Tincup Straight Bourbon 1.75L

Tincup Straight Bourbon 1.75L is an 84-proof straight bourbon whiskey blending Indiana-distilled bourbon with Rocky Mountain character in a generous 1.75-liter format. What distinguishes this expression from many sourced bourbons is a finishing touch: a small amount of Colorado single malt whiskey from Stranahan's is blended in before bottling, adding depth that a standard MGP bourbon simply does not deliver.

Quick Facts: ABV: 42% (84 proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana / Colorado  |  Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: MGP (Midwest Grain Products)

Production & Heritage

The bourbon at the heart of Tincup is distilled at MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of America's most prolific contract distilleries, using a high-rye mashbill of 64% corn, 32% rye, and 4% malted barley. The spirit matures in #3 charred American oak barrels, which impart deep caramel color and toasted wood character. Before bottling, the whiskey is cut with pure Rocky Mountain water and married with a small portion of single malt whiskey from sister distillery Stranahan's in Denver, Colorado — a step that layers malty sweetness beneath the bourbon's rye-forward backbone.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cherry cola and vanilla dominate the opening, followed quickly by warm caramel and baking spice. Deeper inhalation reveals orange essential oil and a faint nuttiness from the charred oak.

Taste: The entry is sweet and immediate — caramel and maple syrup coat the palate before cherry and orange citrus push through at mid-palate. Cinnamon and toasted oak build toward the peak, with the 32% rye content asserting itself through a pronounced peppery warmth.

Finish: Medium-long, with peppery rye spice that stays well after each sip. Fading notes of vanilla and charred oak linger underneath.

How to Drink Tincup Bourbon

Neat or with a single ice cube allows the cherry cola and rye spice interplay to remain intact; a few drops of water can open up the citrus aromatics. The 1.75L format and approachable 84-proof strength make Tincup a reliable cocktail base. An Old Fashioned highlights the caramel and orange peel notes naturally present in the bourbon. A Whiskey Sour benefits from the rye spice cutting through citrus and simple syrup. A Boulevardier pairs well here because the high-rye backbone stands up to Campari's bitterness without being overpowered.

Best For

• Stocking a home bar for regular bourbon cocktail service
• Hosting barbecues or watch parties where volume matters
• Bourbon drinkers who enjoy rye-forward spice at an accessible proof
• Exploring a sourced bourbon that adds a Colorado single malt twist

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tincup Bourbon taste like? Tincup leads with sweet caramel and cherry cola flavors, layered with cinnamon and toasted oak, then finishes with a lingering peppery rye kick. The addition of Stranahan's single malt adds a subtle malty sweetness beneath the classic bourbon profile.

How does Tincup Bourbon compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both are high-rye bourbons sourced from major distilleries, but Tincup's 32% rye mashbill edges slightly higher than Bulleit's widely reported rye content, yielding more pronounced pepper spice. Tincup also differentiates itself by blending in a small amount of Colorado single malt whiskey and cutting with Rocky Mountain water, giving it a maltier undertone that Bulleit does not share.

Is Tincup Bourbon good for cocktails? Absolutely — the 84-proof strength and bold rye spice make it versatile enough for stirred drinks like an Old Fashioned and shaken drinks like a Whiskey Sour without getting lost behind other ingredients.

Where is Tincup Bourbon made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP (Midwest Grain Products) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then blended with single malt whiskey from Stranahan's distillery in Denver, Colorado, and cut with Rocky Mountain water before bottling.

What foods pair well with Tincup Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak and pepper spice. Sharp cheddar cheese mirrors the caramel sweetness. Pecan pie echoes the vanilla and toasted nut undertones. Dark chocolate balances the rye heat with bittersweet richness. Grilled stone fruit like peaches brings out the bourbon's cherry and orange citrus notes.

What sizes does Tincup Bourbon come in? Tincup Straight Bourbon is available in a standard 750ml bottle as well as the 1.75L handle size reviewed here.

Is Tincup Bourbon worth the price? Tincup positions as an approachable, everyday bourbon in the value-to-mid tier, and the 1.75L format further improves its cost per pour. For a high-rye mashbill bourbon blended with single malt whiskey, it delivers more complexity than many bottles at its price point.

Why Tincup Bourbon?

The blending of MGP bourbon with Stranahan's Colorado single malt is the detail that earns Tincup a distinct identity in a crowded sourced-bourbon market. That single malt addition, however small, introduces a malty, honeyed layer that pure corn-and-rye bourbons lack. The 32% rye mashbill pushes the spice level well above gentler, corn-heavy bourbons, making Tincup a more assertive sipper and a cocktail ingredient that holds its own. In the 1.75L format, it represents a practical choice for anyone who wants a characterful, high-rye straight bourbon on hand without frequent restocking.