey that tastes older than 5 years. We can see why it did so well among the panelists, and we think you all will love it as well.
(For fans of Still Austin Blue Corn, 13th Colony, and James E Pepper Decanter)
Sweet vanilla, candied spices, and a touch floral.
The palate is dangerously easy to drink - vanilla cream, caramel, subtle dark chocolate, charred oak, and again these candied pepper and citrus notes. A pinch of berry in there but more of a complimenting flavor.
The finish is all honey and nougat, soft and creamy with a silky vanilla trailing.
Another fantastic low proof sipper.
Nose is heavy vanilla custard, blueberry pie, dried tobacco leaf, and new leather - buttery and sweet yet lingering with aromatics.
The palate is rich and mature, giving thick classic bourbon vanilla sweetness up front, chewy brown sugar sweetness in the mid palate, and continuing with rich tobacco, leather, and well charred oak. Continued sips do showcase cherry cola and underlying dried fruits, but the focus is more classic bourbon sweetness.
The finish has the spiciness that comes with 131 proof, but then continues all the vanilla and brown sugar from the palate.
