A little background
Hard Truth Distilling Co., founded in 2015 in Nashville, Indiana, began as a small operation in the upper rooms of Big Woods Pizza Co. and has since expanded to a 325-acre campus that includes production facilities, a restaurant, tours, tastings center, and live music venue. The distillery produces a range of spirits including gin, vodka, rum, and whiskey, with a focus on sweet mash processes and collaborations with local farmers. Mellencamp Whiskey Company, established by Hud Mellencamp and Levi Collison from Bloomington, Indiana, emphasizes partnerships that highlight the state’s agricultural heritage and community.
French Oak Harvest Rye Whiskey represents the third release in a limited four-part collectible series from this collaboration, utilizing grains sourced entirely from Indiana farms. This 3-year-old expression features a mash bill of 72% rye and 28% corn, is rested in new charred French oak barrels, and comes from a small batch of just 36 barrels, bottled at 104 proof with an MSRP of $70.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Amber
Nose
Caramel, vanilla, rye spice, brown sugar, toasted oak.
Palate
Crème brûlée, black pepper, fruity sweetness, toasted French oak, subtle honey.
Finish
Lingering pepper, cinnamon, oak warmth, cherry, leather.
In closing
In summary, Hard Truth French Oak Harvest Rye Whiskey stands out as a compelling small-batch release that masterfully marries its 72% rye mash bill with the innovative toasted French oak finish, delivering a rich nose of caramel, vanilla, rye spice, brown sugar, and toasted oak; a palate bursting with crème brûlée, black pepper, fruity sweetness, toasted French oak, and subtle honey; and a finish that lingers with pepper, cinnamon, oak warmth, cherry, and leather. The detailed profile reveals an inviting bakery sweetness balanced by herbal rye edges and nutty oak depth, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel that’s versatile for neat sipping or cocktails. With its unique baking-inspired complexity, harmonious sweet-spicy balance, and strong value at around $70 MSRP—backed by high-quality Indiana grains and sustainable craftsmanship—this rye appeals to both novices and enthusiasts, making it a worthwhile addition to any whiskey collection despite its limited availability.
Hard Truth French Oak Harvest Rye Whiskey
The Good
- Balanced Sweet-Spicy Profile
- Great value
The Bad
- Somewhat limited
