Review: Rye Whiskeys of Hard Truth (2024)
As of July 1, 2021, the state of Indiana recognizes standards of identity for carrying the moniker Indiana rye. Hard Truth Spirits in Brown County, Indiana was at the forefront of the push to garner official recognition for Indiana rye whiskey. Long before Hard Truth and master distiller Bryan Smith released their first house-distilled bourbon in 2024, they loved and celebrated rye whiskey. On September 7, 2024, Hard Truth released three annual limited release rye expressions: Double Oaked Barrel Finish Reserve, Master Distiller’s Reserve Blend, and Barrel Finish Reserve Blend.
Each of these limited releases shares a few common factors. Hard Truth utilizes a fermentation of 3 days. The ryes come off the Vendome still at around 138 proof and enter the barrel around 113 proof. Hard Truth’s initial maturation barrels of choice are coopered by Independent Stave Co. with a char level #1 and custom toast.
Each of these limited releases comes with extended aging compared to their standard releases. Let’s take a look at each!
Hard Truth Double Oaked Barrel Finish Reserve Sweet Mash Rye (2024) – This 16 barrel batch limited release utilizes Hard Truth’s RW-1 mashbill, comprised of 94% rye and 6% malted barley. The rye initially spent over 2 years in new oak barrels before being transferred into another new oak barrel with a #1 char and custom toast for over 3 years. Adding to complexity, 3 different custom toasts were used for this batch’s secondary maturation. After more than 5 total years of aging, the barrels were dumped on 5/24/24 and bottled at cask strength 106.9 proof.
The nose debuts with rich molasses and vanilla. The toasted character of the barrels quickly shows up as balsamic vinegar, Nutella and chai tea then enter the bouquet. No single spicy note overpowers another. The palate also starts with deep molasses, but adds sticky honey and buttercream frosting, but is balanced by rye spice and toasted coconut. Double Oaked offers medium-thick viscosity. Heading toward the finish, burnt brown sugar meets black licorice. Fruit shows up for the first time as crisp pear mingles with nutmeg. 106.9 proof. A- / $90
Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Blend Sweet Mash Rye (2024) – This expression is a blend of 3 of Hard Truth’s rye mashbills: 20% RW-3, 50% RW-4, and 30% RW-6. RW-3 is comprised of 51% rye, 38% corn, and 11% chocolate malted barley. RW-4 is the result of 51% rye, 38% corn, and 11% caramel malted barley. Lastly, RW-6 consists of 54% rye and 46% malted rye. All 20 barrels in the blend are aged for more than 5 years in rackhouse 002.
Master Distiller’s Reserve Blend opens with buttery toffee and rich molasses on the nose. Rich aromas continue as Nutella and coffee pair together. The pantheon of rich aromas is counterbalanced by crisp pear. Following the nose, toffee is first to lead on the palate. Vanilla and strawberry lead the transition to the midpalate, followed by dark chocolate, with a thick mouthfeel. Burnt brown sugar and vanilla custard lead the way on the finish, and dark plum and dark chocolate hang on to create desire for more. 115 proof. A- / $90
Hard Truth Barrel Finish Reserve Blend (2024) – This limited release utilizes the RW-1 mashbill and is a blend of the four expressions from the 2023 Barrel Finish Reserve collection. Rye rested in Cognac (31%), PX Sherry (26%), PX Brandy (17%), and Sauternes (26%) barrels, with the 11 barrels blended together and rested on toasted Jupilles French oak. Prior to blending, each of the four components rested for 8 months in their respective spirit barrels. The final blend was dumped on 5/24/24.
The nose is immediately met with chai spiced tea and caramel. Buttercream frosting and burnt brown sugar add depth to the bouquet. Allowing time to open, cinnamon apples complete the nosing experience. The palate is full of richness as black cherry and raisins meet molasses; later toffee and cardamom are revealed. The assortment of notes are balanced and cling to the mouth with great density. Black cherry carries to the finish as soft leather adds a nice amount of tannin. Wrapping up this experience, cloves and cinnamon leave a lasting impression. 116.8 proof. A / $90
Hard Truth’s 2024 limited release expressions are worthy of such a status. All three offerings are worth the price, but the Barrel Finish Reserve Blend is the cream of the crop. Thus far, Hard Truth has made good rye whiskey with younger age statements. However, Hard Truth with a few more years of total aging is apparently a great thing. I highly suggest seeking out all three of these bottles.
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