Bryan Smith
I write about Nashville, Ind.-based Hard Truth Distilling Co. fairly often here on Bites. There are a few reasons for that. First, for a relatively young distillery, they are constantly releasing new products. Second, I have really enjoyed the majority of the ones I have sampled. Their concentration on sweet mash whiskeys sets them apart from most other distilleries, and they also like to experiment with different types of malts — something I really appreciate.
Hard Truth has a special talent for making rye whiskey, and as a Manhattan lover, that hits me just right. In fact, the latest new product I’ve sampled from them is another banger!
The latest release in their Barrel Finish Reserve Series is a Straight Rye Whiskey finished in torched mizunara oak barrels. The rare, slow-growing, tight-grained Japanese oak is the wood of the moment in the world of whiskey, and it contributes a lovely nutty and spicy character to the spirit, along with a fragrant incense note on the nose. At 124.7 proof, it manages not to drink too hot, although it does ask for a drop or two of water to open up the aromas without singeing nostril hairs. Only 21 barrels were produced, so it’s a rare gem, indeed.
But don’t take my word for it. Maybe you’d rather ask the master distiller himself? You can have that opportunity if you attend Bowties and Bourbon on Saturday, Aug. 23, starting at 3 p.m. inside Mason’s Restaurant at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Hard Truth’s Bryan Smith will be there to take attendees through a guided tasting of his products, complemented by small plates from Mason’s chef Sean Strolle. The event will also feature a welcome cocktail, live music and free valet parking.
Smith is promising to bring some highly allocated products that you may not be able to find in Nashville, so don’t miss out. Buy your ticket today!
