Old Hamer 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML

Old Hamer 100 Proof Bourbon 750ML is a non-chill filtered Indiana straight bourbon bottled at 50% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Awarded 90 points and a "Best Buy" designation by Wine Enthusiast, this expression also earned Best Indiana Whiskey at the 2021 International Whisky Competition with 92 points.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  Minimum 4 Years  |  Distillery: MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN) / Bottled by West Fork Whiskey Co. (Indianapolis, IN)

Production & Heritage

Old Hamer is distilled at the renowned MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and bottled by West Fork Whiskey Co. in Indianapolis. The mashbill—99% corn and 1% malted barley—pays direct tribute to the Hamer family's historic Indiana whiskey-making traditions, yielding an exceptionally grain-sweet foundation uncommon among modern bourbons. The bourbon rests for a minimum of four years in 53-gallon new charred American oak barrels and is bottled without chill filtration, preserving the full body and textural complexity that the barrel aging imparts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla candy and caramel wafer lead the nose, followed by butterscotch candies, dehydrated orange segments, cinnamon, and a dusting of clove. It reads rich and inviting without sharp alcohol bite despite the 100-proof strength.

Taste: The palate opens with pronounced sweetness—cherry, sweet cream, and vanilla dominate the entry. At mid-palate, cinnamon bark and oak spice emerge to balance the sugary front end, while caramelized sugar and subtle licorice add layered complexity. The 100-proof bottling carries these flavors with noticeable weight and density on the tongue.

Finish: Medium-long, with fruit notes fading gradually into warm baking spice and a pleasant nuttiness that lingers. Oak tannins round out the close, leaving a clean, dry impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Old Hamer

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal starting point; the non-chill filtered character rewards patient sipping, and a splash of water opens up additional fruit and cream notes. At 100 proof, it also holds its own in cocktails.

• Old Fashioned: The caramel and vanilla backbone integrates seamlessly with bitters and a sugar cube, producing a rich, full-flavored classic.
• Bourbon Sour: The high corn sweetness balances citrus juice naturally, reducing the need for added sugar and creating a clean, balanced drink.
• Manhattan: Oak spice and cherry notes complement sweet vermouth without getting lost, delivering a bold, spirit-forward cocktail.

Best For

• Indiana whiskey enthusiasts exploring the state's distilling heritage beyond mainstream labels
• Bourbon drinkers seeking a non-chill filtered, full-proof expression at an accessible price point
• Building a home bar with versatile, cocktail-ready bourbons that also stand up neat
• Gifting a whiskey collector who appreciates high-corn mashbill bourbons with documented competition awards

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Hamer taste like? Old Hamer 100 Proof delivers a sweet, grain-forward profile dominated by vanilla, caramel, and cherry, balanced by cinnamon spice, oak tannins, and a lingering nuttiness on the finish.

How does Old Hamer compare to Bulleit Bourbon? Both are associated with Indiana distillation, but Old Hamer is bottled at a higher 100 proof versus Bulleit's 90 proof, resulting in a fuller body and more intense spice and oak character. Old Hamer's 99% corn mashbill also skews noticeably sweeter than Bulleit's rye-forward grain bill.

Is Old Hamer good for sipping neat? Yes—the non-chill filtered bottling retains oils and texture that make it especially rewarding neat, and the 100-proof strength delivers concentrated flavor without excessive heat.

Where is Old Hamer made? Old Hamer is distilled at the MGP distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of America's largest and most respected bourbon and rye producers, and bottled by West Fork Whiskey Co. in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What foods pair well with Old Hamer? Smoked pork ribs complement the bourbon's oak and caramel notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror its vanilla sweetness. Aged cheddar stands up to the 100-proof intensity. Pecan pie echoes the nutty finish. Cornbread with honey butter highlights the high-corn mashbill's grain character.

What sizes does Old Hamer come in? Old Hamer 100 Proof Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Old Hamer worth the price? Old Hamer positions as a value-tier straight bourbon that punches above its weight—a 90-point "Best Buy" from Wine Enthusiast and multiple competition medals at a modest price point make it one of the stronger values in the Indiana bourbon category.

Why Old Hamer?

Old Hamer's near-total corn mashbill is a genuine rarity in today's bourbon landscape, where most expressions lean on rye or wheat for secondary grain character. That distinction, combined with non-chill filtration and a minimum four-year age statement, produces a texture and sweetness profile that sets it apart from similarly priced competitors. The 90-point Wine Enthusiast "Best Buy" rating and first-place finish at the 2021 International Whisky Competition validate what the liquid delivers in the glass. For drinkers interested in Indiana's evolving whiskey identity beyond the mass-market brands sourced from the same MGP facility, Old Hamer represents a purposeful, well-documented expression with real heritage behind the label.