Kentucky’s Hartfield & Co. Distillery Readies American Single Malt, Other Whiskeys

The rise of the American single malt in distilleries across the United States is something commonly seen at the craft level, though it has yet to surface much in Kentucky, home of mostly bourbon producers both large and small. This is changing now though, with the recent unveiling of several new whiskeys by Hartfield & Co., including its first ever malt expression.

The Hartfield & Co. American Single Malt Whiskey, according to those behind it, is distilled from 100 percent malted barley. It was then aged for an undisclosed amount of time in ex-bourbon barrels from the same distillery before ultimately being bottled at a barrel strength of 122.7 proof, or 61.35% ABV.

Joining the single malt in release for this young Kentucky craft distillery are two other whiskies. The first is what’s said to be its oldest whiskey release to date, a single barrel bourbon with a mash bill that 62% corn, 19% rye and 19% malted barley. It is a straight whiskey, meaning it is at least two years old, and was also bottled at cask strength, this time being 132.28 proof, or 66.14% ABV.

Finally, coming up most recently from this trio is one of Hartfield & Co.’s experimental expressions. It is similar to the previously mentioned whiskey in terms of the mash bill (62% corn, 19% rye, 19% malted barley), but it is bottled at a much lower 50% ABV. Aging time on it looks to be a little over two years old, with it resting during that period in used bourbon barrels. Limited tasting notes from the distillery for this expression suggest the nose “has subtle hints of traditional caramel and vanilla. Tannins from the oak provide a dryness that compliments the smoke and tobacco notes from the grain.”

As with most Hartfield releases, these are only available in Kentucky at this time. Pricing is $50 for the straight whiskey and $40 for the American single malt. The experimental was not yet priced.