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New law recognises Indiana rye whiskey
The state of Indiana has adopted a law that outlines production standards and an official designation for its rye whiskey.
Indiana has joined the ranks of Tennessee and Kentucky as a state with an official legal designation for its whiskey.
Yesterday (1 July), Bill 1409 became law, allowing the state’s producers to use the term ‘Indiana rye’ on their labels so long as the whiskey meets certain requirements.
The spirit must have a mash bill containing at least 51% rye; it needs to be fermented with sour or sweet mash; it has to be distilled to a maximum of 80% ABV and bottled at 40% ABV or above; and it must be mashed, fermented, distilled and barrel-aged for a minimum of two years in Indiana.
State representative Chris May will sign Bill 1409 into law during an official ceremony taking place tomorrow (3 July) at the Hard Truth Hills distillery in Nashville, Indiana.
May introduced the legislation earlier this year with support from Jeff McCabe, founder of Hard Truth Distilling Co. Through the law, they hope to establish the state’s reputation for rye whiskey and drive tourism.
Indiana is already home to a number of distilleries making rye, including third-party producer MGP, which has, in recent years, released a range of own-label spirits.