Nevada H&C Distilling Company

“Go ahead, skin that smokewagon and see what happens.” – Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone

We’re going to say goodbye to Indiana for now. Well … kind of.

I was in Las Vegas about 10 years ago on vacation. Seems like I always start these columns with a trip. Perhaps I should write about travel? Nah. I had already caught the “bourbon bug” and went to a large-box liquor store with my wife to search for whiskey unicorns. I found one! Just so happens they were having a tasting of Smokewagon Bourbon. It was amazing!

At the tasting I learned that this relatively new distillery, H&C Distilling Company, finished (blended, aged, and bottled) their whiskey right there in Las Vegas. Of course, it was unavailable here in Indiana*. Seriously?!! More on that in a few moments.

The sample I tasted was their “Straight Bourbon Whiskey” and it was wonderful. This is just good, old fashioned, straight forward, bourbon. I can imagine cowboys sitting in a Western bar drinking the stuff.

As you can probably tell by now, I’m not great at all of the flowery descriptions related to whiskey tasting. I know what I like. I know what’s bad and I know what’s good. This was goooood! This high-rye gem hit all of my personal tastes: caramel, vanilla, a touch of cocoa, and then that 92-proof bourbon burn. I was hooked! I liked it so much that I smuggled a couple of bottles home in my luggage.

From that point on, Smokewagon became one of the main focuses of my bourbon psychosis. I snagged a bottle, or two, whenever I was in Vegas. For a stretch of time, the distillery actually offered low-cost shipping, so I would order bottles online. Alas, that is no longer available – big time bummer. Yet, by hook or by crook, I managed to snag quite a few bottles of their juice, even some of their special stuff. Just counted, and I have 16 bottles of various Smokewagon varieties on hand. I do need psychological counseling.

Needless to say, but I’m going to, this is one of my favorite whiskey distilleries. I love everything about it. Their price point is low. One can snag a bottle of their Straight Bourbon for between $30 and $40. Their special stuff is in the $60 to $70 range, and of course, there’s “very special” stuff which is considerably higher. They are all high quality, richly flavorful, and totally delicious whiskeys.

Their schtick, which follows the Western theme, is also great. The term “smokewagon” refers to the legendary 1873 Colt revolver (hence, my opening quote). Their beautiful pressed glass bottles feature an inlaid wax roundel that presents two crossed “Smokewagons” over the state of Nevada and the Latin quote from Seneca: “Bibimas moriendum est” – “Drink, for we must die.” A little dark, but very cool.

At that first tasting, they were also offering samples of Smokewagon 10 Year Single Barrel. Back then it was around $200 a bottle. I passed on it because it was too pricey. Now $1,000 plus! Should’ve snagged it!

Now … how is a small, new, distillery able to offer a 10-year-old bourbon? Yup, back to Indiana. The stuff is made right here in Lawrenceburg by, you guessed it, MGP. In very small print on their labels it reads “distilled in Indiana.” Fine by me! In the past few years these guys have also released quite a few high-end ryes that are truly outstanding. More evidence of MGP’s fingerprints.

If you’re looking for a great, high-quality, nicely priced bourbon, go ahead and skin that Smokewagon. I promise you won’t regret it. Until next time, cheers!

*Finally! In the past year or so, Smokewagon products have started to work their way onto Indiana store shelves – thank goodness!

Jon Smyrnis is a lifelong Indianapolis area resident. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, dining out, and, of course, fine cocktails and great bourbons.