Indiana is officially entering the rye whiskey market, an industry traditionally dominated by Kentucky and Tennessee.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) will sign House Bill 1409 into law at a ceremony Saturday at Hard Truth Hills Distillery in Nashville, Ind.
“For Indiana rye whiskey, the only difference between the regular federal designation for rye whiskey is that the whiskey be mashed fermented, distilled and aged for at least two years in the state of Indiana,” Master Distiller Brian Smith said.
There are already several distilleries producing rye whiskey within the state, most notably MGP in Lawrenceburg.
“We're excited about the whiskey, but we're even more excited about the designation.” Hard Truth co-owner Tim O’Bryan said. “We think it can really do great things for the state and for craft distilling here in Indiana.”.
Rep. May’s bill also regulates the advertising, labeling and sale of Indiana Rye Whiskey.