Old Hamer 10 Year Single Barrel Bourbon Review.
Old Hamer continues to be one of those quietly interesting labels that rewards anyone willing to slow down and pay attention. This particular bottle is a single barrel, cask strength bourbon coming in at a robust 62.2% ABV and carrying an age statement of at least 10 years. While West Fork Whiskey Company handles their own distillation and aging under other labels, the Old Hamer and Hugh Hamer lineup is openly sourced from MGP, something they are refreshingly transparent about.
What makes this release stand out is that it was hand-selected by Whiskey Weather during a barrel pick at West Fork. After tasting multiple barrels side by side, this one proved that proof alone does not dictate quality. Despite being a few proof points lower than another available pick, this barrel showed better balance and sweeter character, ultimately earning a spot on my shelf.
Age Statement: 10 years.
ABV: 62.2%. (Single barrel & cask strength).
Mash bill: 99% corn 1% malted barley.
Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Appearance: Dark orange hue.
On the nose:
Right away, there is a warm, confident barrel-proof presence that never crosses into alcohol heat. Sweet buttercream, wood sugars, and toasted oak rise first, followed by a char-forward aroma that feels deliberate rather than aggressive. The corn note is rich and slightly dusty, with hints of grilled corn and brown sugar. There is even a light tobacco note that feels unexpected for such a corn-heavy mash bill. Overall, the nose is simple, focused, and well-integrated.
Taste:
The mouthfeel is excellent, coating the palate with ease. Vanilla cream, caramel, and buttercream frosting dominate early, supported by a sturdy oak backbone. The sweetness leans toward brown sugar and crème brûlée territory without fully crossing over. A dry cinnamon spice emerges, reminiscent of Mexican cinnamon, clearly derived from wood sugars rather than grain spice. Despite its 62.2% ABV, it drinks closer to the high 50s and remains approachable throughout.
Finish:
Oak leads the way, bringing vanilla, char, and lingering caramel sweetness with it. The grilled corn character returns on the back end, adding depth without bitterness. The finish is long, warm, and balanced, reinforcing the idea that this mash bill truly shines once it reaches the 10-year mark.
Final Thoughts:
This Old Hammer single barrel is exactly what it claims to be. It is a straightforward, well-aged, cask strength bourbon that lets time and barrel influence do the talking. At around $95 retail, and less with West Fork’s free membership discount, it is hard to argue with the value for a 10-year single barrel at full proof. Whiskey Weather made an excellent pick here, choosing balance and drinkability over raw proof.
Rating: B (Above average).
Cost: $94.99 for 750ml.
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