NASHVILLE — Hard Truth Whiskey Co. of Nashville has earned co-champion status in this year’s “Coolest Thing Made in Indiana” contest, following a tight race with the winners. The whiskey company, which finished second in last year’s competition, shares the honor with Rising Sun-based Harpsicle Harps.
The contest, organized by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, celebrated the state’s top products. Hard Truth Whiskey’s Sweet Mash Whiskey and Harpsicle Harps’ handcrafted harp for casual players were the standout products in the running for this year’s title.
This marks the first time in the four-year history of the contest that a co-championship has been declared. Organizers explained that the decision stemmed from “a lack of clarity in how the finalists could market their participation in the event, which may have created an unlevel playing field.” Despite this, the two companies were recognized for their innovative products and impressive achievements.
Hard Truth Whiskey began distilling in 2015 and opened its state-of-the-art, sweet mash distillery in Brown County in 2018, about a mile from its original location at Big Woods Pizza. Since then, the company has gained national attention for its high-quality spirits, including the award-winning Sweet Mash Whiskey.
The “Coolest Thing Made in Indiana” contest featured a highly competitive field of 90 companies, with six rounds of online voting narrowing down the contenders. Other notable Indiana-made products in the original field included Hiker Trailers, Honda’s Indiana Auto Plant, Marion-Kay Spices, Not Just Popcorn, and Bear Wallow Distillery.
Hard Truth Whiskey’s victory further solidifies its place in the growing Indiana craft spirits industry, and the company joins Harpsicle Harps in being celebrated for its craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
The contest has become popular to showcase Indiana’s diverse manufacturing and craftsmanship, with businesses from across the state participating each year.
