Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Review

Distillery: MGP – Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Proof: 132.4 (66.2% ABV)

Age: Five+ Years

Mashbill: Undisclosed ratio of Heirloom Blue and Yellow Corn, Rye and Malted Barley

MSRP: $90

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A barrel proof bourbon shaped by heirloom grain and blending decisions.

Smokeye Hill Whiskey is a blending house, sourcing distillate and shaping it through blending strategies.  This Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon leans directly into that philosophy, combining MGP distillate with a mashbill that stands out as heirloom blue corn partners with the more traditional bourbon profile of yellow corn, rye, and malted barley.

Bottled uncut and unfiltered at 132.4 proof, this is a whiskey built on intensity and mouthfeel.  Non-chill filtration preserves the oils, while the elevated proof amplifies both sweetness and structure.  At just over five years of age, it sits where barrel influence should be present but not dominate.  Instead, leaving room for the grain notes to come forward.

How that balance between grain, barrel, and proof ultimately shows up in the glass is what makes this one worth a closer look.

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.4/5

Molasses.  Toasted oak.  Cinnamon stick.  Ethanol.

Strengths:  Depth of notes.  The combination of sugars, fruit, and oak makes it feel older than five years.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Ethanol is noticeable early and limits ability to nose between the notes until it sits for a while.
Rating Justification:  A rich, well-defined nose.  Held back slightly by the proof intensity.

Palate – 4.5/5

Caramelized sugar.  Maple syrup.  Dark cherry.  Cinnamon candy.  Dense mouthfeel.

Strengths:  Mouthfeel and flavor concentration.  The balance between sweetness and spice holds up, even at this proof.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Mid-Palate stays consistent but doesn’t evolve much.
Rating Justification: A full, high-impact Palate.  Strong integration of flavors.

Finish – 4.4/5

Long.  Warm.  Char.  Cinnamon heat.  Faint bitterness.  Lingering spice.

Strengths: Length and consistency.  The flavors carry through and don’t drop off.
Why It’s Not Higher:  Slight bitterness and dryness at the tail end.
Rating Justification:  A long, structured Finish.  Feels like it is missing a bit of polish on the back end.

Value – 4.2/5

Assuming typical market pricing in the $70–$90 range, this sits in a competitive but fair space for barrel proof bourbon.  What differentiates it is the use of heirloom blue corn and the darker, more distinctive profile that comes with that grain selection choice.  For enthusiasts who want intensity and a slightly different grain expression, the Value is there.  For casual drinkers, the proof will limit drinkability.

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Straight Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Bourbon is a bold, high-impact pour that leans into richness and mouthfeel.

This is not a subtle whiskey.  It demands your attention and rewards a slower drinking approach.  Time in the glass or a few drops of water unlocks more nuance.

For those who enjoy barrel proof bourbon, this delivers.  It firmly establishes itself as a well-executed, enthusiast-focused bottle.

Verdict – 4.4/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3