Positioned within the Indianapolis space, West Fork Whiskey is a quickly increasing distillery. West Fork is actively distilling and bottling whiskey beneath the West Fork model, nevertheless it entered the scene with sourced Previous Hamer line. The Hamer identify is new to most, however Hugh Hamer is a major identify within the historical past of Indiana whiskey. Positioned in what’s now Spring Mill State Park in Lawrence County, Indiana, the Bullitt household constructed a grist mill that was accomplished in 1817 and continues to be operational immediately. The Bullitt household is related to the earliest settlement of Louisville and Jefferson County, Kentucky. As a method to make the most of extra grain from the grist mill, a distillery was erected in 1823 and Previous Hamer Whiskey was established in 1825. Hugh and Thomas Hamer owned the mill from 1831 till Hugh died in 1872. Hugh Hamer is buried within the Hamer Cemetery in Spring Mill State Park must you need to pay your respects.
West Fork Whiskey has revived the legacy of Hugh Hamer with the Previous Hamer and Hugh Hamer bourbon strains. The rising distillery retains the whole lot within the Hoosier state as they supply whiskey from MGP in Lawrenceburg that’s aged and bottled in Indiana. In a detour from typical bourbons, Hamer makes use of MGP’s mashbill comprised of 99% yellow corn and 1% malted barley. True to custom with most MGP whiskey, the low wine hits at 130 proof and the excessive wine at 135 proof earlier than coming into the barrel at 120 proof. Hamer ages in barrels from Speyside Cooperage with a #4 char.
West Fork Whiskey was gracious sufficient to supply samples of Previous Hamer Cask Energy Straight Bourbon, Previous Hamer Single Barrel 100 Proof Straight Bourbon, and Hugh Hamer Small Batch Double Oaked Straight Bourbon. (West Fork makes use of the Hugh Hamer branding for bourbons with secondary maturation.) Most whiskey lovers affiliate the 99% corn mashbill with well-aged mild whiskey, however how does it translate to bourbon within the age vary of 4 to six years outdated? Let’s discover out!
Previous Hamer Cask Energy Bourbon – The cask power providing is bottled with a minimum of 4 years of ageing. The nosing expertise launches with distinguished notes of toasted coconut and ripe plums, accentuated by butterscotch candies. Because the the nostril develops, the cloying aroma of sweet corn provides a sugary heaviness that detracts from the steadiness, resulting in a bouquet that may be a bit too candy for my desire. Main the best way on the palate, black cherry is adopted by closely coated honey-roasted peanuts. Vanilla surfaces on the midpalate together with kettle corn. The candy sensations foster a medium viscosity mouthfeel. Because the end advances, sticky molasses discover a shocking burst of Massive Crimson gum and a fading plum observe. However because the end lingers, the profile falls aside as a plasticky high quality develops and diminishes the general expertise. The distinctive mashbill results in an excessively candy profile that may have its place, however this cask power providing misplaced me on the finish. 118.2 proof. Reviewed: Batch #32. B- / $50
Previous Hamer Single Barrel 100 Proof Straight Bourbon -The 100 proof single barrel providing is aged for a minimum of 4 years and is distinct from the personal choice single barrels at cask power. Debuting on the nostril, corn pudding joins caramel. Permitting just a few moments to air, sweet corn and vanilla mingle with cinnamon whereas the sweetness feels extra restrained in comparison with the Small Batch Cask Energy. Kicking off the palate, cinnamon and allspice are adopted by marshmallow cream. The profile is reasonably easy, however nonetheless approachable and pleasant. Hitting with a medium viscosity mouthfeel, Single Barrel 100 Proof gives an easy-drinking expertise. Heading to the finale, cinnamon fades into brown sugar and lightweight caramel. Skilled bourbon drinkers may not discover sufficient complexity on this bottle, nevertheless it’s a serviceable possibility for these simply chopping their tooth. 100 proof. B / $40
Hugh Hamer Double Oaked Small Batch Straight Bourbon – Double Oaked is initially aged for a minimum of 4 years earlier than being entered right into a second new Speyside barrel sporting a #4 char for an extra 1to 2 years of maturation. The nostril is straight away completely different and superior to the opposite two bottles, with toasted almond and black cherry layered with cinnamon spice. As air interacts with the whiskey, the unmistakable aroma of root beer wafts upward. Whereas the opposite two bottles skew candy, Double Oak gives a nostril with steadiness and depth. As with the nostril, the palate rapidly differentiates itself from its unfinished counterparts. Cinnamon and root beer promptly categorical themselves, complemented by notes of prunes and burnt brown sugar. The end is clear with a touch of peppermint balanced by recollections of Jones Soda Black Cherry as cinnamon and brown sugar shut issues down. Double Oak comes with depth and steadiness, and a minimal indication of the sort of character usually anticipated from whiskey with such a excessive corn content material. For these skeptical of the 99% corn mashbill, Double Oak would possibly trigger you to rethink. 103 proof. A- / $60
Hugh Hamer Double Oaked Small Batch Straight Bourbon
$60
