Wine & Spirits

Unlocking the Rockies: A Guide to TINCUP Whiskey

What TINCUP Is TINCUP takes its name from the Colorado mining town and from the tin cups miners used for whiskey. Jess Graber, who also founded Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, created the brand. The flagship whiskey is a high-rye bourbon distilled in Indiana, blended with a small amount of single malt, and cut with Rocky Mountain […]

Lena Ashworth

Published October 24, 2026 · 4 min read

What TINCUP Is

TINCUP takes its name from the Colorado mining town and from the tin cups miners used for whiskey. Jess Graber, who also founded Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, created the brand. The flagship whiskey is a high-rye bourbon distilled in Indiana, blended with a small amount of single malt, and cut with Rocky Mountain water in Colorado. The hexagonal bottle is a nod to the old tin cup.

The TINCUP Lineup

TINCUP makes a short, focused range.

TINCUP American Whiskey: The flagship. A blend of high-rye bourbon and single malt, cut with Rocky Mountain water. Expect rye spice, caramel, citrus, and a bold finish.
TINCUP 10 Year: Aged 10 years, this expression is more rounded and complex, with oak, vanilla, and dried fruit notes and a smoother finish.

How to Taste TINCUP

Pour: Measure 1.5 to 2 ounces into a Glencairn glass or a rocks glass.
Observe: Note the golden amber color.
Swirl: Gently swirl the glass to release aromas.
Nose: Look for rye spice, caramel, citrus, and oak.
Sip: Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue.
Savor: Hold it briefly so the flavors open up.
Finish: Swallow and note whether the finish is long and smooth or short and spicy.
Add water if you like: A few drops can soften the alcohol and open the flavors. Adjust to your taste.

Cocktails

TINCUP works neat, on the rocks, or in classic whiskey drinks.

TINCUP Old Fashioned: In a rocks glass, muddle 1 sugar cube with 2 dashes Angostura bitters and a splash of water. Add ice and 2 ounces TINCUP. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel.
TINCUP Manhattan: In a mixing glass, combine 2 ounces TINCUP, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, and 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Add ice, stir until chilled, strain into a coupe, and garnish with a cherry.
TINCUP Highball: Fill a highball glass with ice. Add 2 ounces TINCUP and top with ginger ale, club soda, or cola. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

Food Pairings

The whiskey’s rye spice and light sweetness work with richer, savory food.

Grilled meat: Steak, ribs, and burgers match the smoky and spicy notes.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and smoked Gouda are good matches.
Dark chocolate: Chocolate desserts contrast with the whiskey’s spice and sweetness.
Spicy food: Chili and tacos can stand up to TINCUP’s bold profile.

Availability

TINCUP is widely distributed in the United States and is sold at many liquor stores and online retailers. Check local listings for the flagship and the 10 Year expression.

Advanced Tasting Notes

Once you know the main notes, pay attention to texture. Is the whiskey creamy or sharp? Do floral or fruity notes appear? Does it change as it sits in the glass? These details are more useful than a long list of adjectives.

Other American Whiskeys to Try

If you like TINCUP, these are logical next pours.

Rittenhouse Rye: A bottled-in-bond rye with a bold, spicy profile.
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey: Jess Graber’s Colorado single malt.
High West Double Rye!: A blend of two rye whiskeys with a complex, spicy character.

Drink Responsibly

Whiskey is best enjoyed in moderation. Do not drink and drive, and know your limits.

Sharing TINCUP

Whiskey is social. Host a small tasting, mix a batch of Old Fashioneds, or pour a dram around a campfire. The point is to compare notes and enjoy the company.

TINCUP Compared with Other Whiskeys

Feature	TINCUP Whiskey	Typical Bourbon	Scotch Whisky
Mash bill	High-rye bourbon blended with single malt, cut with Rocky Mountain water.	At least 51% corn, with rye, wheat, and barley.	Malted barley for single malt, or a blend of grains for blended Scotch.
Flavor profile	Spicy and bold, with citrus and caramel.	Sweet, with vanilla, caramel, and oak.	Varies by region and method; can be smoky, peaty, fruity, or spicy.
Production location	Distilled in Indiana, cut with water in Colorado.	Primarily produced in the United States.	Produced in Scotland.
Unique characteristics	Hexagonal bottle, named after a mining town and tin cups.	Often aged in new, charred oak barrels.	Often aged in used oak, sometimes sherry or wine casks.
Water source	Rocky Mountain water.	Varies by distillery.	Local Scottish water sources.

FAQ

What makes TINCUP different from other bourbons?

TINCUP’s blend of high-rye bourbon and single malt, cut with Rocky Mountain water, gives it a spicier, bolder profile than many traditional bourbons.

Is TINCUP suitable for beginners?

Yes. The bold flavor is approachable, and a TINCUP Highball or Old Fashioned is a good way to start.

How should I store TINCUP?

Store it upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cork from drying out. Once opened, it will remain good for several years if stored properly.