Smokewagon Malted Rye “M172” — BCA & Warehouse Liquor Pick

Last Updated on January 1, 2024 by 5e2793

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) has closed out the year with a highly anticipated barrel selection: a Smokewagon Malted Rye pick in partnership with Warehouse Liquor. Timed as a Whiskmas release, this barrel also marks one of the first club/store selections since Smokewagon resumed doing private picks, making it a notable milestone for both BCA members and Smokewagon fans.

A stylized promotional graphic showing a man wearing a cowboy hat and sunglasses lighting a cigar. Large decorative text says “Smoke Wagon” with the slogan “And See What Happens.” The design includes logos for the Bourbon Club of Arkansas and Warehouse Liquor, plus a small “R – Restricted” label indicating an uncut and unfiltered version. The overall background is a muted brown color and the graphic has a vintage, Western feel. — Source: Gary Penna – January 1 2024

This particular barrel leans into what Smokewagon does best—bold, candy-forward flavors layered with just enough funk to keep things interesting. Early samples showed a heavier, earthier edge, but the final bottled whiskey landed in a much more refined place. The end result is a malted rye that balances sweetness and character without losing personality.

Three bottles of Smoke Wagon whiskey arranged on a black bar mat on a counter in front of a large wooden barrel top branded “Smoke Wagon Bourbon Las Vegas.” Two tall bottles of amber-colored Smoke Wagon bourbon stand on either side of a smaller clear sample flask with a swing-top cap. In front of the bottles is a filled whiskey tasting glass with amber liquid. The background shows part of the wooden barrel display and blurred store or tasting room elements. — Source: Gary Penna – December 22 2023

What to Expect in the Glass

Drinkers can expect a profile built around malted sweetness, brown sugar, and syrupy notes, complemented by crisp fruit tones and a clean structure. The finish carries on longer than expected, evolving with subtle tea-like and spice notes that linger pleasantly rather than overpower.

Priced around $77, this release stands out as a true one-off barrel and an easy choice for those who enjoy expressive rye whiskey with dessert-leaning depth. It’s the kind of bottle that doesn’t stay full for long—and one many members opted to grab more than once.

Gary Penna — December 22, 2023 (Facebook)

On the 9th day of Whiskmas.

Smokewagon Malted Rye BCA/Warehouse Liquor pick.

This is one of the first released store/club picks since Aaron started up doing club picks again. We can’t thank Happy, Central and SW enough for allowing us to be part of this incredible barrel. Parwinder Singh Anthony Eckert Aaron Chepenik cheers!

Introducing M172. In reality, this one should’ve been named Funkytown. When I first sampled the actual sample bottles, there was some char at the bottom of it and I did detect a lot more funkiness initially than I have in the open bottle that I’m sampling tonight. My guess is the char at the bottom of the sample bottle added a little bit of that funk to it maybe through tannins. However, when they bottled it they probably filtered out the impurities and the taste has improved even more!

The bottled version is even better than I could’ve ever imagined. There still is a little bit of funk, but not as much as initially. Now it’s just a beautiful malted milk ball flavor. It’s so incredibly candy like and sugary.

Here we go!

Color: Light Amber
Nose: A little MGP Funk mixed with desert heat has produced a full on Sugar Factory on the senses. Maple Syrup, wet dark brown sugar. A maybe a slight tea note. A little tiny whiff of oak notes.
Palate: Clean and crisp. Almost a sugared apple note hits immediately. Possibly a hint of apple sauce. It starts to give way though once it coats my palate to that malted milk ball note, it just pours on through like a juggernaut of flavor and on the backend a delicious funky brown sugar.
Finish: Pretty long actually, and I detect now what I think is a black tea note. It really finishes beautifully.
Overall: 🥃🥃🥃🥃. At 77 a piece and a one of a kind pick, this cannot be beat. I will easily finish this bottle by the end of the week. I bought multiples!

🏭 Background on the Distiller: Smokewagon & MGP

Smokewagon is the brainchild of Aaron Chepenik, a former Vegas nightlife heavyweight turned whiskey blender and brand builder. Founded under Nevada H&C Distilling Co., Smokewagon quickly earned a reputation for high-proof, flavor-forward releases that lean unapologetically into bold profiles and distinctive blends.

Rather than distilling in-house, Smokewagon sources its whiskey from MGP Distillery, one of the most respected distilleries in the United States. Located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, MGP is renowned for its rye-forward mashbills and consistent, high-quality distillate—making it a favorite among independent bottlers and blenders nationwide.

What sets Smokewagon apart is Chepenik’s hands-on blending philosophy. Barrels are selected and blended with an emphasis on intensity, texture, and balance, often favoring malted and rye components that bring layered sweetness, spice, and funk—qualities that shine clearly in this Malted Rye pick.