Hard Truth Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Review.

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Hard Truth Double Oaked Bourbon Whiskey Review. 

    Hard Truth Distilling has quickly become one of Indiana’s breakout names, known first for its exceptional sweet mash ryes and now steadily expanding its bourbon lineup. When I first heard about their new Double Oak release, I knew I had to track down a bottle. Thankfully, a family member visiting the distillery snagged one for me. I’ve loved what Hard Truth has done in the past, and the idea of them giving their sweet mash bourbon the double oak treatment instantly caught my attention. 

    True to their transparent approach, this is a barrel-proof, small-batch release, just 28 barrels total, and for now a distillery exclusive. Hard Truth employs a sweet mash process, meaning they start each fermentation fresh instead of using remnants from the previous batch like in a sour mash. The result tends to be a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. Now up to this point their sweet mash bourbon for me has been an alright experience. Nothing that has blown me away, but just a good daily pour.


For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/-ob9OfxYiAk.

Age Statement: +2 years.

ABV: 53.05%. (Cask strength).

Mash bill: 73% corn, 19% rye, and 8% malted barley.

Area of Distillation: Nashville, Indiana.

Finished: New chared oak.

Appearance: Dark espresso. 


On the nose:
    From the first swirl, this bourbon is a dessert lover’s dream. Sweet oak and dark caramel rise immediately, followed by waves of vanilla bean paste and toasted marshmallow. There’s a soft herbal rye spice hiding underneath, adding dimension without harshness. Subtle notes of brown sugar and sweet pipe tobacco linger, suggesting an older maturity than its years would imply.


Taste:
    Rich and velvety, the palate opens with creamy oak and caramelized sugars. It’s sweet but not cloying, balancing that sweetness with a gentle rye spice. The oily mouthfeel amplifies everything—brown sugar, cinnamon-dusted apple slices, and a whisper of smoky tobacco. The wood influence walks a fine line; it never feels over-oaked but clearly benefits from the double-barrel aging.


Finish:
    This is where the youth shows slightly. The flavors taper off quicker than expected, leaving behind a gentle peppery warmth and lingering vanilla. While not a long finish, it invites you right back for another sip, hardly a dealbreaker when the rest of the pour is this satisfying.


Final Thoughts: 
    Hard Truth’s Double Oak Sweet Mash Bourbon is a fantastic showing of craft transparency, flavor, and ambition. Bottled at barrel proof, this distillery-exclusive release punches far above its weight. For a younger bourbon, it delivers a rich, complex sip that could easily hang with larger distilleries’ premium double oak offerings. The only real critique lies in the finish, which could cling just a bit longer, but otherwise, this is a wonderfully crafted, sweet, and oaky treat.


Rating: B (Above average).

Cost: $74.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/-ob9OfxYiAk.

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

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