Tincup Rye Whiskey 750ML

Tincup Rye Whiskey 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) American rye whiskey finished with Rocky Mountain water in a 750ml bottle. Built on a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mashbill, this expression stands apart from other MGP-sourced ryes by proofing at high altitude with Colorado mountain water drawn at 5,251 feet above sea level — a step that shapes its final texture and character.
Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Colorado / Indiana, USA  |  Aged 3 Years  |  Distillery: MGP (Indiana), Proofed in Colorado
Production & Heritage
Tincup takes its name from a historic mining town in the Colorado Rockies, and the brand leans heavily into its mountain identity. The liquid itself is distilled at MGP’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of America’s most prolific and well-regarded contract distilleries — using a mashbill of 95% rye grain and 5% malted barley. After aging for three years, the whiskey is transported to Colorado, where it is cut to 90 proof with pure Rocky Mountain water sourced at an elevation of 5,251 feet. That high-altitude proofing is the brand’s signature differentiator, intended to impart a cleaner, softer mineral quality to the finished spirit.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: The nose opens with sweet vanilla and a distinctive fresh tobacco leaf quality. Beneath that initial wave, baking spice and a faint thread of mint emerge as the whiskey breathes.
Taste: The entry is smooth and direct, with rye spice asserting itself quickly across the mid-palate. Pepper and baking spice dominate, balanced by sweeter notes of maple syrup and a gentle herbal quality. Despite the 95% rye mashbill, the delivery is approachable rather than aggressive, with an even distribution of bold and sweet notes.
Finish: The finish lingers at moderate length, settling into caramel sweetness and a silky, tannic mouthfeel. Residual pepper and a touch of dried spice hold steady as the warmth fades.
How to Drink Tincup Rye
Neat or with a single ice cube, this rye reveals its full spice-to-caramel arc without losing structure at 90 proof. A few drops of water can open up the mint and maple notes for those who prefer a softer pour.
Manhattan: The high rye content and caramel finish stand up to sweet vermouth without being overwhelmed, producing a spice-forward classic.
Sazerac: The bold pepper and baking spice notes pair naturally with absinthe rinse and Peychaud’s bitters, delivering an assertive take on this New Orleans staple.
Rye Old Fashioned: Maple and vanilla in the base spirit complement a sugar cube and Angostura bitters, creating a cocktail with depth and minimal sweetener needed.
Best For
Exploring high-rye mashbill whiskeys without a steep price commitment
Building a dedicated rye whiskey cocktail bar at home
Introducing friends to the flavor differences between bourbon and rye
Gifting a whiskey drinker who appreciates Colorado craft culture
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tincup Rye taste like? Tincup Rye delivers bold rye spice, black pepper, and baking spice balanced by sweeter notes of maple syrup and vanilla, finishing with lingering caramel and a silky tannic texture.
How does Tincup Rye compare to Bulleit 95 Rye? Both Tincup Rye and Bulleit 95 Rye are sourced from MGP in Indiana and share the same 95% rye, 5% malted barley mashbill at 90 proof. The key distinction is that Tincup is proofed with Rocky Mountain water at high altitude in Colorado, which the brand credits with a softer mineral character compared to Bulleit’s sharper, more overtly spicy profile.
Is Tincup Rye good for cocktails? Tincup Rye is an excellent cocktail rye — the 90-proof strength and 95% rye mashbill provide enough backbone to stand up in Manhattans, Sazeracs, and Old Fashioneds without requiring a premium price point.
Where is Tincup Rye made? Tincup Rye is distilled at MGP’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then transported to Colorado where it is cut to proof with Rocky Mountain water at an elevation of 5,251 feet before bottling.
What foods pair well with Tincup Rye? Smoked brisket brings out the whiskey’s pepper and spice notes. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts well with the caramel finish. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage echoes the tannic mouthfeel. Charcuterie boards with cured meats complement the tobacco and spice aromatics. Pecan pie mirrors the maple sweetness in the palate.
What sizes does Tincup Rye come in? Tincup Rye is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size.
Is Tincup Rye worth the price? Tincup Rye positions as an affordable, everyday rye whiskey that punches above its price tier thanks to the high-quality MGP distillate and 95% rye mashbill — the same base used in several more expensive expressions from other brands.
Why Tincup Rye?
The real story here is value-driven access to one of America’s most proven rye mashbills. MGP’s 95/5 rye recipe has earned its reputation across dozens of brands, and Tincup adds a genuine wrinkle by proofing with high-altitude Rocky Mountain water — a step that introduces a subtle mineral softness not found in other bottles sharing the same distillate. At three years old and 90 proof, this is a whiskey that works equally well neat or in cocktails, delivering the full rye spice experience without rough edges. For drinkers building out a home bar or looking to understand what a true high-rye mashbill tastes like, Tincup Rye earns serious consideration at its price point.