Based in 2014, West Fork Whiskey is making a reputation for itself within the coronary heart of Indiana. Positioned in Westfield, simply north of Indianapolis, the distillery is positioned a couple of mile away from the Grand Park Sports activities Advanced, one of many largest indoor multi-sport complexes in america. This proximity to a thriving sports activities hub displays the dynamic, forward-thinking nature of West Fork, which has develop into a key participant in Indiana’s whiskey scene.
Initially, West Fork launched its whiskey line with sourced merchandise underneath the Hamer model, however at present, the distillery is distilling and bottling whiskey made in its personal facility. Whereas West Fork is now proudly releasing in-house whiskey, the Hamer line stays a staple of the portfolio. As a nod to Indiana’s agricultural roots, West Fork’s flagship Hamer bourbon is crafted from a high-corn mashbill, comprising 99% corn and 1% malted barley. This mashbill, sourced from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is referred to internally by MGP as LDSV, a legacy from when the Lawrenceburg distillery was owned by Seagram. Whereas many customers haven’t skilled this mashbill as a bourbon, it’s seemingly way more acquainted as a well-aged gentle whiskey, comparable to Penelope American Gentle Whiskey Aged 17 Years.
Co-founder Blake Jones has expressed that he believes the 99/1 mashbill is especially well-suited for secondary maturation. The high-corn mash could be very impressionable, which means it absorbs flavors from ending casks exceptionally properly. On this case, West Fork’s Hugh Hamer Straight Bourbon has been completed in rum casks from Cruzan in St. Croix. The 2023 batch (RFOCT23), a mix of two barrels, was bottled between 4 and 6 years of age.
In 2024, Drinkhacker reviewed three expressions of West Fork’s Hamer bourbons and famous that the double-oaked expression stood out for its outstanding complexity, whereas the unfinished variations left a bit to be desired when it comes to depth. So, how does the affect of Cruzan rum casks pair with the extremely impressionable high-corn mashbill? Let’s dive in and see how this distinctive end shapes the character of this providing!
The nostril opens with a nostalgic sweetness that instantly brings to thoughts strawberry shortcake — ripe, juicy berries intertwining with wealthy cake and clean whipped cream. The rum cask affect turns into evident with distinguished brown sugar notes, giving the nostril an inviting depth, whereas late-arriving hints of almonds add a refined, nutty complexity.
On the palate, the rum casks assert themselves with sturdy, luscious notes of burnt brown sugar and creamy caramel that dominate the opening. These candy, wealthy flavors are balanced by a slight smokiness, including depth. Because the whiskey strikes towards the midpalate, it transitions into lighter, extra refined flavors—kettle corn’s sweet-and-salty profile paired with the buttery essence of shortbread cookies. The mouthfeel is clean and spherical, with a medium viscosity that provides to the general richness of the expertise.
The end is the place the whiskey actually shines. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a nice spiciness, completely complementing the molasses sweetness that ties all of it collectively. A closing, pleasing observe of Nilla Wafers develop, providing a sweetness that stays on the tongue lengthy after the sip is gone.
Hugh Hamer completed in Cruzan rum casks is a really pleasurable whiskey that showcases the flexibility of a high-corn mashbill. The rum casks have a profound affect, elevating the sweetness of the bourbon whereas including wealthy waves of taste. For individuals who respect rum-finished whiskeys and are in search of one thing that deviates from the standard bourbon mashbills, this expression presents a compelling and flavorful different. Whether or not you’re a rum-finish fanatic or a bourbon lover searching for a brand new twist, this can be a must-try.
103 proof.
B+ / $65 / westforkwhiskey.com
Hugh Hamer Rum Barrel Bourbon
$65
