If you see "Distilled in Indiana" on a whiskey bottle, it often refers to MGP, a prominent distillery known for producing whiskey for various brands. However, another craft distillery shining in Indiana is Hard Truth Distilling Co., located in Nashville, IN. Established in 2015, Hard Truth focuses on sweet mash whiskey, crafting each batch entirely from new ingredients, which contrasts with the sour mash method commonly used in American whiskey.

Master distiller Bryan Smith, who learned the sweet mash method from Wilderness Trail co-founder Pat Heist, highlighted that their distillate is noted for its bright and clean taste with tropical fruit nuances. After aging in barrels, the spirit results in a complex and well-balanced whiskey that stands out in tastings.

To maintain quality, Smith emphasizes the importance of using high-quality equipment, meticulous procedures, and strong relationships with grain farmers, which are crucial for executing sweet mashing consistently.

This fall, Hard Truth has launched four new reserve whiskeys, each maturing in different barrels and employing unique blending techniques. Highlights include:

• Hard Truth Barrel Finished Reserve 2024 Blend: This blend, predominantly rye whiskey aged in barrels previously used for cognac, sherry, brandy, and sauternes, offers notes of stone fruit, grape, and spice.

• Hard Truth Double Oaked Sweet Mash Rye: Aged for about two and a half years, this whiskey is later matured in new charred oak casks for over three years, bringing flavors of brown sugar, raisin, and vanilla.

• Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve 2024 Blend: Featuring a mix of chocolate malt, caramel malt, and malted sweet mash rye, this five-year-aged whiskey showcases maple, caramel, and fruit notes.

• Hard Truth Maple Brûlée Rye: Aged for over three years and finished in unique maple syrup barrels, this whiskey reveals flavors of maple, vanilla, and spice.

These unique expressions from Hard Truth Distilling Co. are now available for purchase at liquor stores and online.