The Last Call

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 m...

 Four Finger Distillery Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey Review.      Craft whiskey is alive and thriving in Indiana, and Four Finger Distillery continues to be a name that defines what small-batch passion can achieve. Based out of Indianapolis, Four Finger handles every step of the process, distilling, aging, and bottling, right in-house. This level of control and transparency is rare, and their latest release, a Bottled in Bond rye whiskey, feels like a proud milestone. Having loved their barrel-proof rye (my top Rye of 2024), I was excited to see how this one held up under the Bottled in Bond standard.           Four Finger Distillery , once known as 1205 Distillery, carries one of the more memorable origin stories. Its name comes from founder and master distiller Brad losing a finger during the construction of the stills, a touch of grit that now defines the brand’s spirit. Visit their tasting room, and you’ll find great cocktails, a frie...

Waterloo Barrel Aged Gin Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      There’s something deeply satisfying about a distillery that takes a familiar spirit and reshapes it into something entirely its own. Waterloo Gin, based out of Texas, has done just that with their Barrel-Aged Gin—an experiment that brings together the floral brightness of gin with the smooth, warm depth of oak aging. This bottle comes in at 47% ABV and is aged for at least two years. Full disclosure—Waterloo was kind enough to send this bottle over for review, but rest assured, my thoughts are entirely my own.      For me, gin has always held a special place. I’ve been a fan long before I ever sat in front of a camera with a tasting glass, and barrel-aged gins in particular have always intrigued me. They’re a rare breed on most shelves, bridging t...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Korean Barbecue  Finished Bourbon Review.      Every now and then, a whiskey comes along that breaks all the rules, and West Fork Whisky Company has made a habit of doing just that. In recent time they have been doing some creative finishes with their in house distilled, aged and bottled whiskey. West Fork has teamed up once again with the culinary wizard King Butter for a truly experimental release: a straight bourbon whiskey finished in a  Korean barbecue barrel . This limited release promises something wild, savory, and entirely new in the world of bourbon.      West Fork and King Butter (storefront   linked here )  have already made some great and unique finishes with their hot honey and Swoleracha hot sauce cask projects, but this one might take the cake, or rather, the steak. With only about 50ish bottles in existence, the concept alone had me intrigued: barrels that once held rich Korean barbecue sauce, n...

Waterloo Prickly Pear & Rose Gin Review.       I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Waterloo Gin has been making waves lately with a complete rebranding that feels both confident and refreshing. Out of Texas, they’re bringing local pride to every pour, using regional ingredients and a transparent production process that’s rare to see. Their Prickly Pear & Rose Gin is the latest addition to their lineup and immediately eye-catching with its striking, bubblegum-pink hue. It’s a bottle that looks every bit as beautiful as it tastes.      Waterloo’s process is all about transparency and craftsmanship. Their base spirit starts from corn and runs through a vapor chamber distillation, allowing each botanical to shine without becoming overbearing. What really sets them apart is the way they list every single botanic...

 Waterloo Gin No. 9 Gin Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Waterloo Gin,  linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Every so often, a distillery steps forward and reminds you why gin deserves just as much reverence as whiskey. Waterloo Gin, out of Texas, does exactly that with their No. 9 expression. Transparent, elegant, and rooted in craftsmanship, this gin not only highlights local botanicals but showcases a distillation process built on precision and respect for flavor. Waterloo was kind enough to send over a bottle for review, and as a longtime fan of gin, I was eager to dive in and see if this could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best.      Waterloo Gin No. 9 is crafted using a vapor chamber distillation process where the vapor passes through nine botanicals before condensing. Those botanicals include lavender, juniper, grapefruit, pecan,...

 Hard Truth Single Barrel Bourbon Finished with Toasted Amburana Oak Review.      Hard Truth has long been one of my favorite craft distilleries to keep an eye on. Based in southern Indiana, they’ve built a strong reputation in rye whiskey but have been steadily carving out space in the bourbon world. This bottle represents a first for them, not only a single barrel bourbon, but one finished in toasted Amburana oak. Picked by Handy Spot Liquors here in Indiana, It’s a bold experiment, and one I was excited to open up with my wife before sitting down to share it here.      The foundation is a five-year-old straight bourbon, finished for six weeks in toasted Amburana oak. That finishing choice can be polarizing, Amburana is known for strong, cinnamon-sugar, sometimes overpowering notes.  For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/AtECT_YT7XI . Age Statement: 5 years. ABV: 56.65%. Mash bill: Area of Distillation: Nashvil...

 High West Bottled in Bond Bourbon Whiskey Review.      High West has been on my radar more than usual lately, surprising me in ways I didn’t quite expect. I’ll admit, I’ve been critical of them in the past, particularly when it comes to pricing, but this Bottled in Bond release caught my attention. Not only is it one of their first whiskeys made entirely from their own distillate (following the Bottled in Bond Rye), but it also comes with a level of transparency that I greatly appreciate. From mash bill to grain sourcing, High West is showing us exactly what went into this bottle, and that makes me lean in closer.      This straight bourbon comes in at 50% ABV, aged a minimum of four years under the Bottled in Bond Act requirements. The mash bill uses GMO Colorado yellow corn and Idaho rye, no barley or wheat in sight. That grain-forward approach really sets the tone, and it’s refreshing to see High West not only disclose the mash bill but also the or...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Bloody Butcher Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review.      West Fork Whsky Co. is no stranger to this channel, and they’ve consistently shown what a craft distillery can achieve when they stay true to their roots. Based in Indiana, West Fork not only ages, distills, and bottles their own spirits, but also takes pride in pushing boundaries with unique mash bills and special releases. Tonight’s pour, the Bloody Butcher Bottled in Bond Straight Bourbon, is one of those examples.      My very first encounter with this heirloom grain was through West Fork, and it left a lasting impression. It’s not for everyone, but when handled with care, it can create a profile that’s both exciting and refined. This release is especially intriguing, as it’s not just a 100% Bloody Butcher mash bill, it’s also bottled in bond, carrying with it the standards of quality and transparency. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/y14D4...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Single Barrel Double Oaked Whiskey Review.      West Fork Whiskey Company has been steadily growing its reputation out of Westfield, Indiana, distilling and aging whiskey that speaks to both craft authenticity and bold flavor. Their double oaked bourbons have always had my attention, and when the r/bourbon community announced a barrel pick near the end of 2024, I knew it was going to be something special. Not only did they select a single barrel cask strength expression, but they chose to showcase it in double oak form, a profile I’m already partial to.           West Fork continues to handle all their own distilling, aging, and bottling under their primary label, while sourcing some whiskey under their Old Hammer line. This selection is all West Fork, presented at barrel proof and untouched beyond the double oaking. While there is no listed mash bill, if memory serves me correctly, I believe this was their High Rye ...

 Journeyman Distillery Double Oaked Rye Whiskey Review.     J ourneyman Distillery has long been a staple of me when it comes to craft spirits. With roots in Three Oaks, Michigan, and a newer expansion into Valparaiso, Indiana, they have been an easy go to for pours and supporting local. Many of their spirits are grain-to-glass, certified organic and kosher (though curiously not labeled as such here), I look to themfor transparency and character. That’s part of what makes this Double Oaked Rye Whiskey release so intriguing, and perhaps, a bit perplexing.            This bottle marks Journeyman’s first foray into double oaking a rye, and I believe their highest-rye content whiskey to date. It’s a distillery-exclusive release currently and composed of a blend of whiskies ranging from 3.5 to 8.5 years old. However, inconsistent labeling, a baffling mash bill, and lack of clarity on the finishing process leave more questions than answers. Al...

West Fork Whsky Co. High Rye Hot Honey Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.       West Fork Whiskey Company has made a name for itself in Indiana’s growing craft whiskey scene, distilling, aging, and bottling all of its own spirits in Westfield. This release is something special, a high-rye straight bourbon finished in a hot honey barrel, created through a collaboration between three Indiana locals. The bourbon starts as West Fork’s high rye mash bill, then takes a turn into a barrel that previously held hot honey crafted by King Butter, using honey sourced from Mumbe's Orchard in Atlanta, Indiana. It’s a single-barrel release, and the second time West Fork has explored this concept, with the first using their wheated bourbon. I enjoyed that one, so the high-rye version had me both intrigued on what differences there will be! For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/4ak0ZM3MzE0 . Learn more about King Butter via his link:  https:/...

 13th Colony Distilleries Barrel Aged Gin Review.  I received this spirit as a review sample from 13th Colony Distilleries, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.     Over the past few years,  13th Colony Distilleries has truly been making a name for itself. Starting off with a solid Bourbon and Rye and most notably the Double Oaked Bourbon. They also been hitting the shelves with a lot of positive feedback on their Gin and Vodka. Being a Gin fan long before doing spirit reviews, the moment I was told this was being released I couldn't contain my excitement. I love Gin and even more so, barrel aged Gin.           After reading up on the release with a high proof point, the use of a Rye cask, plus a finishing time, that excitement grew.  This gin is aged for one year in rye whiskey barrels and bottled at a bolder ABV compared to most gins on the market. It’s an experimental spiri...

     Echo Spirits Distilling Company Engineer Bourbon Whiskey Trail Mix Review.      I received this spirit as a review sample from Echo Spirits Distilling Company, linked here . It is important to clarify this did not impact the ratings of this review.      Echo Spirits Distilling Company out of Columbus, Ohio where they are not only doing some distilling on their own but also sourcing, blending, and finishing. Their Engineer Series serves as a sandbox for innovation, where craftsmanship meets creativity. Batch 25A, dubbed Trail Mix , blends two mashbills from Bardstown Bourbon Company. To take it up a notch, they did a partial finishing of the blend using a secondary oak cask. The Engineer series is a limited run and each batch released is different than the next. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/E7vj07acxXk . Age Statement: 5 years. ABV: 58% (Cask Strength). Mash bill:  60% corn, 36% rye, and 4%...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Honey Barrel Finished High Rye Bourbon Whiskey Review.      West Fork Whiskey Company, based in Westfield, Indiana, where they have two sides of distilling. Side one is their in house made West Fork Whisky Co. and Old Hamer/Hugh Hamer being the second side sourced from MGP.  Overall West Fork is transparent on what they are doing, aging times, disclosure on sourcing, and even finishing. This release is a partnership with a local Bee farm and Orchard, Mumbee's.      Essentially, West Fork gives a barrel to Mumbee's to fill with honey. Then after some time, they empty out the honey and return the barrel to West Fork to fill with bourbon. Personally, honey finishing can be hit or miss for me. Sometimes it can give just enough sweetness and "honey" notes, other times it can bring the "funk" and drown out the bourbon and go south. Prior to this honey release, I have reviewed West Fork's Hot Honey finished bourbons that were crazy u...

Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon Whiskey Review.      There’s something about Whiskey Acres that’s really grabbed me in 2024. Maybe it’s their dedication to true grain-to-glass craft, or maybe it’s that they keep dropping bottles like this—bold, unusual, and somehow still grounded. Based in DeKalb, Illinois, Whiskey Acres isn’t just distilling and aging their own spirits, they’re growing the grain themselves. That kind of vertical integration is rare, and it shows in the spirits. This particular release, their Blue Popcorn Bourbon, is one of their annual limited runs. And yes, it’s made with actual blue popcorn, just because it’s bourbon doesn’t mean the corn has to be conventional.         I've had just one other release using "popcorn grade corn" from Journeyman distillery, and it ended up taking the top bourbon of 2022 for me with how amazing it was. Now, for them it was just using standard popcorn...well corn. So I am really interested to se...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Amber Corn Bourbon Whiskey Review. Welcome to another exploration of craft whiskey! Tonight’s feature is the Amber Corn Straight Bourbon from West Fork Whiskey Company. Based in Westfield, Indiana, West Fork prides itself on distilling, aging, and bottling their own products. Unlike their Old Hammer series, sourced from MGP, this bourbon is crafted entirely in-house.      This bourbon breaks away from the norm by incorporating amber corn, a variety we don't in mash bills often. The omission of barley or other grains is notable, allowing the distinct characteristics of both corn types to shine. This single-barrel offering was picked by the Indiana Liquor Group.  For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/IRQUdtcRy4U Age Statement : +3 years. ABV:  60.1% (Single Barrel & Cask Strength). Mash bill:  65% yellow corn and 35% amber corn. Area of Distillation: Westfield, Indiana. Appearance: Warm orange tin...

 West Fork Whsky Co. High Corn Bourbon Cherry Brandy finished.      Over the past couple of years I've been a fan of the West Fork Whsky Co. Based in Westfield, Indiana they are doing some great examples of craft whiskey in my eyes. Their "in house" brand is being distilled, aged, and bottled by them along with all the transparency on mash bills, age statements and all those deep details. This release is a bit unique. Essentially West Fork is taking a 100% corn mash bill ant then finishing it in a cherry brandy barrel.             Starting with a new American oak barrel aging for 4 years, this high-corn bourbon receives an extra 18 months in cherry brandy barrels. We don't see many distilleries use 100% corn let alone going with a bourbon vs a whiskey. The catch on this release is you are really using the barrel itself to do a lot of "heavy lifting" to bring flavors to the bourbon vs the barrel and a blend of grains. This was q...