Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Barrel Strength

Hard Truth has been on our radar all the way from the start of Blind Barrels, and we are so thrilled that we are now able to partner with them thanks to Fred! The (not so hard) truth is that everything they’ve done in their 11 years of whiskey making has purpose and intention behind it. The decision to be an exclusively Sweet Mash distillery (starting from scratch with every new mash) wasn’t just born out of a desire to be different, but after research and tastings done with fermentation and microbiology experts Dr. Pat Heist and Shane Baker (of Wilderness Trail fame and good friends). Although this process does require a lot of attention to detail, the tradeoff comes with complex and vibrant flavors in their new make spirit right off the still, as well as a rich and soft texture that requires less rounding out in the barrel, allowing them to use custom low char and heavy toast casks for best access to all the beautiful caramelized wood sugars in the staves. And the thoughtfulness doesn’t stop at the whiskey! Hard Truth has built what’s basically a Whiskey Disneyland in Indiana, family friendly and open to all, with everything from outdoor music, incredible restaurants and bars, walking trails and RVs, and a Tiki Boat Tour (Seabass’ dream), topping Newsweek’s latest list of Best Distillery Tours in the country. In the words of Master Distiller Bryan Smith, “If you can’t have any fun on our property it’s not our fault.”

This Rye immediately grabbed our attention, in large part because it’s so different from many similar products from their region! While the 94/6 mash bill is a bit of a tongue in cheek reference to their neighbors, there’s no way you’d mistake this whiskey for anyone else’s. As a legitimate grain-to-glass distillery (they established their connection with their local farmer before they even broke ground on the distillery), there are no secrets with the Hard Truth team, as they know that their whiskey is truly a representation of their specific place that can’t be recreated (did someone say “terroir”??). The Sweet Mash Rye is inviting up front, and delivers with fruit sweetness, Christmas spice, and wood sugars shining throughout. As with Sample B, it’s truly one of the most oily whiskeys we’ve ever had in the glass (a great indicator of flavor), stemming from their prudent use of the dephlegmator in their still (don’t get Seabass started). The Hard Truth team says they have as good a chance as anyone to be the next Heritage American Whiskey Brand, and after you’ve tasted this custom Small Batch they put together exclusively for our members, we know that you’ll all agree!