Hard Truth Master Distiller's Reserve 2024 Blend of Rye Whiskeys Review.

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 Hard Truth Master Distiller's Reserve 2024 Rye Whiskey Review.

    I received this spirit as a review sample from Hard Truth Distilling, linked here. It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.


   Hard Truth has always held a special place for me. Based out of southern Indiana, it was one of the first distilleries I really connected with, ironically through their gin. From there it was only a matter of time before I dove headfirst into their whiskies. They’ve built a reputation not only by distilling, aging, and bottling their own spirits but also by being transparent with mash bills and blending practices. This year’s Master Distiller’s Reserve Sweet Mash Rye 2024 Blend is a perfect example of that transparency and innovation. 

    This release is composed of three separate sweet mash rye whiskies: one using chocolate malt, one using caramel malt, and one using malted rye. Hard Truth blended these in precise proportions; 20% chocolate malt, 50% caramel malt, and 30% malted rye across 20 barrels. Personally I love they share the exact percentages and mash bills with consumers. That commitment to detail and openness is a hallmark of Hard Truth’s approach, and it gives you confidence before you even take the first sip.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/vM7--q--vhg

Age Statement: +5 years.

ABV: 57.5%. (Cask Strength).

Mashbill: A Blend of:
51% rye, 38% corn, 11% chocolate malted barley.
51% rye, 38% corn, 11% caramel malted barley.
54% rye, 46% malted rye.

Blend Composition: 20% Chocolate Malt Rye, 50% Caramel Malt Rye, & 30% Malted Rye.

Area of Distillation: Nashville, Indiana.

Appearance: Dark copper.


On the nose:
    The nose is layered and inviting. Sweet grains from the malted rye are front and center, accented by caramel sweetness and a touch of cocoa from the specialty malts. There’s an underlying fruitiness, peach, pear, even apricot—that lifts the profile. Vanilla cream, light custard, and a hint of barrel spice round things out. For a whiskey at cask strength, it’s shockingly approachable with no harsh ethanol bite.


Taste:
    The first sip is cohesive and balanced. The malted rye provides the spice, herbal notes, and structure, while the chocolate malt contributes a dusting of cocoa and the caramel malt adds richness and depth. It all works together rather than competing, creating a velvety, layered experience. Pepper and earthiness weave into the background, keeping things grounded. Each sip evolves, but nothing dominates, which speaks to the blending skill behind this release.


Finish:
    The finish lingers with fruit, sweet grain, and a light drying edge. Cocoa and caramel taper off gracefully, leaving behind just enough rye spice to remind you this is indeed a bold whiskey. It’s balanced, never overbearing, and invites another sip.


Final Thoughts: 
    Hard Truth’s Master Distiller’s Reserve Sweet Mash Rye 2024 Blend is a testament to thoughtful blending and transparency in whiskey making. You’re getting a barrel-proof, five-year rye that showcases creativity while still remaining approachable. The malted rye drives the profile, with chocolate and caramel malts adding nuance without overwhelming the blend. It’s rich, velvety, and layered, an easy recommendation if you’re looking for a rye that pushes boundaries while still being highly drinkable.


Rating: A- (Amazing).

Cost: $89.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/vM7--q--vhg

Social platforms to follow me: https://linktr.ee/thelastcallyt

Learn more about Hard Truth Distilling via the link here: https://hardtruth.com/

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