Hard Truth Releases A Range Of Single Barrel Whiskeys

Hard Truth Distilling out of Indiana recently released a series of limited-supply, single barrel whiskeys crafted in Kentucky during its earlier days.

The new Hard Truth Origin Series, according to those behind it, is limited to only 35 barrels and three expressions, including Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Bourbon Whiskey (BW-1, 12 barrels), Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (BW-2, 12 barrels) and Rye Whiskey (RW-1, 11 Barrels). All are bottled at barrel strength, uncut and unfiltered.

“It’s a rare opportunity to taste our history,” said Hard Truth Master Distiller Bryan Smith in a prepared statement. “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.”

Hard Truth Distilling out of Indiana recently released a series of limited-supply, single barrel whiskeys crafted in Kentucky during its earlier days. (image via Hard Truth Distilling)

Smith further added that the distillery’s pursuit of its eventual sweet mash whiskey portfolio originated with a clear vision of a state-of-the-art sweet mash distillery.

“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.

Currently available in six states – Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee – each expression prices around $70. Official tasting notes on each are below.

HARD TRUTH KENTUCKY SWEET MASH BOURBON WHISKEY (BW-1) — 12 Barrels

Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Bourbon, Mash Bill #1, features a classic bourbon mash bill containing corn, rye, and malted barley.

• 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) — 12 Barrels

Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Wheated Bourbon, Mash Bill #2, features a mash bill containing corn, wheat, and malted barley.

• 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) — 11 Barrels

Hard Truth Kentucky Sweet Mash Rye, Mash Bill #1, is the predecessor to Hard Truth’s Indiana Sweet Mash Rye, Mash Bill #1.

• 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