Olivia Taylor
Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Caramel Malt Sweet Mash Rye Review
Nose
Toffee | Butterscotch | Buttercream | Cinnamon rolls | Adobo pepper
Palate
Heath caramel candy bar | Cinnamon | Toasted pecans | Mild dark fruit
Finish
Cola | Oak | Pepper | Spice mixed with heat
Overall
The whiskey’s name doesn’t lie, this is a caramel lover’s dream.
Located in Nashville, Indiana, Hard Truth Distilling Co. offers a broad range of spirits from rum to high-aged sourced bourbon to in-house distilled whiskeys. Sweet Mash Rye Batch 001 is an eight barrel batch that was distilled from 51% rye and 38% corn, but more interestingly, an additional 11% caramel malted barley using a sweet mash. The bottle’s label states the whiskey was aged over 2 years, but like Sweet Mash Rye, it shows little signs of youth. The nose is a delicious concoction of baking released flavors of toffee, butterscotch, buttercream, and cinnamon rolls. The palate isn’t too far off but takes a step down into a deeper level of caramelization. Strong toffee notes in the form of a chocolate Heath bar sum up the palate perfectly. The finish transitions into a mixture of cola and oak. The whiskey’s heat and spice element come into play. It’s 117.4 proof is very drinkable, likely thanks to the heavy sweet caramel component to this rye. Hard Truth continues to impress with their in-house whiskey, and in a very crowded whiskey market, they have managed to carve themselves out a nice niche.
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Distillery: Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Release Date: Late 2022
Proof: 117.4 (Barrel Strength)
Age: 2 Years
Mashbill: 51% Rye, 38% Corn, 11% Caramel Malted Barley
Color: Copper
MSRP: $90 (2023)
Offers a complex yet harmonious balance of sweet and spicy flavors. With notes of toffee, butterscotch, and cinnamon on the nose, the palate delivers the rich and indulgent tastes of a Heath caramel candy bar, toasted pecans, and subtle dark fruit. The finish brings a bold mix of cola, oak, and spice with a hint of heat. Overall, this is a well-crafted and enjoyable whiskey that would be a great addition to any collection.
This whiskey sounds like a delicious and well-crafted spirit. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors and the complexity of different notes make it an intriguing and satisfying choice for whiskey enthusiasts. Definitely worth trying out.
Has a deliciously sweet and spicy aroma, with notes of toffee, butterscotch, and cinnamon rolls. The palate is rich with flavors of heath caramel candy bar, toasted pecans, and mild dark fruit. The finish is a mix of cola, oak, and pepper with a touch of heat. Overall, this is a well-crafted whiskey that offers a balanced combination of sweet and spicy flavors. A must-try for any whiskey lover.
This Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve whiskey is a true masterpiece. The aroma is enticing with its blend of sweet and spicy notes. The palate is rich and complex, with flavors of heath caramel, toasted pecans, and dark fruit. The finish is a perfect balance of oak, spice, and a touch of heat. Overall, this whiskey is a must-try for any whiskey lover.
Has a rich and complex nose with sweet notes of toffee, butterscotch, and cinnamon rolls, as well as a slight hint of spiciness from the adobo pepper. On the palate, it is reminiscent of a Heath caramel candy bar mixed with cinnamon and toasted pecans, with a touch of dark fruit. The finish is a combination of oak, pepper, and spice, with a lingering heat. Overall, this whiskey is a well-balanced and flavorful expression, perfect for sipping and enjoying the intricate flavors.
The Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Caramel Malt Sweet Mash Rye has an impressive combination of sweet and spicy elements in its nose, palate, and finish. The notes of toffee, butterscotch, and cinnamon are perfectly balanced with the subtle heat from the adobo pepper. The combination of flavors on the palate is reminiscent of a delicious Heath caramel candy bar, and the finish leaves a lingering warmth with oak, pepper, and spices. Overall, this is a well-crafted and flavorful whiskey that is perfect for savoring.