Hartfield & Co. American Whiskey

Believe it or not, Hartfield & Co is the first new craft distillery in Kentucky since Prohibition. It was founded in 2013. Imagine that. This is, after all, the heart of Bourbon County. But I can imagine that many of the big players put off many would-be craft distiller. Hartfield gets is grain from family farms in the neighborhood. And while their American Whiskey has the legal right to be called bourbon, they choose to call this young spirit (only 2 months in a cask) American Whiskey. It is bottled in half bottles at 100 Proof.

The nose immediately gives away the young age. The new make (excuse me: white dog) is very obvious. Loads of corn, white fruit and pear drops. A bit candy-like. But already a nice hint of spices, thanks to the rye in the mix.

On the palate, it is even more obvious. It’s a good thing that I have a soft spot for new make, but I can appreciate this, but I’m sure many whiskey lovers out there will find this rather young and rough. Because it is. It even reminds me a bit of mescal – a drink that I have only recently come to appreciate. Something mentholated, caramel and a hint of liquorice. But cleary very young!

The finish is surprisingly long, mostly on liquorice.

Bar a mistake on my part, not to be found in my neck of the woods, but maybe that is not a bad thing. After all, this is – taste wise – not a finished product. The producer even acknowledges that: 'This is a chance for consumers to taste it in a stage that they normally would not be able to.' This is an odd one out and rather a curiosum than a bottle to add to your cabinet.