Smoke Wagon Bourbon Review: The Vegas Trifecta | Straight vs Small Batch vs Uncut the Younger
Smoke Wagon Bourbon
If you’ve been paying attention to the modern bourbon landscape, you’ve seen the name Smoke Wagon everywhere. From Instagram flex bottles to serious whiskey conversations, this Las Vegas-based brand has become one of the most talked-about sourced bourbon labels in America.
So we did what we always do at Tortured Bourbon — we poured it, we argued about it, and we gave it an honest bourbon tasting and bourbon review.
In this episode, B, Heather, and Aaron dive into three core expressions:
Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon
Smoke Wagon Small Batch
Smoke Wagon Uncut the Younger
👉 Watch the full bourbon tasting and bourbon review here:
The Story Behind Smoke Wagon Bourbon
Smoke Wagon Bourbon is produced by Nevada H&C Distilling Co. in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded by Aaron Chepenik and Jonathan Hensleigh, the brand sources high-rye bourbon from MGP in Indiana and ages and blends it in the extreme desert climate of Nevada.
That desert heat means aggressive barrel interaction — more oak influence, concentrated sweetness, and bold spice. It’s modern sourced bourbon with a Wild West aesthetic and serious swagger.
But branding only gets you so far.
The real question in any proper bourbon tasting is simple:
Does the bourbon deliver?
🥃 The Bourbon Tasting Lineup
Smoke Wagon Straight Bourbon (92.5 Proof)
Mash Bill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
Age: 4–5 years
This is the entry point into the Smoke Wagon lineup. In our bourbon tasting, we found classic vanilla, caramel, toasted corn, and gentle oak. The rye content gives it a light peppery backbone without overwhelming the sweetness.
In this bourbon review, we discuss whether this is the ideal daily drinker bourbon. It’s approachable, balanced, and easy sipping — but does it separate itself in a crowded bourbon market?
Verdict: A solid introduction to high-rye bourbon without overwhelming heat.
Smoke Wagon Small Batch (100 Proof)
Mash Bill: 60/36/4 high-rye blend
Blend of younger and older barrels
This is where things get interesting.
The jump to 100 proof brings more intensity and structure. During our bourbon tasting, we picked up dark cherry, baking spice, orange peel, caramel richness, and a longer, spicier finish.
In this bourbon review, we debate whether Small Batch is the true sweet spot of the lineup. It offers more complexity than the Straight but remains balanced and dangerously drinkable.
If you’re looking for a mid-proof bourbon that delivers flavor without going full barrel-strength, this may be your move.
Smoke Wagon Uncut the Younger (Approx. 115 Proof)
Mash Bill: Same 60/36/4 formula
Age: 4 years
Now we turn up the volume.
Uncut the Younger brings bold heat and serious flavor density to this bourbon tasting. Brown sugar, orange zest, spice cake, charred oak, and a peppery rye kick dominate the glass.
In our full bourbon review, we discuss whether the proof enhances complexity or pushes it too far. Despite its youth, it doesn’t drink immature — it drinks confident.
This bottle is crafted to bring barrel-strength energy without completely knocking you over.
🏆 Tortured Bourbon Rankings
As always, we rank the lineup based on:
Flavor profile
Balance
Finish
Price-to-enjoyment ratio
Second pour factor
Because a true bourbon review isn’t just about tasting notes — it’s about whether you reach for the bottle again.
Which Smoke Wagon bourbon wins the Vegas Trifecta? You’ll have to watch the full bourbon tasting to see where we land.
Final Thoughts on This Bourbon Review
Smoke Wagon Bourbon represents the modern era of sourced bourbon done right. High-rye mash bill. Bold blending. Strategic aging. Strong branding.
But in a market saturated with MGP bourbon, only the best rise above the noise.
This bourbon tasting and bourbon review breaks down which expression stands tallest — and whether Smoke Wagon deserves a permanent spot on your shelf.
If you love detailed bourbon tasting content, side-by-side bourbon comparisons, and honest bourbon reviews without the hype, this episode is for you.
🔔 Watch, Subscribe & Join the Conversation
Watch the full episode here:
Tell us in the comments:
Which Smoke Wagon bourbon is your favorite?
Are you a Small Batch fan?
Is Uncut the Younger your daily high-proof pour?
We’ll see you next time — glass in hand.
