COLLECTOR’S SERIES WHISKEY
Mellencamp Whiskey unveils a French Oak Harvest Rye housed in a collectible bottle adorned with the singer’s likeness
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John Mellencamp is lending his name — and mug — to a new whiskey release, that gives both fans and spirits aficionados a chance to own something truly personalized.
A collaboration between Hard Truth Distilling Co. and Mellencamp Whiskey Company (founded by the singer’s son, Hud), the new release features a classic straight rye whiskey finished in toasted French Oak barrels. After resting, the liquid is housed in a collectible glass bottle adorned with a self-portrait of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame legend.
EXCLUSIVE RELEASE
Mellencamp French Oak Harvest Rye
Bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV)
The mash bill for the new liquid is composed of 100% Indiana-grown rye and corn — a tribute to the singer’s home state. Mellencamp Whiskey says to expect hints of toasted marshmallow and candied apricot on the palate, followed by notes of “brûléed sugar” and vanilla. Light citrus and cloves linger, before fading to deep oak, cherry, and a “warming black pepper finish.”
Each batch starts with previously unreleased mash bills of Sweet Mash Whiskey. The distillery says resting the rye whiskey in new, charred French Oak barrels helps to add more dimension and complexity to the liquid, while bringing out more fruit-forward notes in the finished product.
The self-portrait of Mellencamp, meantime, is based on an original oil and canvas painting done by the singer in 2020. His title for the portrait: “American Fool.”
The Mellencamp French Oak Harvest Rye is the third of four limited-edition releases from Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey and is now available for pre-order exclusively on ReserveBar.com. A portion of sales supports Indiana’s sustainable farming initiatives through Farm Aid.
In a release, Hud Mellencamp says, “This whiskey builds beautifully on our mission to produce great whiskeys in collaboration with Hard Truth and the local farmers that will produce the highest quality regional flavor profiles.”
As for John Mellencamp, the singer is currently on the road with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan as part of their “Outlaw Music Festival.” You can find tickets to see Mellencamp perform here.
