A Star-Spangled Spectacle: Smoke Wagon Whiskey Fourth of July 2022 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we thrive on the thrill of the hunt, seeking out the bottles that generate buzz and capture the hearts of enthusiasts. In the dynamic world of American whiskey, few brands have rocketed to cult status as rapidly and deservedly as Smoke Wagon. We are excited to present a bottle that embodies both their patriotic spirit and their commitment to quality: the Smoke Wagon Whiskey Fourth of July 2022 Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This is more than just a straight bourbon; it is a limited-edition celebration in a bottle, a piece of modern Smoke-Wagon bourbon history, and a testament to the blendery art that has made this Nevada-based brand a phenomenon.
This special release was crafted to celebrate Independence Day, showcasing the bold, unfiltered character that has become the signature of Smoke Wagon whiskey. For the collector who chases limited batches and for the drinker who appreciates a bourbon with unapologetic flavor, this 2022 edition is a vibrant and sought-after find.
The Nevada Blending Mavericks: The Smoke Wagon Story
To understand the allure of this bottle, one must first appreciate the story of Smoke Wagon. In a category dominated by straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey, Smoke Wagon boldly emerged from Las Vegas, Nevada. They are not a distillery in the traditional sense but a “blendery.” Their genius lies in their masterful curation and blending of sourced, high-quality Indiana bourbon ( famously from MGP).
The founder, Jonathan Hensleigh, and his team have an almost mythical reputation for their palate. They select specific barrels and blend them to achieve a desired profile—rich, complex, and intentionally non-chill filtered to retain maximum flavor and mouthfeel. This hands-on, artistic approach has created a frenzy around their releases, making any Smoke Wagon straight bourbon whiskey a hot commodity for those looking to buy bourbon online that is both delicious and discussion-worthy.
The Fourth of July Release: A Patriotic Limited Edition
The Fourth of July series is a special annual tradition for Smoke Wagon. Unlike their core range, these releases are single-batch productions, often featuring a unique proof point and a distinctive flavor profile selected to embody a celebratory, bold American spirit. The 2022 edition is a snapshot of their blending philosophy at a specific moment in time.
What sets this apart from other bourbon whiskey brands is its intentionality. It’s not just a standard bourbon with a special label; it’s a batch that was crafted and set aside specifically for this patriotic release. This makes it a cornerstone for any Smoke Wagon uncut younger bourbon whiskey vertical collection and a tangible piece of the brand’s evolving narrative. Its limited nature makes it a premier bourbon for sale for collectors.
Technical Specs & Production Highlights
Proof / ABV
This edition is bottled at 92.5 proof (46.25% ABV).
Mash Bill & Warehouse Strategy
Smoke Wagon small batch straight bourbon uses a high‑rye mash bill, giving their bourbons a spicy backbone balanced with sweetness.
The brand racked barrels on the top two floors of their warehouse and never rotated them. This means the upper levels, being warmer in summer, pushed deeper interaction between wood and whiskey—yielding fuller extraction.
No Chill Filtration
This edition is bottled without chill filtration, which helps preserve texture, flavor compounds, and mouthfeel.
Limited Edition & Design
The 2022 Fourth of July edition features a tri‑color patriotic bottle design, making it especially collectible.
Because it follows all legal requirements for bourbon and is aged in charred new American oak, it qualifies as a straight bourbon, and fits squarely within the world of straight bourbon whiskey. (Note: though not made in Kentucky, it draws from the same traditions many expect in Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey.)
A Sensory Fireworks Display: Tasting the 2022 Edition
Tasting this Smoke Wagon bourbon is an experience akin to watching a fireworks show—it’s bold, vibrant, and full of exciting bursts of flavor. Being non-chill filtered, it presents a robust and unadulterated profile.
The Appearance:
The whiskey has a rich, deep amber hue, with a viscous texture that coats the glass, promising a full-bodied experience.
The Nose: A Bold and Alluring Aroma
The bouquet is immediately engaging and complex. Classic notes of vanilla, caramel, and rich oak form a solid foundation. This is quickly followed by the signature Smoke Wagon whiskey character: a delightful mix of dark cherry, honey, and baking spices like cinnamon and clove. There’s a distinct note of roasted nuts and a subtle, dark chocolate undertone that adds a layer of sophistication. The aroma is robust and inviting, with minimal ethanol bite for its proof.
The Palate: A Rich and Flavorful Celebration
On the palate, the whiskey is full-bodied, oily, and rich. The entry is sweet, with flavors of brown sugar, honey, and maraschino cherry. The mid-palate introduces a robust spice profile—a peppery rye kick, along with dark cocoa and a touch of orange zest. The oak is present and well-integrated, providing structure and notes of leather and tobacco without being overly tannic. The non-chill filtered process is evident in the thick, creamy mouthfeel that allows these complex flavors to unfold slowly and powerfully. It’s a bourbon whiskey that commands your attention.
The Finish: A Long and Memorable Finale
The finish is long, warm, and satisfying. The sweet and spicy notes duel pleasantly on the tongue for a long while, gradually fading to reveal a final, lingering note of dried fruit and oak. It’s a finish that ensures this bourbon is remembered long after the glass is empty.
Why Smoke Wagon Commands a Cult Following
In the debate of bourbon vs whiskey, Smoke Wagon stands as a powerful argument for the artistry possible within the straight bourbon category. Its appeal is multifaceted:
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Transparency and Quality: They are open about their sourcing but have built their reputation on a superior final product through masterful blending.
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The “Unfiltered” Appeal: By skipping chill filtration, they deliver a whiskey with all its natural oils and flavors intact, resulting in a richer, more authentic experience.
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Scarcity and Hype: Their limited batch releases create a sense of urgency and exclusivity that has cemented their status as a must-have brand.
The Value of a Modern Classic
The Smoke Wagon Fourth of July 2022 is more than just a beverage; it’s a collectible. As time passes, bottles from specific years become milestones in the brand’s history. For the enthusiast looking to buy bourbon online that holds both drinking and investment potential, this limited edition is a compelling choice. It represents a specific moment in the rise of one of America’s most talked-about bourbon brands.
Bourbon vs Whiskey: Clarifying the Terms
For many customers and especially for SEO, it’s beneficial to clarify bourbon vs whiskey:
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Whiskey is a broad category that includes Scotch, Irish whiskey, rye whiskey, bourbon, and more.
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Bourbon is a type of American whiskey that must be made with at least 51% corn, distilled under certain limits, aged in new charred oak, and bottled at no less than 80 proof.
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A straight bourbon means it’s aged at least two years and contains no added flavor or coloring.
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Straight Kentucky bourbon is a straight bourbon made in Kentucky; while Smoke Wagon isn’t from Kentucky, it embodies many of the stylistic expectations of its Kentucky counterparts.
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So, Smoke Wagon Fourth of July 2022 Straight Bourbon Whiskey is indeed a bourbon (and a straight bourbon whiskey), not just “whiskey.”
Using these distinctions helps both search engines and informed consumers understand exactly what you’re offering.
Your Premier Source for Cult Bourbons
Finding a specific, limited batch like the Smoke Wagon Fourth of July 2022 can be nearly impossible with a simple search for “bourbon for sale near me.” These bottles are typically snatched up immediately by those in the know.
This is the core mission of Rare Finds Liquor Store. We navigate the complex secondary and allocated market to bring these coveted bottles directly to you. When you choose to buy bourbon whiskey online from us, you are leveraging our expertise and connections to access the bottles that define the current era of bourbon enthusiasm.
We strive to be the best place to buy bourbon online for collectors and drinkers who are passionate about the stories behind the spirit.
If you are ready to add a vibrant piece of modern bourbon history to your collection and experience the unfiltered thrill that made Smoke Wagon famous, your opportunity is here. The Smoke Wagon Fourth of July 2022 Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a rare find, a celebratory dram that captures the independent spirit of America itself.




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