In the ever-expanding world of bourbon, where heritage brands like Buffalo Trace and Jim Beam often dominate the conversation, a relative newcomer has been turning heads and tantalizing taste buds: Smoke Wagon Bourbon.

Produced by Nevada H&C Distilling Co. in Las Vegas, Smoke Wagon has carved out a niche for itself with its bold branding, high-rye mash bill, and a flavor profile that balances approachability with complexity. This review dives deep into the Smoke Wagon lineup, exploring its origins, production process, and the tasting experience of its core expressions—Straight Bourbon, Small Batch, and Uncut Unfiltered—while assessing its place in the modern bourbon landscape.

The Origins of Smoke Wagon: A Vegas Tale

Smoke Wagon Bourbon’s story begins not in the rolling hills of Kentucky, but in the neon-lit desert of Las Vegas.

Founded in 2012 by Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh, Nevada H&C Distilling Co. set out to bring a unique whiskey to the market. The duo initially planned to distill their own spirits, but a shift in Nevada’s liquor laws forced a pivot. Instead of crafting bourbon from scratch, they opted to source aged stocks from Midwest Grain Products (MGP) in Indiana, a distillery renowned for supplying high-quality whiskey to numerous brands. This decision allowed them to focus on blending and bottling, infusing their product with a distinct Vegas flair.

The name “Smoke Wagon” nods to the Old West, evoking the image of a Colt Single Action Army revolver—known as “the gun that won the West.” The brand’s logo, featuring two crossed revolvers over the Nevada state outline, and its motto, Bibamus Moriendum Est (“drink, for we must die”), reflect a philosophy of living in the moment—a fitting ethos for a city built on risk and revelry. Since launching their first product, Smoke Wagon Small Batch, in 2016, Chepenik and Hensleigh have cultivated a following that’s as much about the whiskey as it is about the lifestyle it represents.

The Production Process: Blending Artistry in the Desert

Smoke Wagon Bourbon isn’t distilled in Nevada—the desert climate isn’t ideal for aging whiskey, as the dry heat would accelerate evaporation and potentially dry out barrels. Instead, the bourbon is sourced from MGP, where it’s made with a high-rye mash bill: 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley. This recipe, richer in rye than many traditional bourbons (which often hover around 10-15% rye), promises a spicier, more robust flavor profile.

Once the whiskey arrives in Las Vegas, Nevada H&C takes over. The barrels are aged in a warehouse under the intense Nevada sun, though the company doesn’t rotate them, allowing the top floors to impart unique characteristics to the spirit. Smoke Wagon’s offerings are non-chill filtered, a choice that preserves the whiskey’s natural oils and flavors, often resulting in a richer mouthfeel. The brand emphasizes bespoke blending, combining younger, spicier barrels with older, smoother ones to achieve a consistent yet distinctive taste.

Smoke Wagon offers three core expressions: Straight Bourbon (92.5 proof), Small Batch (100 proof), and Uncut Unfiltered (barrel proof, typically around 115-116 proof). Each showcases the brand’s blending expertise, tailored to different palates and occasions. Let’s explore each in detail.

Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon: The Entry-Level Gem

Proof: 92.5 (46.25% ABV)
Price: ~$30-$55 (varies by market)
Availability: Widely distributed but can sell out quickly

Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon is the brand’s entry-level offering, designed to be an accessible introduction to their lineup. Bottled in a clear glass bottle with a screen-printed label (unlike the fancier dark bottles of its siblings), it’s the lowest proof of the trio at 92.5. Despite its modest strength, it’s non-chill filtered, hinting at a depth beyond its price point.

Nose: The aroma opens with a gentle sweetness—caramel, honey, and vanilla form a familiar bourbon backbone.

Toasted oak and baking spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth, while a faint fruitiness (think apples or raisins) peeks through. It’s light and approachable, inviting without overwhelming.

Palate: On the tongue, it delivers toffee and light oak upfront, followed by a subtle tobacco note. The high-rye mash bill introduces a whisper of spice—rye-driven pepper and nutmeg—that builds gently. Vanilla and caramel re-emerge, coating the mouth with a pleasant, if not overly viscous, texture. The non-chill filtration shines here, lending a surprising fullness for its proof.

Finish: The finish is medium-length, with tapering caramel sweetness giving way to a mild rye spice kick. Light tobacco lingers, leaving a clean, satisfying close. It’s not the most complex finish, but it’s balanced and easygoing.

Verdict: Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon isn’t meant to be a showstopper—it’s a workhorse bourbon, perfect for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails. At around $30-$40 in many markets, it’s a solid value, offering more character than many comparably priced competitors like Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond or Wild Turkey 101. However, its simplicity might leave enthusiasts craving more depth, nudging them toward the higher-proof expressions.

Smoke Wagon Small Batch: The Spicy Middle Child

Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
Price: ~$50-$60
Availability: Moderately available, though often limited

Stepping up to 100 proof, Smoke Wagon Small Batch occupies the middle ground in the lineup. It blends younger, rye-forward barrels with older stock, aiming for a balance of spice and smoothness. The bottle design shifts to a dark, slender profile with raised sagebrush reliefs and a wax seal, signaling a step up in presentation and ambition.

Nose: The aroma is bolder than the Straight Bourbon, with creamy caramel and vanilla joined by a pronounced rye spice—think green peppercorn and cinnamon. Dry oak and a hint of ethanol add depth, creating a sweet-spicy dance that’s engaging without being aggressive.

Palate: The sip starts with light caramel and oak, quickly transitioning to a burst of rye spice. Green peppercorn, aged oak, and a touch of vanilla swirl together, tempered by the sweeter notes. The 100-proof heat is noticeable but controlled, and the mouthfeel is creamy and substantial, thanks to the non-chill filtration. It’s a bold sip that flirts with overseasoning but pulls back just in time.

Finish: Dry oak and leather kick off the finish, overtaken by a bright rye spice that lingers with a warm glow. It’s spicier and longer than the Straight Bourbon, adding a layer of intensity that rewards slow sipping.

Verdict: Small Batch is where Smoke Wagon starts to flex its muscles. The higher proof and rye influence make it a spicier, more assertive pour, appealing to those who enjoy a kick in their bourbon. Priced around $50-$60, it competes with heavyweights like Four Roses Small Batch and Elijah Craig Small Batch, holding its own with a unique spice-forward profile. It’s not as refined as some peers, but its vibrancy makes it a standout for spice lovers.

Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered: The Barrel-Proof Beast

Proof: Varies by batch (e.g., 115.78 for Batch 74)
Price: ~$80-$100 (MSRP, though secondary prices can soar)
Availability: Limited, highly sought-after

Uncut Unfiltered is Smoke Wagon’s flagship, a barrel-proof expression that showcases the raw power of their blending. Released in batches with varying proofs (typically 114-116), it’s unadulterated—non-chill filtered and undiluted—offering a full-throttle bourbon experience. The bottle mirrors Small Batch’s design, but the higher ABV promises a wilder ride.

Nose: The aroma is rich and layered—caramel and herbal thyme dominate, with vanilla, candied pineapple, and roasted oak in tow. The 36% rye shines through with cinnamon, clove, and a faint licorice edge. Despite the high proof, the ethanol is restrained, letting the complexity shine.

Palate: A blast of caramel hits first, laced with earthy herbs (thyme, fennel) and dried orange peel. Baked apple and vanilla soften the blow, while oak, cinnamon, and clove build intensity. The high-rye mash bill delivers herbal and spicy notes, balanced by a deft sweetness. At 57-58% ABV, the heat is present but manageable, and the viscous mouthfeel coats the tongue luxuriously.

Finish: The finish is long and wood-forward, with barrel tannins, heavy oak, and a hazy char lingering. Black pepper and rye spice tingle, soothed by bittersweet chocolate and dark honey. An empty glass reveals woody plywood notes—a fittingly rugged close.

Verdict: Uncut Unfiltered is Smoke Wagon at its peak—a bold, dark, and earthy bourbon that rivals top-tier barrel-proof offerings like Wild Turkey Rare Breed or Knob Creek 12 Year. At $80-$100 MSRP, it’s a steal for cask-strength fans, though its hype has driven secondary prices higher. It doesn’t reinvent the MGP wheel, but it showcases the distillery’s potential with masterful blending. This is a bourbon for sipping by a campfire, reflecting on the day’s adventures.

The Smoke Wagon Experience: Hype vs. Reality

Smoke Wagon’s rise isn’t just about the liquid—it’s about the story. Aaron Chepenik’s cowboy persona, complete with cigars and poolside whiskey shots, has fueled a cult following on social media. The brand’s scarcity in some markets, coupled with high-profile barrel picks (like Total Wine’s single barrels), has amplified its mystique. But does the bourbon live up to the buzz?

For the Straight Bourbon, the answer is a qualified yes—it’s a solid, affordable sipper that punches above its weight. Small Batch elevates the game, offering a spicy twist that justifies its price. Uncut Unfiltered, however, is the star, delivering a barrel-proof experience that competes with the best in its class. Across the lineup, Smoke Wagon benefits from MGP’s quality and Nevada H&C’s blending savvy, though it doesn’t always break new ground. Critics might argue it’s “just another MGP bourbon,” but its distinct character—spicy, robust, and unapologetic—sets it apart.

Value and Availability

Pricing varies widely by region. Straight Bourbon’s $30-$55 range makes it an easy entry point, while Small Batch’s $50-$60 aligns with mid-tier small-batch bourbons. Uncut Unfiltered, at $80-$100 MSRP, is a bargain for barrel-proof enthusiasts, though its limited releases and secondary market premiums (often $150+) reflect its demand. Availability is spotty—distributed to about 23 states, it’s a hunt in some areas, with “limit one” signs common at retailers.

Final Thoughts: Should You Ride the Smoke Wagon?

Smoke Wagon Bourbon isn’t perfect. Its reliance on sourced whiskey and lack of age statements might irk purists, and its hype can overshadow the actual drinking experience. Yet, it succeeds where it counts: delivering flavorful, well-crafted bourbon with personality. The Straight Bourbon is a gateway, Small Batch a spicy delight, and Uncut Unfiltered a powerhouse worth seeking out. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a whiskey geek, there’s something here to enjoy.

In a market flooded with new bourbons, Smoke Wagon stands out not just for its taste, but for its swagger—a Vegas-born outlaw in a Kentucky-dominated world. So, grab a glass, pour a dram, and toast to the wild ride. Bibamus Moriendum Est—drink, for tomorrow isn’t promised.