Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co—Nashville, IN
Proof: 116.1 (58.05% ABV)
Age: Minimum of Four Years
Mashbill: 94% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
MSRP: $50
Quality Craft Rye – No Gimmicks
Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Nashville, Indiana continues to make waves with its sweet mash whiskey process—a deliberate departure from the more common sour mash approach. By starting each batch fresh, without using backset from previous distillations, sweet mash allows greater control over fermentation and preserves the nuance of grain, yeast, and water interactions. That intentional method is the hallmark of Hard Truth’s distilling identity.
Batch #011 of Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye was drawn from just twelve barrels aged in Rickhouse 002 and bottled at a bold 116.1 proof. The mashbill leans heavily on rye (94%) with an aging of at least four years. Priced at $50, this release maintains the brand’s commitment to full-flavored whiskey without drifting into luxury-tier pricing. For enthusiasts tracking the evolution of Indiana rye beyond the familiar MGP profile, Hard Truth offers a distinctive grain-forward style with bright spice, herbal complexity, and long finishes that reward careful tasting.
Hard Truth Rye Whiskey (Batch 011) Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4/5
The Nose opens with sweet oak and floral notes, highlighted by muted honeysuckle and wintergreen. Not overly aggressive–inviting and balanced.
Palate – 4/5
The first sip lands with Clark’s Teaberry Gum—that signature wintergreen note that feels both nostalgic and herbal. A zesty cinnamon punch lands mid-Palate while a thin but energetic mouthfeel keeps the flavors lively–not heavy. A cool menthol rounds out the Palate.
Finish – 4/5
The finish runs long, cycling through dry oak, lingering cinnamon heat, and a delicate vanilla thread at the end. It’s layered and manages to feel both bright and earthy at the same time. There is plenty of complexity to keep you coming back.
Value – 4/5
At $50, this expression sits right in the sweet spot for a craft rye that exhibits high character. The proof point and small-batch integrity line up with more premium-tier products, but the pricing remains accessible. For drinkers who appreciate a well-crafted spice-forward rye but want something distinct from the standard sourced whiskeys, this bottle delivers a strong return on the investment.
Hard Truth Rye Whiskey (Batch 011) Review: The Verdict
Hard Truth continues to earn its place in the conversation around high quality whiskeys. This rye batch is balanced without chasing gimmicks. It’s not the boldest or flashiest rye on the shelf—rather, it’s got a generous flavor profile and is priced for accessibility.
Verdict – 4.0/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.