Hard Truth Distilling Co. has released French Oak Harvest Rye, the third in a four- part collectible series of sweet mash whiskeys in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company.
Each of the four collectible whiskeys from Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey features a unique expression created by Hard Truth Master Distiller Bryan Smith along with Hud Mellencamp and Levi Collison, the co-founders of Mellencamp Whiskey Company. The final bottle in the series will be released in Spring of 2025.
“We were very pleased that the first two Mellencamp Whiskeys were very well received by the whiskey community and our fans,” said Smith. “Both Harvest Rye and Sweet Mash Special Reserve are sold out at the distillery, and we’re confident that French Oak Harvest Rye will be equally successful.”
Created to celebrate Indiana’s small, independent, and heritage farmers, French Oak Harvest Rye uses 100% Indiana grains, and a portion of sales goes to support sustainable farming initiatives and farming families.
“We have absolutely loved working with Hud and Levi on each of the three Mellencamp whiskeys. Both contribute significantly to each expression,” said Smith. “We came together because of our love for the state of Indiana, its natural resources, and the whiskeys it helps produce. The partnership couldn’t be better.”
Hud Mellencamp added, “Our collaboration with Hard Truth aligns perfectly with our values of supporting local farmers and sourcing high-quality local ingredients. I believe we’ve made some great whiskeys.”
“The experience working with the Hard Truth team has been extraordinary,” said Collison. “They have been incredibly generous with their time and have allowed Hud and I to be involved throughout the process for each release in the series.”
Each bottle’s label in the series features original artwork by Hud Mellencamp’s father, John Mellencamp. French Oak Harvest Rye showcases a self-portrait called “American Fool” — an oil and canvas artwork painted in 2020 by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter.
French Oak Harvest Rye is currently available at Hard Truth’s distillery campus and will be arriving in stores throughout Hard Truth’s distribution network over the next several weeks. It is 104 proof (52% ABV) and has a suggested retail price of $69.99. Production was limited to 36 barrels.
The unique mash bill of 72 percent rye and 28 percent corn was first featured in the original Harvest Rye. This expression, however, has been rested in new, charred French Oak barrels, which imbued additional flavor complexity to that first release. The French Oak shifts the flavor dynamic, leaning into and highlighting fruit-forward notes within the whiskey.
Tasting Notes
APPEARANCE: Auburn
AROMA: Toasted marshmallow, vanilla, rye spice, candied apricot
TASTE: Rich brûléed sugar flows into apricot marmalade, cracked black pepper, and vanilla
FINISH: Citrus peel and clove slowly fade to deep oak, cherry, and warming black pepper
