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Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey (Credit: Andrea D'Agosto).
Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey (Credit: Andrea D'Agosto).
Smokeye Hill debuts rye whiskey with blue corn
ColoradoBiz Staff //October 23, 2025//
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Smokeye Hill Whiskey is entering new territory with its first rye whiskey, crafted with heirloom blue corn and marking the brand’s debut beyond bourbon.
In Brief:
- Smokeye Hill Whiskey unveils its first rye made with heirloom blue corn
- Limited-edition release of fewer than 1,400 cases launching October 2025
- Aged five years in Colorado Springs to develop complex flavor profiles
- Brand continues to earn national acclaim for its award-winning spirits
The Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Rye Whiskey will launch this month as the first rye whiskey made with blue corn on the market. The limited-edition release includes fewer than 1,400 cases and stays true to the company’s small-batch roots.
The whiskey is made from a four-grain mash bill of rye, heirloom blue corn, yellow corn and malted barley. It is distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then aged for five years in Colorado Springs at 6,100 feet in 30-gallon American white oak barrels. Colorado’s temperature swings accelerate the aging process, developing complex flavors of caramel, honey, spice and toasted oak.
“Our Barrel Proof Rye spends five years aging to develop depth and complexity before a percentage of our flagship bourbon is blended in, ensuring the signature Smokeye Hill profile shines through,” said founder Blake Johns. “This rye, like our bourbons, is about creating something fresh and distinct while honoring the craftsmanship and character of our Southwestern heritage.”
Smokeye Hill’s roots trace back to Arizona, where blue corn remains central to its identity. The name comes from a hill on the Johns family ranch where moonshine was made during Prohibition, inspiring the bell-shaped bottle design.
The new rye will be bottled at barrel proof, ranging from 131.2 to 131.7, and sold for $89.99 in select stores across seven states, including Colorado and Arizona, with nationwide availability online.
Smokeye Hill has earned national acclaim, with its Barrel Proof Bourbon named 2024 ASCOT Bourbon of the Year and Best Small Batch Bourbon of the Year, along with a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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