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3 weeks ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
My fascination with American whiskey extends beyond the simple pleasure of sipping a glass after a long day or sharing a pour with friends. While I thoroughly enjoy the sensory experience of whiskey, I am arguably more captivated by delving into its rich history. A deeper understanding of whiskey’s origins and evolution undoubtedly enhances the tasting experience.
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3 weeks ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
Founded in 2001 in the quiet countryside of Starlight, Indiana—just 15 miles northwest of Louisville—Starlight Distillery is a standout on the American whiskey landscape. Though the lights of Louisville aren’t far, the Huber family’s farm and distillery are tucked into a rural expanse where tradition, craft, and innovation thrive across hundreds of acres. Originally established for brandy production, Starlight has evolved into one of the most exciting names in American whiskey.
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4 weeks ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
Summer is officially here, and as the temperature rises, so does the need for a refreshing, icy drink. On April 29, 2025, Vevor unveiled its latest addition to the world of frozen beverages: the Vevor R1 Slushie Machine (Model #R1-RXR02(W)-N7-3-01), a sleek and affordable “do-it-yourself” 2L machine designed for home use. Priced at $260, this compact powerhouse brings the frozen drink bar right into your kitchen.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
In December 2024, Constellation Brands unveiled The Noble Share, a unique collaboration between High West Distillery and Casa Noble (NOM 1137). This limited-edition release for late 2024 features a unique blend of straight rye whiskeys, each finished in premium Marques de Casa Noble Añejo Tequila barrels.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
Hard Truth Whiskey built its name on the rugged spirit of rye, rolling through Indiana like a freight train. They didn’t just settle for being another whiskey—Hard Truth set out to make Indiana rye a thing, and they got the state to back it up. That’s how you know you’re doing something right, when you can get the state on your side. And after they kicked things off with rye, they turned their sights to bourbon, proving they weren’t just here to play—they were here to leave their mark.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
In a world where new whiskey brands seem to appear on liquor store shelves daily, August 2023 introduced another contender: Mary Dowling Whiskey Company. The modern incarnation of Mary Dowling Whiskey is the brainchild of Kaveh Zamanian, best known for his association with Louisville’s Rabbit Hole Distillery. While the historical figure of Mary Dowling was dubbed the “Mother of Bourbon,” her name remains largely unknown to many whiskey enthusiasts.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
Opening in 2022 in Matthews, North Carolina—a suburb just southeast of Charlotte—Oaklore Distilling is rooted in a vision that began years earlier. Back in 2017, the founders took their first bold step by laying down barrels of whiskey in partnership with sister distilleries in both North Carolina and Kentucky. While the Kentucky source remains undisclosed, the North Carolina whiskey was distilled by Southern Distilling in Statesville, just 56 miles north.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
When it comes to bourbon, Kentucky reigns supreme. The Bluegrass State is the undisputed gold standard for quality bourbon—fittingly, also home to the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. But while Kentucky holds firm to its bourbon legacy, other states are staking claims in different corners of the American whiskey landscape.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
While Kentucky may be synonymous with bourbon, Maryland holds a proud, though often overlooked, legacy as a cradle of rye whiskey. Before Prohibition, rye was America’s spirit of choice—and Maryland rye was among the most revered. But after Repeal, rye whiskey struggled to reclaim its former prominence, and in 1972, the last of Maryland’s post-Prohibition distilleries closed its doors, seemingly ending the chapter on a storied tradition.
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1 month ago | 
drinkhacker.com | Jacob Kiper
Rolling Fork Spirits was founded in 2017 by Turner Wathen and Jordan Morris as an independent blender and bottler of exceptional rums. Operating out of Starlight Distillery in southern Indiana, the duo is dedicated to crafting distinctive spirits that push boundaries while honoring tradition. Among their standout creations is Fortuitous Union, an inspired blend of rum and rye whiskey. In April 2025, Rolling Fork released Batch 3 of this innovative expression.
