Smoke Wagon Malted Straight Rye Whiskey (750Ml)

Smoke Wagon Malted Straight Rye comes from Nevada H&C Distilling Co. in Las Vegas. Jonathan Hensleigh and Aaron Chepenik started the company in 2010. This bottling uses a mash of 51% rye and 49% malted barley. There is no corn at all.

That high share of malted barley is what sets it apart. The whiskey ages in charred oak barrels and is bottled at cask strength. It is non-chill filtered, so the texture stays full. It is a limited release, and the strength is printed on each label.

Pour a glass and you get sweet honey and malt, with a touch of cinnamon. The palate starts sweet and creamy. Caramel and malt cereal lead, with a biscuit note from the barley. Then the rye wakes up. The long, warm finish brings cinnamon spice, black pepper and a light smoky note.

Judges have noticed it. In 2023, it won Platinum and Best in Show at the TAG Global Spirits Awards. It also took Silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition that year. In 2024, it earned Gold at the ASCOT Awards.

At cask strength, try it neat first, then add a splash of water or a large cube. It also stands up well in a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. Pair it with grilled pork, roasted nuts, milk chocolate or a spiced dessert. If you like Scotch as well as rye, this one bridges the two.