Old Hamer Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 40% (80 Proof) corn-forward straight bourbon in a 750ml bottle, produced from MGP distillate and aged by West Fork Whiskey Co. It earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, affirming this unconventional bourbon's depth and complexity despite its near-total corn mashbill. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof) | Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana | Straight Bourbon | Distillery: MGP / West Fork Whiskey Co. Production & Heritage Old Hamer begins as MGP light whiskey distillate — a spirit produced at MGP's storied Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility using a remarkably grain-heavy mashbill of 99% corn and just 1% malted barley. West Fork Whiskey Co. then ages this distillate in new charred American oak barrels, a step that legally transforms what would otherwise be classified as light whiskey into straight bourbon. The result is a spirit that defies expectations: the new charred oak aging imparts layers of toffee, spice, and tannic structure that elevate the one-dimensional corn distillate into something far more nuanced and rewarding. Tasting Notes Aroma: Rich caramel and toasted oak greet the nose first, followed by waves of cinnamon bark, clove, and dried orange peel. The 80 proof carries warmth without overwhelming the aromatics. Taste: Brown sugar and dark toffee coat the palate on entry, building toward a surprisingly spice-driven mid-palate of black pepper, nutmeg, and charred wood. The mouthfeel is oily and medium-heavy, giving the flavors time to develop across the tongue despite the near-total corn composition. Finish: Long and warming, with toasted grain, leather, and bittersweet chocolate lingering well after each sip. A faint tannic dryness from the new charred oak anchors the sweetness and keeps the finish balanced. How to Drink Old Hamer At 80 proof, Old Hamer rewards neat sipping with a few drops of water to open the toffee and spice layers; it also holds its own over a single large ice cube as the dilution reveals additional brown sugar sweetness. Its bold proof and corn-forward richness make it a strong cocktail base as well: Old Fashioned — the dark toffee and cinnamon notes amplify beautifully with bitters and a citrus peel. Boulevardier — the oily body and bittersweet chocolate finish stand up to Campari and sweet vermouth without getting lost. Gold Rush — honey and lemon complement the brown sugar sweetness while the high proof cuts through dilution. Best For Bourbon enthusiasts exploring corn-forward expressions beyond standard four-grain mashbills Gifting someone who appreciates barrel-proof or higher-proof bourbons Building robust Old Fashioneds that hold up to ice and dilution Adding an unconventional talking-point bottle to a home whiskey collection Frequently Asked Questions What does Old Hamer taste like? Old Hamer leads with brown sugar and dark toffee sweetness, transitions into black pepper and nutmeg spice, and finishes with leather and bittersweet chocolate. The 99% corn mashbill gives it an unusually rich, oily texture that sets it apart from traditional bourbon profiles. How does Old Hamer compare to Mellow Corn? Both are corn-dominant American whiskeys, but Old Hamer's aging in new charred oak barrels and 80-proof bottling deliver significantly more depth, spice, and tannic complexity. Critics at Film & Whiskey noted that for anyone seeking a corn-forward bourbon, Old Hamer is the superior choice over Mellow Corn "100 times out of 100." Is Old Hamer good for sipping neat? Yes — the oily, medium-heavy mouthfeel and 40% ABV create a warming but approachable neat pour, especially with a few drops of water to release the caramel and dried orange peel aromatics. Where is Old Hamer made? Old Hamer is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of America's most prolific whiskey distilleries. The distillate is then aged in new charred oak barrels by West Fork Whiskey Co., also based in Indiana. What foods pair well with Old Hamer? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the charred wood and pepper notes echo the smoke; dark chocolate truffles, which mirror the bittersweet chocolate finish; pecan pie, complementing the brown sugar and toffee; sharp aged cheddar, whose tang contrasts the sweetness; and cornbread with honey butter, playing into the corn-forward grain character. What sizes does Old Hamer come in? Old Hamer Straight Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Old Hamer worth the price? Old Hamer positions in the accessible premium tier, and its 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating, 80-proof bottling, and MGP pedigree deliver strong value relative to many higher-priced bourbons at similar proof points. Why Old Hamer? Old Hamer earns attention for doing something genuinely unusual in the bourbon world: taking a 99% corn MGP light whiskey distillate and, through patient aging in new charred oak barrels, producing a straight bourbon with the depth and spice you'd expect from a far more complex mashbill. The 90-point Wine Enthusiast score validates the approach, placing it alongside well-regarded bourbons at higher price points. At 80 proof, it delivers intensity without harshness, and its oily, toffee-rich palate works equally well neat or as the backbone of a stirred cocktail. For drinkers looking beyond conventional bourbon flavor profiles, Old Hamer represents a genuinely distinctive bottle backed by one of American whiskey's most respected distilleries.
