Hugh Hamer Grape Brandy Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review. 

    West Fork Whiskey Company out of Westfield, Indiana continues to be one of the most interesting producers in the state, especially when it comes to creative finishes. This Hugh Hamer Street Bourbon is part of their sourced Old Hamer/Hugh Hamer lineup, pulling from MGP and finished with intention rather than gimmick. This particular bottle was a single barrel pick for the Brownsburg Bourbon Society, finished in grape brandy barrels.

    Grape brandy finishes are not something you see often in bourbon, and that alone made this bottle intriguing. After tasting it at the distillery, revisiting it later with a fresh palate felt like the right way to really see if that grape brandy influence held up.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/dtLtdu2OnQg.

Age Statement: +7 years. (Single barrel).

ABV: 61.81% (Cask strength).

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

Area of Distillation: Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

Appearance: Golden copper.


On the nose:

    Right away, the grape brandy influence is unmistakable. Bright white grape notes lead the way rather than darker, jammy fruit. Underneath that fruit-forward introduction sits sweet buttercream corn, a light corn dustiness, soft vanilla, and restrained oak char. Despite the proof, the nose never comes across as hot or harsh. There’s a subtle waxiness throughout that gives the aroma weight and cohesion, clearly signaling a secondary cask at work.

Taste:

   The palate is where this whiskey really shines. Rich grape notes come through immediately, balancing both white and darker grape flavors, almost like freshly popped grapes. The mouthfeel is oily and viscous, clinging to the palate in a way that feels intentional and well-preserved by keeping this at cask strength. Sweet cream, vanilla, light brown sugar, and a faint barley-driven waxiness follow, along with a husky, dusty corn note that feels mature rather than youthful.

Finish:

   The finish lingers softly with sweetness, grain, and a persistent grape brandy character that carries all the way through. There’s a gentle earthy note, subtle spice despite the absence of rye, and a velvety texture that refuses to fade quickly. The barrel oils feel intact, adding depth and richness without overwhelming the palate.

Final Thoughts: 

    At $70, this bottle initially feels like a premium ask, but when you factor in the single barrel selection, cask strength presentation, transparency, and the quality of the finishing, it starts to make sense. This isn’t about mash bill complexity or grain-driven nuance. It’s about letting a unique finish speak clearly and confidently, and in that regard, this bottle succeeds.

    The grape brandy barrels feel well-timed, well-selected, and thoughtfully executed. It’s a fun, distinctive pour that stands out on the shelf and offers something genuinely different without feeling experimental for the sake of it.

Rating: B- (Fairly Good).

Cost: $69.99 for 750ml.

For the full video review visit the link here: https://youtu.be/dtLtdu2OnQg.

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