Sips & Sites & Bites

If you’re a fan of high-corn whiskey with a smooth, approachable profile, West Fork Whiskey Co.’s Old Hamer lineup deserves a spot on your shelf. Reviving a 19th-century Indiana brand, Old Hamer pays homage to the Hamer family’s original distillery in Lawrence County, once renowned for its quality whiskey sold as far as New Orleans.

Today, West Fork Whiskey Co., founded in 2014 by childhood friends Blake Jones, Julian Jones, and David McIntyre, brings this legacy back to life with a modern twist.​

A Grain-to-Glass Commitment

Every drop of Old Hamer whiskey is distilled, aged, blended, and bottled in Indiana, using a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. This high-corn recipe results in a sweeter, softer bourbon compared to traditional three or four-grain mash bills. Aged for a minimum of four years in 53-gallon new charred American oak barrels, these whiskeys are non-chill filtered, preserving their rich flavors.

The Old Hamer Lineup

Old Hamer 80 Proof
This entry-level bourbon offers aromas of stone fruit, lemongrass, leather, and caramel. On the palate, expect soft notes of cherry, sweet cream, and vanilla, followed by caramelized sugar, subtle licorice, and oak. It’s a light and easy daily drinker.​

Old Hamer 100 Proof Single Barrel
Elevating the experience, this single barrel bourbon presents enhanced flavors with its unique barrel character and higher proof. It shares the same mash bill and aging process as the 80 proof but delivers a more robust profile.​

Old Hamer Cask Strength
For those seeking intensity, the cask strength version ranges from 115-120 proof, depending on the batch. Rich aromas of cherry, baking spice, toasted marshmallow, and oak lead to a palate balanced by soft sweet vanilla, plum, and cherry notes, finishing with brown sugar and subtle oak.​

The Hugh Hamer Finishes

Expanding the Old Hamer family, the Hugh Hamer series introduces unique barrel finishes:​

Hugh Hamer Rum Finish
Finished in rum barrels, this bourbon offers sweet molasses, subtle persimmon pudding, and cane sugar notes, balanced by rum spice and oak on the finish.

Hugh Hamer Double Oaked
An oak-forward expression, it features freshly charred oak and spicy dark chocolate on the nose, with oak, cherry, and subtle cinnamon on the palate, concluding with pepper and pleasant dry oak.

Hugh Hamer Maple Finish
Finished in maple syrup barrels, this bourbon delivers a smooth blend of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and toasted oak, accented by rich maple sweetness.

Recognition and Availability

Old Hamer whiskeys have garnered acclaim, earning 11 awards across three international spirits competitions in 2021. Notably, the Old Hamer Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a “Best Buy” rating with 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

These whiskeys are available across the United States, including retail distribution and direct-to-consumer online sales. For those interested in exploring the full range, visit the West Fork Whiskey Co. distillery in Westfield, Indiana, where you can also enjoy The Mash House restaurant and the Stave Cocktail Lounge.​

Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or new to high-corn whiskeys, Old Hamer offers a range of expressions that celebrate Indiana’s rich distilling heritage with modern craftsmanship.