In a lot of ways Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Nashville, Brown County, Indiana is kind of flipping the script. While a lot of distilleries start out with spirits made in Indiana and then eventually release a bourbon or rye whiskey made in their home state Hard Truth is doing the opposite.
When Hard Truth Distilling was getting its hands dirty for the first-time making bourbon and rye whiskey, they turned to a Kentucky distillery. They experimented with some mash bills, barrels and some processes. All these years later, Hard Truth is ready to release their own Kentucky bourbon and rye whiskey. Gotta’ love the creativity here.
A 35 Barrel Triple Mash Bill Release
Hard Truth Distilling release of its Origin Series includes three, limited-supply, single barrel whiskeys crafted in Kentucky during Hard Truth’s early exploration into what is now their distinguished whiskey portfolio.
The 35 barrels and three expressions including Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey named BW-1 includes 12 barrels, the Wheated Bourbon Whiskey named BW-2 includes 12 barrels while the Rye Whiskey named RW-1 includes 11 barrels.
“It’s a rare opportunity to taste our history,” said Hard Truth Master Distiller Bryan Smith. “We are calling this limited release our origin story, and we are thrilled that others can experience and taste it. It’s fair to say we will never produce a whiskey with these flavor profiles again.”
Smith said Hard Truth sweet mash whiskeys originated with a clear vision of a state-of-the-art sweet mash distillery and the savor-worthy whiskeys it would produce.
“And, while in the process of making that vision become a reality, we partnered with a Kentucky distillery, which, under my direction, produced a small number of whiskey barrels with unique Hard Truth mash bills,” said Smith.
Hard Truth Distilling Co. currently produces more than 20 premium spirits, and all of its products are made with 90 percent locally produced ingredients. Smith said that is another reason these barrels are so uncommon for the Indiana-based distillery.
John Behling, Hard Truth’s Chief Marketing Officer, said the company is preparing to release other extremely limited whiskeys. “No details yet, but Bryan is preparing other unique casks for sale on a rationed basis,” said Behling. “Stay tuned for more information.”
All three Kentucky Single Barrel releases are bottled at barrel strength, uncut and unfiltered.
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Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey (BW-1)
Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Bourbon, Mash Bill #1, features a classic three grain bourbon mash bill containing corn, rye, and malted barley.
Mash Bill: 73% corn, 19% rye, and 8% malted barely
Distillation: Column with doubler
No. Barrels: 12
Filtration: Uncut and unfiltered
Proof: 110.2 (55.1% ABV)
Appearance: Tawny
Nose: Deep caramel, toasted almond, dill, and sweet candied fruit
Palate: Rich apricot marmalade, brown sugar, oak, and bold black pepper
Finish: Warm and lingering notes of fruit that fade to coffee and butterscotch
Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (BW-2)
Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon, Mash Bill #2, features a classic wheated bourbon mash bill containing corn, wheat, and malted barley.
Mash Bill: 69% corn, 19% wheat, and 12% malted barely
Distillation: Column with doubler
No. Barrels: 12
Filtration: Uncut and unfiltered
Proof: 111.8 (55.9% ABV)
Appearance: Tawny
Nose: Sweet hints of marshmallow, nougat, and baking spices with a touch of vanilla
Palate: Big notes of maple, orchard fruit, and oak with a hint of toffee
Finish: Bold, warm, and lingering with caramel carrying baking spices
Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey (RW-1)
Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Rye, Mash Bill #1, is the predecessor to Hard Truth’s Indiana Sweet Mash Rye, Mash Bill #1.
Mash Bill: 94% rye and 6% malted barely
Distillation: Column with doubler
No. Barrels: 11
Filtration: Uncut and unfiltered
Proof: 110.4 (55.2% ABV)
Appearance: Tawny
Nose: Brown sugar, sweet dill, baking spices, and dried fruit
Palate: Caramel and honey with rich dill, golden raisin, and cracked black pepper
Finish: Balanced and lingering, maple and oak fade to hints of fruit and mocha
Each of Hard Truths ‘Origin Series’ expressions has an suggested retail price of $69.99 and is currently available in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.
Founded in 2015, Hard Truth Distilling Co. destination campus spans 325 wooded acres in Brown County, Indiana — an artists’ colony and tourist destination known for its natural beauty. The distillery produces more than 20 premium spirits, including critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.
Hard Truth’s spirits are distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Wyoming with several new states coming on board in late 2022 and 2023.
Learn more about Hard Truth Distilling Co.
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