The goal of West Fork Whiskey has always been to create great Indiana whiskey. They decided to resurrect the Old Hamer brand as it has a unique place in the history books of whiskey in the state. The bourbon mash bill of 99 percent corn and 1 percent malted barley is very similar, if not identical, to that of what the Hamer family would have used while creating their whiskey. The team at West Fork feels this brand is an accurate representation of great Indiana whiskey.
We’ve long been fans of the 99/1 recipe here at Seelbach’s, so it’s no surprise these finished and limited offerings hit so well with us. When I tasted the rum finished, I knew it would go on my list for consideration of favorite finished whiskeys of the year for how approachable and easy-going it was.
The nose is slightly salted caramel, peanut butter fudge with antique oak, perfumed honey, and old fashioned citrus sweetness.
The palate is deep dark fruit notes mixed with leather. Continued sips move into craft cherry cola and sarsaparilla. Best way to sum it up: a molasses cookie with blackberry compote and a dusting of cayenne powder. Oak continues to grow in the glass, but it is definitely complimented with layered, nuanced spices and those darker fruit notes.
The finish is long and resonate. Dark fruits, dark spice.
If you like the darker side of fruits and spice out of Indiana and missed the Penelope 10 year single barrel we did, this may be in your wheelhouse.
Old Hamer Rum Finished
The nose here is beautiful. Great balance, softly perfumed, cane sugar sweetness, light tobacco, and soft candied stone fruits. Easy going.
The palate is so easy it isn’t funny. Softly spiced apple and pear, cane sugar sweetness, and gentle perfumed oak.
You don’t even think about it, you just enjoy it.
