Hard Truth Distilling Co. announced the completion of its second rackhouse. With barrels already being rolled in, Rackhouse #2 is twice the size of Hard Truth’s first rackhouse, tripling storage capacity from 4,000 to 12,000 barrels for its sweet mash whiskies.

Bryan Smith, Hard Truth Master Distiller, said the new rackhouse and process upgrades have enabled the distillery to increase overall whiskey production by 800 percent and it is now operating 24/7. With sales increasing 400% this year the extra production is designed to future demand for Hard Truth’s award-winning whiskies.

In addition to ongoing sales gains in existing markets, Hard Truth continues to add new markets including most recently New York in partnership with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of New York.

“Introducing our line of spirits into the New York market has been a goal since we started doing business,” said Smith in a news release. “Our ever-expanding product line of sweet mash rye whiskies, and wide range of premium craft spirits has seen success in other markets including Florida, Texas and Illinois. We are confident they will experience the same success with consumers and retailers in New York and all major markets including California, which is next on our market expansion list.”

Hard Truth’s first batch of Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey was named in the top 50 of Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, and since then has taken home a Gold Medal in USA Spirits awards, Double Platinum Medal in the Ascots and earned two 93 ratings in other tasting competitions.

“We have no intention to rest on our laurels, We will continue to drive this sweet mash revolution forward,” said Smith. “You will see new products coming out this fall that will extend our line of award-winning sweet mash rye whiskey.”

Hard Truth Distilling Co. began distilling in 2015 by developing and consumer testing its products on a 120-gallon pilot system while our destination distillery was being built. Since then, sales have grown steadily year over year, including a 110 percent increase 2021 to 2022.

The distillery’s portfolio of spirits can now be enjoyed in 21 states and in the Bahamas, and according to Jeff McCabe, Hard Truth Co-Founder, market expansion is a priority.

“We expect to see our brands in 24 states by the end of 2023,” said McCabe. Hard Truth’s portfolio of award-winning premium spirits in addition to its line of Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskies includes Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, Toasted Coconut Rum Cream, Maple Bourbon Cream and Cinnamon Vodka, which has become the best-selling cinnamon vodka in the U.S.

Many distilleries offer tours and tastings, but few sit among 325, explorable, wooded acres in some of the most beautiful countryside in the Midwest. Visitors to Hard Truth can tour the distillery, dine at its 250-seat restaurant, and hop on an ATV with a tour guide to explore the property while learning about the history of distilling.

Hard Truth hosts festivals, health and wellness adventures, mixology classes, and more. The forest-framed Hard Truth on the Rocks terrace and stage area offers live music and special events, a unique terrace food menu, and drinks.

“A key component of our mission at Hard Truth is offering visitors an opportunity to experience this place and our brands, and by doing so, become part of the Hard Truth family,” said McCabe. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in just eight years, and there’s so much more to come.”

For more information, visit https://hardtruth.com/.