NASHVILLE, Ind. (April 14, 2026) – Hard Truth Distilling Co. announces the second release from its 2026 Barrel Finish Reserve collection: Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon.

The limited expression features Hard Truth’s BW-2 mash bill finished on Mizunara oak – a rare Japanese wood, prized for the flavors and texture it brings to whiskey.

Bottled at cask strength, the 24-barrel batch embodies the distillery’s careful, creative approach to every step of flavor development.

“During bench trials for this expression, I was really hoping that Wheated Bourbon and Mizunara brought together would be great, and I can tell you with confidence that this whiskey release is nothing short of spectacular,” noted Master Distiller Bryan Smith.

“It certainly will be moving into my home bar rotation immediately.”

Bench trials involve testing mash bills with various wood types to see how they come together and create new flavor profiles.

“It's such a fun process to take something delicious that we've dedicated so much time to create and take it to new heights,” said Barrel Manager, Chris Moore.

“What we arrived at was this truly rich and unique expression of wheated bourbon that reminds me of a sweet, buttery, flaky pastry in a glass. I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy it."

Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon will be available at the Hard Truth distillery campus Saturday, May 9, which also marks the kickoff for Hard Truth’s outdoor music season.

For enthusiasts interested in early access, limited bottle purchases will be available at the Cask & Still Social on Friday, April 24. The ticketed event includes tastings, cocktail pairings with chef-created appetizers, and social time with Hard Truth distillers and ambassadors. For tickets, visit: Cask & Still Social.

About Hard Truth Barrel Finish Reserve Straight Wheated Bourbon Finished with Mizunara‍

25 barrels | Mash bill BW-2 (69% corn, 19% wheat, 12% malted barley) | Cask strength

• Color: Burnt amber
• Aroma: Decadent nougat with vanilla bean maple syrup, a touch of cacao, and cinnamon
• Taste: Rich candied pecan and peach cobbler, salted almond cookie, and Bavarian cream‍
• Finish: Warming baking spice and candied peach lead to oak, toasted pecan, and black coffee

More information on this product: Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon
Details on release day activities: Hard Truth on the Rocks Opening Day

‍About Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Hard Truth Distilling Co. (est. 2015) is an industry leader in sweet mash whiskey production and a nationally recognized whiskey destination. Located in Brown County, Indiana amongst 325 acres of rolling hills, Hard Truth was named the No. 1 Distillery Tour 2026 by Newsweek. Hard Truth also crafts premium spirits, including Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum and Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, and limited release barrel reserve spirits.

Its first grain-to-glass Sweet Mash Rye release debuted in 2021, earning a spot in Fred Minnick’s Top 50 American Whiskeys. Hard Truth Straight Bourbon Whiskey entered the market in 2024 to much acclaim, recognized by Robb Report as “one of the 50 Greatest Bourbons of the 21st Century (so far).”

In 2025, Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, High Road Rye and Sweet Mash Rye earned Gold Medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The Double Oaked Sweet Mash Single Barrel Rye also earned a Double Gold at the 2025 SFWSC.

Hard Truth products are distributed in more than 20 states and available online in more than 40. For more information, visit hardtruth.com.