Old Hamer Single Barrel Cask Strength 8 Year Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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 Old Hamer Single Barrel Cask Strength 8 Year Bourbon Whiskey Review.




    There’s something oddly charming about Old Hammer. It’s like the quiet cousin of West Fork Whiskey Company—same bloodline, just a little more rough around the edges, and a lot more likely to knock your socks off with cask strength heat. This particular bottle is a single barrel pick selected by the in-house whiskey club over at West Fork, and while I wasn’t lucky enough to be on the tasting panel for the pick, I was there on release day. One pour in, and I knew it deserved a closer look.

Here’s the deal: Old Hammer leans hard into the MGP pipeline, and this bottle is built on the classic 99% corn, 1% malted barley mash bill. That’s the sort of recipe that usually doesn't see much love, so to see it dressed up in an 8-year-old cask strength expression is great. Due to the mash bill you highly rely on the barrel, age, and proof to do the lifting scene there's really no other grains BUT corn to bring complexity. It felt like someone handed your favorite diner burger to a Michelin chef and said, “Alright, impress me.” And somehow... it worked.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ez4h3NY3Zgo.

Age Statement: 8 years (Single Barrel).

ABV: 61.45%

Mash bill: 99% corn, 1% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Appearance: Golden Citrine. 


On the nose:
    Sweet buttered corn takes center stage, supported by soft vanilla cream and light caramel, like something homemade and slow-cooked. There’s a pleasant barrel char and a whisper of waxiness that rounds everything out. It leans confectionary rather than candy sweet, think brûlée sugar crust over a rich custard, paired with a light touch of brown sugar. It’s a warm and approachable aroma that carries its proof with grace.


Taste:
    The first sip brings a wave of barrel spice and wood sugars that coat the tongue beautifully. That oaky richness is layered with caramel, vanilla, and grilled corn sweetness. There’s a savory edge here too, like fresh corn off the grill, brushed with butter and hit with a few cracks of black pepper.

    As it opens up, hints of dark chocolate emerge, more in the ballpark of a chocolate-covered espresso bean than anything overly sweet. There's also a very brief blip of bitterness at the front of the palate that feels a bit youthful, but it vanishes almost instantly. From there, it’s all richness, warmth, and texture. The oiliness clings in the best way possible, giving the whiskey a structure that’s both classic and elevated.


Finish:
    Long and sweet, with lingering wood sugars and that same oily mouthfeel stretching everything out. A final flicker of dark chocolate and a warm fade of barrel spice leave a satisfying close to the sip.


Final Thoughts: 
    Old Hammer’s 8-Year Single Barrel Cask Strength is a showcase of what thoughtful barrel selection can do for a high-corn mash bill. It’s sweet, textural, and flavorful without ever becoming too sharp or too soft. While there’s a fleeting moment of youth on the front end, the rest of the pour delivers maturity, balance, and charm. 

    Old Hamer offers a strong value for anyone hunting aged MGP with a bit of edge. The only real gripe I have is that small bit of bitterness in the sip. Otherwise, this is a standout pick and a great reminder that even the simplest mash bills can shine when handled right.


Rating: B- (Fairly good).

Cost: $79.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/ez4h3NY3Zgo

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

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