A little background

Nevada H&C Distilling Co. was founded in 2012 by Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nevada H&C Distilling Co. sources their whiskey from Midwest Grain Products in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the lowest proof of the three offerings from Nevada H&C Distilling Co.

Smoke Wagon is actually old west slang for the 1873 Colt single action army revolver or “the gun that won the west”. The Smoke Wagon logo stamped in wax consists of two crossed Smoke Wagons over the state of Nevada. This whiskey is made from a mash bill of 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted, is bottled at 92.5 Proof, and costs around $30 USD.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Butterscotch

Nose

Spice with rye tingles and hints of brown sugar and some ethanol and mint that have a cooling sensation on the nostrils. The nose has hints of cherry that appear after swirling the glass a few times.

Palate

Light and creamy with a good mouth feel. Light vanilla and subtle sweet come out from the first draw that remain from the mid to back of the palate.

Finish

Light heat that lasts for quite some time after finishing the sip. Rye tingles on the tongue with corn coming predominantly on the finish.

In closing

Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a solid sipping whiskey that is easily enjoyed from a beginner whiskey drinker to a more seasoned enthusiast. With the lower proof, the straight bourbon whiskey can easily be enjoyed during the summer months while working outside or a solid mixer for cocktails because of the high rye mashbill. With a price point of around $30, Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon Whiskey should be a constant presence on every enthusiasts bar.