$category>Bourbon Whiskey
Overview: Nestled in the Indianapolis area of Indiana, West Fork Distillery has been perfecting the art of bourbon whiskey since its humble beginnings in 2015. With two lines of bourbons – West Fork and Old Hamer/Hugh Hamer – this distillery is making waves with its exceptional whiskeys.
The Full Story
West Fork Distillery’s journey began in a small building near downtown Indianapolis, but it wasn’t long before they outgrew their space. In 2020-2021, the distillery moved to a state-of-the-art facility called “The Mash House at West Fork” in Westfield. This new location boasts a restaurant/bar and tasting room, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
Jon Smyrnis, a lifelong Indianapolis area resident and whiskey enthusiast, has been following West Fork Distillery’s progress closely. In his column for The Reporter, he praises the distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation. “Their whiskeys come at a down-to-earth price,” he notes, highlighting the affordability of their offerings.
West Fork Distillery is known for its Double Oaked Bourbon, which boasts a nearly 119-proof with a delightful balance of sweetness, oak, and high-proof zing. Smyrnis raves about this whiskey, calling it “a very nice bourbon.” The distillery’s Old Hamer/Hugh Hamer line takes center stage with special bottlings that showcase their expertise.
Production & Profile
The heart of West Fork Distillery lies in its commitment to traditional methods combined with innovative techniques. Their high-corn mashbill is a key factor in the success of their bourbons, which are then aged to perfection in various types of barrels. The result is a range of whiskeys that cater to different tastes and preferences.
The distillery’s use of Port Wine and Cherry Brandy finishes has garnered significant attention from whiskey enthusiasts. These unique finishing techniques add an extra layer of complexity to the bourbons, making them truly exceptional. For example, their Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine barrels is described as “wonderful” by Smyrnis, with a luxurious hint of fine port.
Brand & Industry History
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