Deep in the rugged landscapes of the American Southwest, where family traditions run as strong as the spirits they inspire, a new whiskey is making waves. Smokeye Hill Whiskey, a name that's been turning heads with its top-shelf bourbons, has just stepped into uncharted territory. For the first time, they're releasing a rye whiskey – and not just any rye. This one incorporates heirloom blue corn, a nod to their Arizona roots, and it's the very first rye on the market to feature this unique ingredient. Launching in October 2025, this limited-edition bottle is set to challenge what drinkers think they know about rye, blending innovation with time-honored craftsmanship.
The story starts with the whiskey itself: Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey. Crafted in small batches, true to the brand's commitment to quality over quantity, this release caps out at fewer than 1,400 cases. That's not a lot when you consider how quickly word spreads among whiskey enthusiasts. Each bottle comes straight from the barrel, with proof levels clocking in between 131.2 and 131.7 – that's high-octane stuff, perfect for those who appreciate a spirit that doesn't hold back. Priced at $89.99, it'll hit shelves in select stores across seven states, including heavy hitters like Colorado and Arizona. For folks outside those areas, nationwide shipping through online channels makes it accessible without the hassle of a road trip.
What goes into making this rye stand out? It all begins with the mash bill, a careful mix of four grains: rye for that signature spicy kick, heirloom blue corn to add depth and a touch of earthy sweetness, yellow corn for balance, and malted barley to tie it all together. The distillation happens in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a spot known for its distilling heritage. But the real magic unfolds during aging. The barrels – 30-gallon American white oak – head west to Colorado Springs, where they're stored at an elevation of 6,100 feet. Up there, the wild temperature swings from scorching days to chilly nights speed up the interaction between the wood and the whiskey. Over five full years, this process pulls out layers of flavor: think rich caramel notes mingling with honey, a punch of spice, and the warm embrace of toasted oak.
Blake Johns, the founder of Smokeye Hill, puts it best when describing the approach. “Our Barrel Proof Rye spends five years aging to develop depth and complexity before a percentage of our flagship bourbon is blended in, ensuring the signature Smokeye Hill profile shines through,” he said. “This rye, like our bourbons, is about creating something fresh and distinct while honoring the craftsmanship and character of our Southwestern heritage.” That blending step is key – it weaves in elements from their acclaimed bourbon, creating a bridge between the brand's past successes and this bold new venture.
The Southwestern heritage Johns mentions isn't just marketing talk. Smokeye Hill's identity is deeply tied to Arizona, where blue corn has been a staple in local cultures for generations. The brand's name itself draws from a real place: a hill on the Johns family ranch where, back during Prohibition, moonshine was quietly produced under the cover of night. That rebellious spirit lives on in the bottle design – a distinctive bell shape that echoes the old stills used in those clandestine operations. It's a reminder that great whiskey often comes from stories of resilience and ingenuity, the kind that resonate with anyone who's ever cracked open a bottle after a long day.
This isn't Smokeye Hill's first rodeo when it comes to recognition. The brand has been racking up awards left and right, building a reputation for spirits that deliver on promise. Just last year, their Barrel Proof Bourbon took home the 2024 ASCOT Bourbon of the Year title, along with Best Small Batch Bourbon of the Year. It also snagged a Double Gold Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These honors aren't handed out lightly; they come from blind tastings by experts who know their stuff. For a relatively young operation focused on small-batch production, this level of acclaim speaks volumes about the attention to detail in every step – from grain selection to barrel aging.
Diving deeper into the aging process reveals why elevation matters so much. At 6,100 feet in Colorado Springs, the air is thinner, and the climate is unforgiving. Summers can push temperatures well into the 90s, causing the whiskey to expand into the charred oak staves. Then, as winter sets in with freezes dipping below zero, the liquid contracts, pulling those wood-infused flavors back in. This push-and-pull happens faster than it would at sea level, effectively compressing years of maturation into a shorter timeframe. The result? A five-year-old rye that drinks with the complexity of something much older. Caramel emerges from the corn's natural sugars interacting with the char, honey adds a subtle sweetness, spice ramps up from the rye, and toasted oak provides a smoky backbone that lingers on the palate.
For those who enjoy sipping neat or over a single rock, this rye promises a robust experience. The barrel-proof strength means it's not watered down – what you get is the pure expression from the cask. That high proof can open up with a bit of air, revealing more nuances over time in the glass. Pair it with a hearty steak dinner, or savor it fireside on a crisp evening; it's versatile enough for solitary reflection or sharing with friends around a poker table.
Availability adds to the allure – and the urgency. With only seven states getting physical stock, collectors and fans will need to act fast. Colorado and Arizona lead the pack, fitting given the brand's ties to those regions. Online options ensure that enthusiasts from coast to coast can secure a bottle, but even there, supplies won't last forever. At under 1,400 cases total, this is a true limited edition, the kind that becomes a conversation piece on a home bar shelf.
Smokeye Hill's expansion into rye with blue corn isn't just a product launch; it's a statement. In a market flooded with options, they're doubling down on what sets them apart: heirloom ingredients, high-altitude aging, and a blend that honors their flagship while pushing boundaries. Rye whiskey has seen a resurgence in recent years, appealing to drinkers who crave spice over sweetness. Adding blue corn – an ingredient rarely seen outside traditional foods – introduces an earthy, almost nutty dimension that's entirely new to the category.
Looking ahead, this release could signal more experimentation from Smokeye Hill. Their track record with bourbon suggests they're not afraid to innovate while staying grounded in tradition. For now, though, the focus is on this October debut. Whether you're a longtime rye aficionado or someone who's stuck to bourbon, this bottle invites a fresh pour. It challenges the palate, rewards patience, and tells a story of American grit – from Prohibition-era hills to modern-day barrels.
In the end, whiskey like this reminds us why we chase the good stuff. It's not about the buzz; it's about the craft, the flavors that transport you, and the legacy in every sip. Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey, with its blue corn heart and mountain-aged soul, is poised to carve out its own chapter in that ongoing tale. Grab one while you can – regrets are for those who wait too long.
