Hard Truth Distilling Co. and Mellencamp Whiskey Company tell BourbonBlog.com they are back with their third collaboration. While John Mellencamp’s art has adorned the previous two releases – Farmer’s Reserve and Harvest Rye – and this time, John Mellencamp is lending his own self-portrait to the whiskey release that will be embraced by both music and spirits fans alike.
Mellencamp’s son, Hud Mellencamp, along with co-founder Levi Collison, founded Mellencamp Whiskey Company and collaborated with Hard Truth Distilling Co. to create the series. They are now introducing French Oak Harvest Rye, a straight rye whiskey with a distinctive charred French Oak barrel finish.
BourbonBlog.com’s own Tom Fischer has previously interviewed the two founders along with Master Distiller Bryan Smith about the whiskeys on this link.
This latest offering is the third in a four-part, limited edition series that celebrates regional craftsmanship and sustainable farming in Indiana.
Each bottle is bottled at 104 proof (52% ABV) and has an MSRP of $69.99. It is being sold with pre-orders from ReserveBar.com
For collectors of the whiskey series and Mellencamp fans alike, the whiskey also offers a special touch—a bottle adorned with a self-portrait of John Mellencamp, titled “American Fool,” based on an oil painting he created in 2020.
Celebrating Indiana Grain and a French Oak Finish
The new French Oak Harvest Rye is a whiskey crafted from a mash bill that features previously unreleased Sweet Mash Whiskey, a hallmark of Hard Truth’s innovation.
With a mash bill of 72% rye and 28% corn, it is composed entirely of Indiana-grown grain. The addition of the French Oak barrel finish adds a new layer of complexity.
This finishing process in charred French Oak barrels enhances the whiskey’s flavor profile, accentuating fruit-forward notes that create a more vibrant and balanced taste experience.
What makes this release stand out is its dedication to honoring the region where the ingredients are grown, with a strong focus on supporting sustainable farming practices through Hard Truth’s ‘Grounded in Truth’ campaign.
This initiative, launched by Hard Truth Distilling Co., celebrates and supports small, independent farmers, many of whom provide the local grains used in their spirits. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold benefits Farm Aid, an organization that advocates for family farmers and promotes sustainable agriculture—a cause long championed by the Mellencamp family.
The Self-Portrait by John Mellencamp on the Bottle
Adding even more significance to the Mellencamp French Oak Harvest Rye is the bottle itself. John Mellencamp, known for his artistic pursuits as much as his musical career, created the self-portrait that graces this limited-edition bottle.
Titled “American Fool,” the painting was completed in 2020 and is a perfect reflection of Mellencamp’s rugged Americana style.
This bottle is the third release in a four-part series that combines artistry, whiskey-making expertise, and family collaboration.
Each bottle is designed to be a collector’s item, with the art as much a focal point as the liquid inside.
With a portion of sales supporting sustainable farming in Indiana, it’s an opportunity to own a limited edition Mellencamp Whiskey Co. release while contributing to a worthy cause.
For the latest updates on whiskey releases, subscribe to our Bourbonblog.com newsletter here.
LATEST PODCAST