Hard Truth Indiana Straight Rye

This marks my second review of this whiskey; the first was on "episode 0" of my podcast, Drinking Buddies, which will be released soon. For the past few years, I've overlooked Hard Truth distillery, as their releases consisted mainly of flavored 'party' spirits and liqueurs aimed at the general public. I did extensive research for the podcast, though I couldn't confirm if this distillery is connected to the former local a cappella group, Straight No Chaser. I recall members of that group promoting Hard Truth's products, and their vodka had merchandise and posters indicating at least a collaboration. Regardless, this distillery seems to have evolved since its 2015 founding, now aiming for the whiskey market with some new, quite impressive offerings. Knowing it's a 4-year age statement and 100 proof, along with the new "Indiana rye" law, is helpful. However, my inquiry into why it wasn't bottled-in-bond revealed this whiskey is a blend, not distilled by Hard Truth. While blended American whiskey (like Johnnie Walker) is typically frowned upon, it strongly suggests the components likely originated from MGP, given their proximity. Despite an undisclosed mash bill (a significant drawback for rye, with blending offering no real excuse), we approach this with considerable optimism, though still quite perplexed. While a friend noted the appealing dark color during the podcast, tonight, both the bottle and the liquid level in my glass suggest an expected 4-year hue, possibly even lighter, like a 2 or 3-year. Fortunately, the aroma indicates a high rye content, at least 85% or more, in my estimation. I detect abundant bright rye characteristics, such as citrus, freshly cut grass, and the simple, raw grain of both rye and barley. There's also some cinnamon, not artificial, surprisingly minimal oak, and just a hint of dark fruit. It lacks complexity, but it delivers precisely what I seek in a straightforward, classic rye whiskey. The initial taste offers bright citrus, transitioning into a slightly floral body. It takes several sips for the rye character to reach the gums, and considering the proof isn't excessively low, this might support a less dominant rye mash bill. The cinnamon flavor is confined to the gums, where the tongue experiences the rye grain, somewhere between raw and mellowed by the barrel, despite the near absence of oak flavor. The finish is light, maintaining the rye profile, with the spice lingering only after numerous sips. Considering this distillery's recent pivot to more serious products, even those not of their own distillation, this is a remarkably strong entry into the good rye whiskey category. Naturally, I always prefer a single batch for any American whiskey, as rye, in particular, deserves to stand alone, so I hope they adopt this approach soon. While their other new releases don't immediately entice me to seek out bottles, the advertised ATV distillery tours on their website, set in a beautiful small town, might lead me to visit in the future... (ATVs are slightly more enjoyable in winter snow than summer mud).

The aroma is overwhelmingly dill, comparable to Willet 4 year rye. It also has a salty, briny quality, with hints of honeydew melon. The body offers notes of pickles, orange, and powdered sugar. The finish brings dark chocolate and cinnamon. It's challenging to compile a list of similarly excellent yet affordable ryes. My contenders include: Bulleit, WT101, Sazerac, New Riff… and that's likely the extent of it. This spirit belongs in that company, and I believe it earns its place. A solid rye, truly remarkable!

A solid rye. It should serve well as a mixer, but I found enjoyment drinking it over a whiskey rock. It exhibits the standard rye characteristics of pepper, grass, and clove. Aged for 4 years, it's not excessively oaky. The finish is pleasant, though short. It is the first to bear the Indiana Rye Seal.

Really nice Rye! I detect spearmint, cinnamon, clove, and sugared candied lemon on the nose! Licorice is prominent in the taste along with the flavors mentioned above. It also has a hint of outdoor characteristics.

Not bad at all, not sure if it's the best at this price point but pretty darn good. Will have to do a blind. Would say slightly better than Sazerac and as always had it neat.

Apple, caramel, and baking spice on the palate, carrying over to the nose, but there's also a cereal note in the aroma. It's good, but I think it should be priced around $35 at most.