HAZMAT Pride of Indiana Batch 002

You remember our last Pride of Indiana batch, right? A blend of Light Whiskey and Bourbon showcasing the rich history of whiskey made in Indiana. When we thought about a brand dedicated to Indiana whiskey, we had a few goals in mind. First, to playfully tell the story of Indiana's distilling heritage. With its rich heritage of distilling, it was once vilified as a "mega factory" and even "modern-day snake oil." Transparency is a key pillar of Seelbach's. But, disparaging this Indiana distillery as snake oil didn't sit right. This three-letter distillery became a top choice for whiskey fans. That's why we resurrected this historic label with some of the best barrels in our warehouse. Let's get into the details of this batch. 
 
American Light Whiskey started in 1968. It’s a high-proof whiskey that utilizes used barrels. The goal was to compete with Canadian blends. It served primarily as a blending component in American blended whiskey. Not as a sipper. While it flopped as a standalone category in the 1970s, old stock found a cult following today. With an age of 20 years and 6 months, these barrels became the compound butter on a wagyu steak. The steak? We selected two 10-year and 7-month Kelvin barrels. This first barrel clocked in at a whopping 141.4 proof and a color reminiscent of sun-brewed tea! These barrels were heavy with notes of black tea, black pepper, and leather. This paired perfectly with the vanilla frosting and orange caramel notes of the Light Whiskey. The combination is a well-aged flavor bomb that puts Indiana whiskey on a pedestal. Right where it should be! 

Pride of Indiana Straight American Whiskey 141.14 Proof HAZMAT Batch 002
 
Proof: 141.14 proof

Finish: 20-Year 6-months American Light Whiskey & 10-Years 7-month Bourbon
 
Mash Bill: 75/21/4 Corn/Rye/Malted Barley & 99/1 Corn/Malted Barley
 
Tasting Notes: You smell waves of vanilla frosting and burnt sugar mixing with bright orange zest. Then, deeper notes of canned pear and rich almond butter come forward. The first sip hits with molasses and cracked white pepper. This is followed by an earthy, sage note and dried mango. Oak leads as the whiskey opens. It adds charred wood spice on top of the growing sweetness. The finish is a slow burn of toasted oak and wild honeysuckle. It's long, warm, and captivating finish.
 
Story: In 2014, a news site sent shockwaves through the whiskey world. The article claimed that Indiana made some of our favorite craft whiskey. Whiskey fans cheered and jeered as they exposed fake backstories and shady marketing. The revelation hit a major distillery. The distillery has operated since the 1900s under various names and owners.

But, there was a critical detail often overlooked in the uproar. The whiskey was fantastic! Over the years, enthusiasts began to embrace the exceptional Indiana whiskey. Collectors eagerly sought old stocks. They would spend secondary prices for a single bottle.

In the spirit of transparency, Seelbach’s Spirits has dedicated the Pride of Indiana series to this remarkable Indiana distillery. We meticulously select and bottle the finest barrels we can find. This isn't just a resurgence of transparency; it’s a celebration of Indiana’s rich distilling heritage.