This new Smokeye Hill rye whiskey has been launched by the distillery as its first foray in the category beyond bourbon to offer aficionados alike with an artisanal spirit to try.
The expression is crafted with a four-grain mashbill, which consists of rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn and malted barley to get it started on the right foot before being barreled. The whiskey has been aged for five years in Colorado Springs in 30-gallon American white oak casks hat have received various levels of charring. The final product is the Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey with a 65% ABV and notes of caramel, cinnamon, baking spice, dried apricot, vanilla, toasted oak and pepper on the palate.
Founder Blake Johns spoke on the Smokeye Hill rye whiskey saying, "Our Barrel Proof Rye spends five years ageing to develop depth and complexity, before a percentage of our flagship Bourbon is blended in, ensuring that the signature Smokeye Hill profile shines through. This rye, like our Bourbons, is about creating something fresh and distinct, while honouring the craftsmanship and character of Smokeye Hill’s Southwestern heritage."
Heirloom Corn Rye Whiskeys
This Smokeye Hill Rye Whiskey is Made with Heirloom Blue Corn
Trend Themes
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Heirloom Grain Spirits — The use of heirloom grains, such as blue corn, in whiskey production presents a unique opportunity for distilleries to differentiate their offerings with heritage-rich and distinctive flavor profiles.
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Barrel-aged Innovations — Experimenting with different barrel aging techniques and charring levels unlocks possibilities for developing complex flavor profiles that cater to the refined palates of whiskey connoisseurs.
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Hybrid Whiskey Blends — Creating hybrid whiskey blends, like integrating bourbon into rye, provides a novel approach to formulating new taste experiences while maintaining brand uniqueness and heritage.
Industry Implications
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Craft Distilleries — Emerging craft distilleries can experiment with heirloom ingredients and unique blending techniques to carve out niche markets within the competitive beverage landscape.
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Specialty Agriculture — The demand for heirloom grains in artisanal spirits highlights a lucrative opportunity within specialty agriculture to cultivate rare and diverse crops that appeal to traditional and innovative distillers alike.
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Barrel Manufacturing — As distilleries seek diverse aging techniques, there is room for innovation in barrel manufacturing to create custom options tailored to enhance specific flavor outcomes in high-proof spirits.