Old Hamer Cask Strength Bourbon 750ML

Old Hamer Cask Strength Bourbon 750ML is a barrel-proof Indiana-sourced bourbon bottled between 115 and 120 proof (approximately 57.5–60% ABV), varying by batch. This expression earned a Platinum medal at the ASCOT Awards and scored 92 points at both the New York International Spirits Competition and the 2021 International Whisky Competition, where it also took 1st Place Best Indiana Whiskey.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~57.5–60% (115–120 proof, varies by batch)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  Minimum 4 Years Old  |  Brand: Old Hamer (West Fork Whiskey Co.)

Production & Heritage

Old Hamer Cask Strength starts as a light whiskey distillate produced in Indiana from a highly unusual 99% corn and 1% malted barley mashbill. What distinguishes this bourbon is a deliberate production choice: rather than aging that light whiskey distillate in used cooperage—the industry norm for light whiskey—West Fork Whiskey Co. ages it in new 53-gallon charred American oak barrels for a minimum of four years. That barrel selection transforms what would otherwise be a one-dimensional corn spirit into a layered, full-bodied bourbon released at cask strength without proof adjustment.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with prominent oak and vanilla, followed by waves of honey, cherry, toasted marshmallow, and a subtle black tea leaf quality. Baking spice lingers underneath, giving the aromatics genuine depth despite the high proof.

Taste: The entry is rich with caramel, butterscotch, and soft vanilla sweetness that coats the palate immediately. Mid-palate, assertive black pepper and baking spice push through alongside dark fruit notes—plum and maraschino cherry. The proof is present but balanced, carrying brown sugar and powdered vanilla through to the transition.

Finish: Long and warming with lingering toffee, charred grain, and tannic oak. The close dries steadily, leaving a coating black peppercorn sensation and a subtle mouth-drying oak fade that persists well after the final sip.

How to Drink Old Hamer Cask Strength

Start neat in a Glencairn to appreciate the full barrel-proof intensity, then add a few drops of water to open up the sweeter caramel and cherry notes hiding beneath the spice. At this proof, it also stands up remarkably well in spirit-forward cocktails.

• Old Fashioned: The high corn content and caramel backbone amplify the classic brown sugar and bitters combination without being overwhelmed.
• Boulevardier: The tannic oak and black pepper notes provide enough structure to stand alongside Campari and sweet vermouth.
• Gold Rush: Honey syrup and lemon temper the barrel proof while the bourbon's natural sweetness and spice remain clearly present.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring Indiana-sourced cask strength releases
• Side-by-side tastings comparing barrel-proof bourbons from different mashbills
• Gifting a whiskey collector who values competition-awarded small-batch bottles
• Building robust, spirit-forward cocktails that hold proof against mixers and ice

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Hamer Cask Strength taste like? It leads with rich caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla sweetness, then develops assertive black pepper and baking spice at mid-palate, finishing long with tannic oak and charred grain. The 99% corn mashbill gives it a notably sweet foundation that balances the barrel-proof intensity.

How does Old Hamer Cask Strength compare to Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered? Both are Indiana-sourced bourbons bottled at elevated proofs, but Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered typically runs considerably higher (around 115–128 proof per batch) and uses a more traditional bourbon mashbill with higher rye content. Old Hamer's 99% corn mashbill produces a distinctly sweeter, more caramel-forward profile compared to Smoke Wagon's spicier, grain-driven character.

Is Old Hamer Cask Strength good for sipping neat? Yes—despite the high proof, the 99% corn mashbill delivers enough natural sweetness to keep the heat manageable for experienced bourbon drinkers. A few drops of water further soften the intensity and bring forward additional cherry and brown sugar notes.

Where is Old Hamer Cask Strength made? Old Hamer Cask Strength is produced using light whiskey distillate sourced from an Indiana distillery and aged by West Fork Whiskey Co. in new charred American oak barrels. Indiana has become one of America's most significant bourbon-sourcing regions.

What foods pair well with Old Hamer Cask Strength? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the charred oak and peppercorn notes. Dark chocolate truffles echo the caramel and toffee sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gouda stands up to the tannic oak intensity. Pecan pie mirrors the brown sugar and vanilla character. Cornbread with honey butter is a natural match given the high-corn mashbill.

What sizes does Old Hamer Cask Strength come in? Old Hamer Cask Strength Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Old Hamer Cask Strength worth the price? Old Hamer Cask Strength positions as a mid-range barrel-proof bourbon that consistently punches above its price tier in competition results, earning 92 points at the New York International Spirits Competition and multiple medals at the International Whisky Competition. For a cask strength bourbon with verified awards and a distinctive mashbill, it represents strong value within the barrel-proof category.

Why Old Hamer Cask Strength?

The defining move here is aging a 99% corn light whiskey distillate in new charred oak rather than the used barrels typically associated with that category—a choice that creates a bourbon profile unlike most competitors on the shelf. That production decision paid off competitively, with the expression earning 1st Place Best Indiana Whiskey and 2nd Place Best Cask Strength Bourbon at the 2021 International Whisky Competition with 92 points. Where many cask strength bourbons lean heavily on rye-driven spice, Old Hamer builds its complexity from an exceptionally high corn base, delivering a sweeter, more caramel-rich foundation that the new oak char then layers with pepper, tannin, and depth. It occupies a genuinely distinct position in the barrel-proof bourbon landscape.