Limited-Edition Barrel Proof Rye Marks the Smokeye Hill’s Expansion Beyond Bourbon.
Smokeye Hill Whiskey has announced the release of its first-ever rye whiskey, the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, marking the brand’s debut outside the bourbon category. This limited-edition expression is the first rye whiskey on the market made with heirloom blue corn, with fewer than 1,400 cases produced. It will be available beginning October 2025.
A Four-Grain Mash Bill with Southwestern Roots
The new release features a proprietary four-grain mash bill of rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn, and malted barley. The whiskey is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then barreled and matured in Colorado Springs at an elevation of 6,100 feet in 30-gallon American white oak casks charred to levels 2, 3, and 4 for added depth and character. Smokeye Hill’s high-altitude maturation and Colorado’s fluctuating climate accelerate aging, drawing out complex layers of flavor.
Aged Five Years and Finished with Smokeye Hill Bourbon
“Our Barrel Proof Rye spends five years aging to develop depth and complexity, before a percentage of our flagship bourbon is blended in, ensuring that the signature Smokeye Hill profile shines through,” said Blake Johns, Founder of Smokeye Hill. “This rye, like our bourbons, is about creating something fresh and distinct, while honoring the craftsmanship and character of Smokeye Hill’s Southwestern heritage.”
Flavor Profile and Proof Range
According to the brand, the Barrel Proof Rye offers aromas of butterscotch, honey, warm spice, and dried fig, with a palate of caramel, cinnamon, dried apricot, sweet vanilla, toasted oak, and pepper. The finish is described as long and oily, with honeyed oak, warming spice, and black tea. The proof will vary slightly by batch, ranging from 131.2 to 131.7, and carries a suggested retail price of $89.99.
Availability and Brand Legacy
The new release will be sold across Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, Washington, and Texas, and available online via Seelbachs, Spirits Network, and Keg N Bottle. Smokeye Hill’s Southwestern identity is rooted in Arizona heritage, where blue corn remains a cultural staple. The brand name derives from the Johns family ranch, where moonshine was made during Prohibition and cattle bells served as a warning signal for raids—an origin reflected in the bottle’s distinctive bell-shaped design.
Award-Winning Bourbons
Smokeye Hill’s bourbons have earned national acclaim, including 2024 ASCOT Bourbon of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon of the Year, and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The brand, part of the Hazelwood Spirits Company, continues to expand its portfolio while maintaining its focus on heritage and craftsmanship.
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