SLBS Whiskey Review: Smoke Wagon Small Batch Bourbon

SLBS Bourbon Review: Smoke Wagon Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Distillery: Nevada H&C Distilling Company

Release Date: 2016

Proof: 100

Age: NAS (Believed 4 to 5 Years)

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (MGP High Rye)

About: Nevada H&C Distilling Company was the first Distillery to open in Las Vegas, a concept that was so novel the Las Vegas city council actually had to create a license for them as no such license for distilleries existed. Fittingly, everything about this bourbon screams Nevada from the state flower (desert sage) being emblazoned in the glass, to the wax logo consisting of two crossed 1873 colt single action army revolvers stamped on the front that are symbolic of the "Smoke Wagon" name. The bourbon itself is a blend of younger high rye bourbon combined with older vintages aged in char #4 oak barrels to create a balance between rye spice and aged smoothness.

Color: Deep Copper

Nose: Brown Sugar, Raisins, Dried Apricot, Cinnamon

Palate: Begins soft with Light fruit notes and subtle vanilla caramel sweetness before a big pop of cinnamon and baking spices swing in with some lingering earthy undertones.

Finish: The rye and earthy undertones linger on for a little bit with just a touch of sweetness trying to poke through

In the End: To me, this is the chocolate/vanilla swirl ice cream of bourbons. There is something here for both lovers of sweet and rye heavy bourbons with each providing very distinct notes that nicely show at different parts of the taste, but also intertwine well on the finish.

Rating: 4 (of 5) -- Worth Seeking Out

About Information provided by Nevada H&C Distilling Web Site and Bourbon Culture