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...

Three Floyd's Distillery Well of Whispers Single Malt Whiskey Review.           Three Floyds has long been a staple in the craft beer world, but in recent years they’ve been turning heads with their distilling program. Based in Indiana, they’ve been releasing some unique whiskeys, often playing with high malt bills and even incorporating grains tied to their brewing heritage. Their newest release for 2025, the Well of Whispers American Single Malt, is bottled in bond at 100 proof and made entirely with malted barley grown in Lebanon, Indiana. That transparency and local sourcing is exactly what I love seeing from craft producers, and I was eager to see how Three Floyds would handle a straight-ahead American single malt.      The Well of Whispers is crafted from 100% Indiana-grown malted barley, distilled and aged entirely in-house by Three Floyds. As a bottled in bond whiskey, it carries the guarantee of being at least four years old, distill...

 Three Floyds Dark Lord Straight Malt Whiskey Review.     Three Floyds is a name most folks know for their legendary beer; Zombie Dust, Gumballhead, and, of course, Dark Lord, the Russian Imperial Stout that has become a cult classic. But in recent years, their ambitions have stretched beyond hops and barley into the world of craft spirits. For their 20th anniversary of Dark Lord in 2024, they released something bold: a straight malt whiskey finished in Dark Lord beer barrels. This one carries not just the Three Floyds reputation, but the energy of their beer-fueled legacy.      What’s fun here is the mash bill: barley, wheat, oats, and corn. It’s already unique on paper, but when you layer on finishing time in barrels that once held one of the heaviest stouts around, it creates a collision of grain and beer culture in a bottle. I’d been sitting on this release for far too long, but with a 6-year version just hitting shelves, it seemed like the perfect time...

 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...

Chattanooga Whiskey Triple Islay Tennessee High Malt Whiskey Review.       From the moment I laid eyes on this bottle, I had a hunch it would be something special. Chattanooga Whiskey has been gaining a reputation in the craft world for its meticulous attention to detail and innovation in high malt Tennessee whiskey. Though my experience with the distillery had been limited, I was already a fan. When I stumbled upon this bottle of Triple Islay Cask Finish at a local shop, it felt like striking gold. Released in 2025 as part of what appears to be a recurring limited series, this expression had built quite a bit of buzz online, and for good reason.      This is not your average American whiskey. Chattanooga went above and beyond with this one, blending precision and creativity in every step. The whiskey begins with three distinct mash bills (listed below). Each mash bill is aged separately in peated scotch casks sourced from three unnamed but heavily spe...

Traveler's Point Distillery Signature Edition Bourbon Whiskey Review.      Traveler’s Point Distillery in Kirkland, Indiana, has been making waves in the craft whiskey scene. Known for transparency around their process, sharing entry proofs, mash bills, barrel sizes, and sourcing much of their grain locally, they’re building a reputation for honest, hands-on whiskey. During a recent trip to the distillery, I stumbled upon their Signature Series Bourbon, a small experimental release that immediately caught my eye with its deep, almost red color. With only 500 bottles produced, mine being #442, this is truly a small-batch passion project, available only at the distillery.      Master distiller Mel Lytton decided to play with 10-gallon barrels, and the result is one of the most unique pours I’ve come across this year. For the full video review visit the link here:  https://youtu.be/24QWAKyY34A . Age Statement: N/A. (Aged in 10 Gallon barrels). ABV: ...

 Wood Hat Bloody Butcher Red Corn Whiskey Review.      Wood Hat Spirits out of Missouri has built its reputation on experimenting with unique corn varieties, creative barreling, and full in-house production. Their Bloody Butcher Red Corn Whiskey caught my attention the moment I saw it, partly because I’ve loved Bloody Butcher corn in other producers’ bourbons, and partly because I missed my shot at grabbing one when a small drop landed in Indiana a couple of years back. After my mixed experience with their Ol' Blue Corn Whiskey, I hesitated. But curiosity got the better of me, and I finally tracked down a bottle of this single barrel pick from Belmont Beverage. With its heirloom grain heritage, I went in with an open mind, hoping for the magic I’ve found in other Bloody Butcher expressions.      While Wood Hat doesn’t share much detail about specific barrels, they are known for using varying barrel sizes, sometimes full 53-gallon, sometimes much smalle...

 New Holland Brewing Walleye Run Malted Rye Whiskey 7 Year Review.      Last year’s trip to Holland, Michigan for the Tulip Festival gave me the perfect excuse to visit New Holland Brewing’s Brew House, a must-stop for fans of their iconic Dragon’s Milk stout. That’s when I first picked up the Walley Run Malted Rye Whiskey, a newer release at the time. Now, it’s making its way onto shelves here in Indiana, and even available online. This 7-year-old rye, distilled, aged, and bottled entirely by New Holland. Knowing New Holland’s knack for blurring the lines between brewing and distilling, I was eager to revisit this bottle after a year in my cabinet.      Walley Run Malted Rye is crafted in-house on New Holland’s pot stills and bottled at 46% ABV. While they’re well-known for their beer barrel-aged bourbonsm and for aging beer in ex-bourbon casks,  this rye takes a different path, letting the grain and barrel speak for themselves. The malted rye ba...

West Fork Whsky Co. Swoleracha Hot Sauce Finished Bourbon Whiskey Review.      West Fork Whiskey Company has always been a personal favorite of mine, and for good reason. Based in Westfield, Indiana, they’ve been steadily building a reputation for bold, creative releases that showcase both skill and a playful sense of experimentation. I’ve supported them for years and have more bottles from West Fork than any other distillery in my collection. This particular release, Sorracha, might just be one of their wildest ideas yet.           It’s the product of a collaboration with King Butter, a local Indiana legend in the world of hot sauces, spice blends, and rubs. King Butter’s hot honey barrel finish has already made its way into West Fork releases in the past, but this time they’ve turned the heat way up. The process involved aging hot sauce in a West Fork barrel, emptying it, and then filling it with their wheated bourbon plus keeping it a sing...

Hunt Club Distillery 151 Proof Gin Review.          Located in Sheridan, Indiana, just north of the Indianapolis market, Hunt Club Distillery prides itself on distilling, aging, and bottling all their own spirits on-site. Their gin heritage runs deep, with the current master distiller carrying on a tradition passed down through his father and grandfather. Local pride is at the heart of their work, sourcing many botanicals from Indiana and even hand-picking them personally. This 151-proof release is one of their newest creations, available exclusively at the distillery in 375 ml bottles. It’s a bold proof for a gin, but one they’ve managed with surprising finesse.     E verything about this gin screams local pride. Most of the botanicals, specifically the juniper, are sourced from right here in Indiana, and are even picked by hand. The result is a spirit that feels rooted in place and personality. While it’s got the muscle for a killer cocktail, I wante...

 Three Floyds Distilling Demon’s Whip Indiana Rye Whiskey Review.      Three Floyds Distilling, based in Munster, Indiana, has long been a powerhouse in the craft beer world with legendary brews like Zombie Dust and Gumball Head. Over the last several years, they’ve been steadily building their spirits portfolio, distilling, aging, and bottling everything in-house, often experimenting with unique grains like oats and beer malt. Their label art is as wild and unapologetic as their recipes, and when I stopped by in May 2025 to pick up their Dark Lord Straight Malt (finished in Dark Lord beer barrels phenomenal stuff), something else caught my eye: their first rye whiskey release.      While the distillery offered a 7-year version at the time, I stumbled upon this 4-year bottling on store shelves. At first, I thought I had the 7-year in my hands, only to later learn this was the younger sibling. Adding another twist, the liquid inside was sourced from MGP...

 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 ...

 West Fork Whsky Co. Alder Smoked Single Malt Whiskey Review.      The first time I tried West Fork’s Alder Smoked Single Malt was right at their tasting bar, fresh off the drive to Westfield. One sip in, and I knew it was coming home with me. I’ve got a soft spot for smoky drams—my cabinet is full of peated Scotches and West Fork has been scratching that itch ever since I first picked up their Beechwood Smoked Malt years ago. This one feels like the 2025 sequel I didn’t know I was waiting for. My wife, who’s my ride-or-die Laphroaig fan and myself being in the cult of Ardbeg heard about the release coming and knew we had to try it out.      This isn’t a “let’s play it safe” kind of whiskey. It’s 100% malted barley, smoked with Alderwood to bring a softer, sweeter kind of smoke than the heavy peat monsters overseas. At just over two years old, it’s young but makes me reserved in what to expect from the release. It’s very much a West Fork creation from ...