Tincup Straight Bourbon 750ML

Tincup Straight Bourbon 750ML is a high-rye straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml bottle, cut with Rocky Mountain spring water in Denver, Colorado. What distinguishes this expression is its uncommon production approach: bourbon distilled at MGP in Indiana is blended with a small portion of Colorado single malt whiskey before being proofed down with pure Rocky Mountain water, yielding a profile that bridges Midwestern distilling tradition with Colorado's high-altitude character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Indiana / Colorado, USA  |  Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: MGP (Indiana), blended and bottled in Colorado

Production & Heritage

Tincup is produced by Proximo Spirits and draws its bourbon from MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the most prolific contract distilleries in America, known for its high-rye whiskey output. The mashbill runs 64% corn, 32% rye, and 4% malted barley, placing it firmly in the high-rye bourbon category. After distillation and aging, the bourbon is transported to Colorado, where it is blended with a small measure of locally produced single malt whiskey and cut with Rocky Mountain spring water before bottling. That final water source, drawn from the high Rockies, contributes a notably crisp mineral quality to the finished spirit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Citrus zest and sweet grain lead on the nose, followed by warming cinnamon, ginger, and a dusting of toasted oak. A faint thread of leather lingers beneath the brighter top notes.

Taste: The entry is corn-forward with immediate vanilla and chewy caramel. Mid-palate, butterscotch becomes dominant alongside apple butter and toasted rye bread. The back palate shifts to tobacco leaf, pronounced rye spice, and dry oak tannins that keep the sweetness grounded.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, dry exit. Lingering baking spice, a faint wisp of smoke, and residual caramelized sugar slowly fade without bitterness.

How to Drink Tincup Bourbon

Neat or with a single ice cube is the most direct way to appreciate the interplay between the high-rye spice and the Colorado single malt component. The 80-proof bottling is approachable without water, though a few drops can open up more of the butterscotch and apple butter notes. For cocktails, the high rye content and crisp finish make Tincup a versatile base:

• Old Fashioned — the caramel-forward sweetness and rye spice hold up against bitters and sugar without disappearing.
• Boulevardier — the bourbon's tobacco and oak tannins stand toe-to-toe with Campari's bitterness and sweet vermouth.
• Whiskey Sour — citrus zest and vanilla in the spirit complement fresh lemon juice for a balanced, snappy sour.

Best For

• Introducing a bourbon drinker to the high-rye style without overwhelming heat
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, cocktail-ready bourbon
• Gifting someone who appreciates a Colorado connection in their whiskey
• Exploring the differences between Midwestern-distilled and Colorado-finished spirits

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Tincup Bourbon taste like? Tincup Bourbon leads with vanilla and chewy caramel before rye spice, toasted oak, and butterscotch take over mid-palate. The finish is clean and dry with lingering baking spice and a subtle hint of smoke.

How does Tincup Bourbon compare to Jack Daniel's? Tincup uses a much higher rye percentage (32% versus Jack Daniel's lower-rye mashbill) and is not charcoal-filtered, resulting in more pronounced spice and a drier finish. Jack Daniel's is technically a Tennessee whiskey with the Lincoln County Process, giving it a smoother, sweeter character by comparison.

Is Tincup Bourbon good for beginners? At 80 proof with a balanced flavor profile, Tincup Bourbon is accessible enough for newcomers while still delivering enough rye-driven complexity to keep experienced drinkers interested.

Where is Tincup Bourbon made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then shipped to Colorado where it is blended with Colorado single malt whiskey and proofed with Rocky Mountain spring water before bottling in Denver.

What foods pair well with Tincup Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the bourbon's oak and tobacco notes. Dark chocolate plays well against the caramel sweetness. Aged cheddar mirrors the toasted rye bread quality. Pecan pie amplifies the butterscotch and baking spice, while grilled stone fruit echoes the citrus zest on the nose.

What sizes does Tincup Bourbon come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Tincup Bourbon worth the price? Tincup positions as a mid-shelf bourbon that competes directly with mainstream brands like Jim Beam and Jack Daniel's, but its high-rye mashbill and Colorado finishing process deliver a more distinctive character than many bottles at the same value tier.

Why Tincup Bourbon?

The strongest argument for Tincup Bourbon is the mashbill — 32% rye is significantly higher than most bourbons in this price range, delivering a genuine spice backbone that many competitors lack. The additional step of blending MGP-distilled bourbon with Colorado single malt and finishing with Rocky Mountain water is unusual in the category and gives the spirit a crisp, mineral edge not typically found in Indiana-sourced bourbons. For drinkers who find standard mid-shelf bourbons overly sweet or one-dimensional, Tincup offers a drier, spicier alternative without jumping to a premium price point. It functions equally well neat, on ice, or as the foundation of a well-built cocktail.