Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Nashville, Indiana is christening the state’s newly signed HB1409 that officially defines what ‘Indiana Rye Whiskey’ is with a new whiskey release.
The new designation, which took effect on July 1, 2021, begins with the federal requirements for rye whiskey which says it must have 51% rye in the grain bill, distilled at no greater than 160 proof, placed in a barrel at no more than 125 proof. Then it adds a few Hoosier twists that say it must be mashed, fermented, distilled, and then rested at least two years in the state of Indiana. The two year designation is what also makes this a ‘straight’ rye whiskey.
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Hard Truth’s new Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey is a unique, custom blend of rye barrels, hand-selected by Hard Truth’s master distiller and bottled at their state-of-the art craft distillery.
“Distillers in Indiana have historically produced some of the highest quality rye whiskeys in the world,” said Hard Truth Master Distiller Bryan
Smith.
“Rye is a notoriously difficult grain to handle through the mash, ferment and distillation process. Craftsmen and women here in Indiana have long shared secrets and tips and tricks, resulting in a quality standard which sets Indiana apart in the world of rye whiskey making. Hard Truth Distilling Co. is proud to be a part of the Indiana Rye Whiskey community making history with this law.”
“Indiana Rye — I like the sound of it, I love the taste of it, I’m proud to be part of it,” commented Hard Truth Co-founder Jeff McCabe. “What better way to let the world know that Indiana distillers produce the world’s finest rye whiskey?”
To celebrate the new release Hard Truth held a bottle release celebration at the distillery over the Independence Day weekend.
“Kentucky Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey and Indiana Rye are the backbone of the whiskey industry in the USA,” noted Hard Truth Co-founder Ed Ryan.
“This custom blend of Indiana ryes is a tribute to those who came before us and a springboard to some really unique rye products that we will be introducing this fall.”
Hard Truth Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey Tasting Notes
Smith says Hard Truth Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey greets drinkers with a rich aroma featuring hints of vanilla and brown sugar, baking spices, dill, oak, orchard fruit and pear blossom. The taste offers crème brûlée, honey, vanilla, citrus, and black peppercorn, leading into a warm, dry, and lingering finish with nots of caramelized sugar, praline pecan, dill, oak, and pepper.
Hard Truth Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). A 750 mL bottle of this new Indiana rye whiskey has a suggested retail price of $39.95 plus tax. Its available now at the distillery, all Big Woods Restaurant Group locations and select retailers throughout Hard Truth Distilling Co.’s distribution areas.
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Hard Truth Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey
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