Is Smokeye Hill Barrel Proof Bourbon better than George T. Stagg?

[@tracejames8193]

People need to put more respect on MGP. Everyone sees MGP and think it is this lesser product, but they are arguably one of the biggest and best distilleries. They make incredibly tasty whiskey

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@tracejames8193 agree!

[@spencerjcolling]

That’s right!

[@Despite37]

It's not that MGP is bad. It's not. It's just that when a craft distillery puts out an MGP distilled release and tries to charge upwards of 100 it doesn't sit well with people. We know what MGP tastes like and can find roughly the same juice for cheaper from somebody else.

[@nicksinderson3302]

Smoke and mirrors are not equal to age and craft. That said, it's great to know; smoke, mirrors can make great affordable bourbon.

[@Rockbottom66]

Respect MGP a ton…so many great things out of there. But I’m MGP’d out…sounds solid but pass

[@Richie.Z]

Great review, Jason! I found a bottle of Smokeye BP (131.4 proof) last week and it’s great! I can see it going head to head with Jr but not GTS, that thing is 15 years old 😁🥃 Fantastic MGP pour for what I paid and would easily buy another for under $100

[@jasonczfan8658]

I really dislike chasing the popular allocated stuff so getting something good from a newer and smaller distillery is the way to go. I’ll grab this bottle when I see it

[@Rockbottom66]

Ummm…..it’s MGP….not a unique small distillery! I’m MGP’d out….pass

[@sitori2509]

After Fred Minnick giving it this award it IS allocated AND marked up.

[@murfdizzle4shizzle]

I read it was contract distilled at MGP, but it’s Smokeye Hill’s mash bill. Bardstown Bourbon Co. does a lot of contract distilling for smaller brands too. It’s not a bad way to go. Think of how much cheaper it would be to contract distill and then age your own stuff, like they do. It’s aged in Colorado Springs. I imagine that’s much cheaper than building a distillery, especially a large one…and what if your first batch doesn’t go well? In this case it did go well, and MGP is plenty big enough to ramp up production if Smokeye Hill wants to capitalize on their recent success. It’s like hiring an experienced chef to whip up your grandma’s recipe. It’s still delicious. 😂🥃

[@miguelabrego5481]

Crazy, had a Stagg blind today and this was one of the wild cards in it. Rated it second ahead of 4 other Staggs. It’s great and will definitely be picking up a bottle

[@elijahturner8624]

I just picked this bottle up yesterday. And I think it is an awesome bourbon. It may be the best I have ever had personally.

[@richardheusted]

Cracked mine last night, it’s great. Not a GTSKILLER though. Just a touch young on finish.

[@eestwood]

Just got a 134.2 ... It's good but yeah powerful👍🏾. Good buy but yeah youthful on the finish. Vanilla, Brown sugar, creme brulee. I get a note I've not tasted before, which must be from the blue corn. I might go grab another tomorrow🤷🏾‍♂️

[@dieterlang2176]

Great review! Just makes me think though when it comes to awards that the distillers are picking their honey barrels and sending that in for review and the stuff off the shelf is so wildly different.

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

Agreed

[@motohead077]

If any serious review panel is using whiskey samples sent to them by the manufacturer, especially if they know it's for a review, then people should 100% disregard the review. They have to pick random bottles, in the wild, for reviews.

[@WhiskeyandSmoke]

MGP makes great whiskey. You’re telling me this is a true Stagg (Jr) alternative? I’m sold

[@lilannalucey]

Great job repping Goose Island! If I happen to get a chance to pick this up, I'll definitely grab it and compare it to the couple GTS bottles I have. It's not shocking that a well-aged and crafted MGP whiskey would do well, I didn't really think it was going to run head-to-head with GTS.

[@zach_hewitt]

Did a tasting down at Private Label recently, I didn't pick up Smokeye, but did pick up one of their Hazmat bottle. I need to go back down and grab a Smokeye.

[@efex604]

Man I walked by that Smokeye 4 times at my local TW but was hesitant to grab it, its very tempting , the struggle is real at the moment lol

[@TheBloody81]

My brother brought this bottle when he visited and must say this was very good. It's worth the buy if you can find it. For sure it doesn't come close to GTS.

[@williamparker8318]

Good Review. Yes, consistency is key (or close too). Cheers

[@thomasgallagher1945]

There has been ALOT of buzz on this bottle lately, thanks for doing this Jason!

[@clemonsjoey]

Just picked this bottle up this week and a bottle of 15 yr High n Wicked The Jury!

[@TheDrSpEd]

I really like the Smokeye Hill I got. It is really tasty! 131.2 poof on my batch. Maybe someday I’ll find a Stagg to compare it to….

[@MF-ng9um]

Funny I just ordered one after watching your live review but before watching this one

[@JT2425-r7f]

It's worth noting the price difference. Smokeye being compared to those guys, but considerably less cost is worth mentioning.

[@coordi]

A little peek behind the scenes as you left the retake in around 30 seconds. A glitch in the Matrix! Thanks for the review as always, we know some random bottle might be great but it probably isn't beating GTS on the real.

[@jeffreyking279]

GTS is the best whiskey I've ever tasted. That said, it's not worth the secondary market price.

[@jeremybamgbade]

Agreed. The 22' GTS blew my mind but would not pay more than 150 for it.

[@jgalt99]

@@jeremybamgbade I was able to get 3 bottles at retail 2 years ago but haven't been able to find any since. Down to my last half bottle now. :( It's definitely the best bourbon I've ever had.

[@murfdizzle4shizzle]

I probably won’t ever own a bottle of George T. Stagg at the current prices. Stagg is pretty pricey on secondary too, and I almost never see it on shelves for less than secondary. I did find a secret spot that was selling me heavy pours of George T. Stagg for $25 though…and I drank a lot of it. George is a grown ass man. That stuff is so tasty…and I love the viscosity. I appreciate the clarification, but if you can make a Stagg blind interesting for somewhere around $90-$120…you will have a place in my bar. Cheers. 🥃

[@ceottolino]

Ive tried both the 22B and the Smoke eyw hill BP side by side and id have to say Smoke eye hill was my Winner, but it was close

[@100puremustard5]

A lot of people didn't like 22B because it's less sweet and more rich oak... I loved 22B! But I also prefer it over Stagg Jr batch 15 (arguably the sweetest batch)

[@sean8039]

We all knew that Smokeye Hill being better than GTS was 🧢

[@A-fl4shh]

What’s the blue hat mean

[@williamseltzer3773]

@@A-fl4shh Cap

[@tonysr1983]

Anything can be beaten in a blind on any given day depending on the person drinking. Doesn't necessarily mean it's a BETTER whiskey

[@murfdizzle4shizzle]

😂

[@murfdizzle4shizzle]

@@tonysr1983Wild Turkey 101 keeps trashing my blinds…especially when I’ve already had a few. My taste buds are moody. I like different stuff every day.

[@missile742]

Was at the Private Label Distillery in Colo Springs last night. Selling Smokeye barrel proof for $100. Taking advantage of current popularity I guess

[@mikefrattini1604]

Jason, As always great review! I appreciate you putting Smoke Eye up against gts and Stagg. I ordered a Smoke Eye on line. I really like it. It is sweet and there’s some complexity to it though there’s also some youth. I think it’s solid. I don’t think it drinks as hot as the proof. It will be interesting to see where this distillery goes. Do they put out more aged and more complex juice or do they just chase money and not deliver a good experience? Time will tell.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@mikefrattini1604 yeah if the smokeye ends up with a more dark fruit influence, it could get really good

[@jasondillon-zt1di]

Jason have you tried the 2024 edition of the Evan Williams 1783 Heroes Edition? I think it may be better than the 2023, however I killed that bottle pretty quick so I can't compare lol. Im still on the neck pour but happy this is available for 23 bucks.

[@djohnson3583]

I knew it wasn’t better than GTS when I got it but I was curious. I do like it though.

[@aaronjustinger8490]

The Ascot awards were a complete joke this year!

[@Ona1000]

Always are

[@kamahhl]

Why?

[@Best_Served_Neat_On_Ice]

@@kamahhl, Traveller.

[@travisrobeson306]

New Kids on the Block vs Queen. Not even close! LOL!

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@travisrobeson306 haha

[@Rufflezhaveridge]

Lol I'd say stapleton vs. Merle Nkotb implies it sucks lol its not that

[@JPBAMA]

I'd like to see.somebody do.a.Balcones v Smokeye Hill

[@BuffaloBourbonEnthusiasts]

Nice review! Wish I would've grabbed it, but spending is out of control.

[@BrianVaughn]

I found that the Smokeyehill lost some of the sweetness after I let it open up. The plums and tobacco flavors started taking over.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@BrianVaughn I can definitely see the tobacco taking over. All those chars they used I feel can add a lot of that

[@Pleepleus68]

@@TheMashandDrumI cracked my bottle tonight and got quite a bit more smoke than I was expecting. It reminded me of a little of an Islay scotch like Lagavulin.

[@bradr8129]

Here's the deal folks.....all you who are so blown away by labels and certain bottles you believe you know so well would have a tough time pulling them out of a blind. I've done this countless times with people at my house who are absolutely certain they would pull bottle X (yes, including GTS) out of a 5 way blind when I match up alternative/similar profiles, proofs, etc. They get it wrong 90% of the time.....and are rarely certain about identifying their bottle and frankly, end up guessing really. Jason perhaps might get it right more than most but I've humbled many including myself as well as a couple Level 3 masters of bourbon doing this exercise.

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

That’s what I was thinking.thanks for sharing this,man.

[@robertrackuzius3722]

Not sure if a better representation and comparison in a review for this will be done. It's all entertainment though since these bottles mostly exist at highly marked up prices.

[@KingAbaddon]

Bottled in Colorado Springs! So I should find it here....yes? No?

[@LeatherDaddy97]

I mean im firmly in the camp that stagg and even gts to a degree are not special, but im not sure nas sourced mgp is gonna hang with a gts. Normal stagg? That wouldnt surprise me but the price is high

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@LeatherDaddy97 so is stagg normally.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@TheMashandDrum true, but if i saw stagg for that price i just wouldnt buy it, so it doesnt really change anything to me.

[@jeffreyking279]

GTS is by far the best whiskey I've ever had.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@jeffreyking279 ive had 3 of them, none are in my top 5 personally.

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@jeffreyking279 looks like my response got deleted, but ive had multiple, only one of which id buy after trying and it wasnt top 5 for me. top 15 probably though

[@Kevin-cr7dp]

Where can you find it?

[@sparky167]

Whiskey searcher.........online retailer. Just ordered a bottle.

[@JDfritzges]

I know that GTS. Can I pour a dram?? 😂😂😂

[@TheSpiritDr]

Jason, you ve got to bring back numerical scores for these, as you were doing in 2021 or thereabouts. I think it was a lot more informative.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@TheSpiritDr I've never done number systems. But I may incorporate it into my blind tasting episodes

[@TheSpiritDr]

​@@TheMashandDrum I saw a double bass from 2021 Calumet 15 vs Old Fitz 16 in which you did. I thought it made it a lot clearer how much you liked each one and that in your estimation one was almost as good as the other.

[@thomasanderson2870]

Might be very good but most people will never see it at ANY PRICE in my opinion 🤔 Cheers 👍 😉 🥃

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@thomasanderson2870 you can buy it online like I did.

[@thomasanderson2870]

@@TheMashandDrum I will 👍

[@B1gC4st]

New make is contract distilled by MGP, they get it in totes and barrel in Colorado. Sourced = buying barrel stock. Contract = your juice but not made by you. Step it up Jason!😀. Also, kinda odd that everyone is dropping a review right now, feels like paid media just like that bourbon lore bs.

[@ryandeleon222]

There's no substitute for time (age)

[@CAT3616G]

Everyone save your money and just buy two bottles of Green River Full Proof.

[@woody2875]

and the winner is Very Old Barton 86 proof!

[@xGoTPaNcAkEsx4ever]

Can’t wait to no be able to get this bottle because every store that sells it is going to price gouge that crap out of it because of all the attention it’s getting and that it beat GTS in a blind

[@bradr8129]

I'm MGP'd out. MGP has kicked out some really good stuff but it's everywhere and so many sourcing it....bored and burned out on all things MGP. It's Pass on this one at $90 or more. $50....maybe but not sure I need/want another bottle of MGP on my shelves!

[@randyrancier1800]

After some time, just to prove your point, why don't you taste these blind and maybe throw one or two others that are comparable and get a real objective comparison.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I do that on a separate series called double bass. I usually call for suggestions so I will take this one for sure. Cheers

[@eestwood]

Yeah definitely not gonna best GTS though it's good

[@josesanchez5920]

Think I'll pass on Smokeye Hill, sounds like its one dimensional and already have tons of bottles with the classic notes. Thanks for the indepth review

[@BourbonForageFishing]

🙄 Another GTS "replacement"

[@Jetherston]

Take off the hat baldy! LOL

[@robertpatterson3106]

Video like is just bull. You know what you are drinking. The fact is seem a lot of people chose Smokeye when it is not known. KZbinr just won’t speak bad of any BT product cause they might get a bkack list from them.

[@arthudson81]

why didn't you double bass that shit?! only way to give fair assessment

[@TheMashandDrum]

It's coming.

[@blakeanderson1214]

Imagine giving a literal sh@t about what the ascot awards say. They are a joke. Let me guess, cornbread and chilis….😂😂😂😂🤣🤡

[@mikem4432]

Its sourced MGP.. 90$ ..? it is not even a distillery.. I will take a Stagg anyday over this.

[@nathancrevonis3351]

First comment reductive pricing take? Never change KZbin.

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@mikem4432 to say MGP is not a distillery is a gross understatement. The place is an unbelievable distillery that makes most Kentucky distillers seem small

[@LeatherDaddy97]

​@@TheMashandDrumi think hes saying smokeye isnt a distillery since they didnt distill it

[@TheMashandDrum]

@@LeatherDaddy97 I get that but its coming from a great distillery. Putting down a whisky because they didn't exactly make it is a bit short sighted since MGP makes incredible whisky

[@LeatherDaddy97]

@@TheMashandDrum completely agree, just wanted to direct the comment

[@Paul-l2v]

Smokeye Hill is under $100 retail. Definitely a buy!

[@Paul-l2v]

Acots is blind with 10 very well respected judges. Do a blind tasting in a month Jason once the Smokeye opens up. 7 out of 10 judges picked Smokeye at Ascot fyi.

[@TheMashandDrum]

I plan to. But I don't think I would still agree. But we will see