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spirits from indiana

Discover the Best Spirits from Indiana: Small-Batch Gems You Need to Try

If you think Kentucky has the market cornered on great bourbon or Tennessee on whiskey, it’s time to look a little closer to home. Right here in the Hoosier State, craft distillers are producing some of the finest spirits from Indiana — and many of them are flying under the radar.

At Payless Liquors, we love celebrating local talent. So today, we’re shining a spotlight on small-batch spirits from Indiana that deserve a spot in your home bar. Whether you’re a whiskey lover, vodka enthusiast, or looking to explore something new, these hidden gems deliver quality with a local touch.

1. Hard Truth Distilling Co. — Brown County, IN

Tucked away in scenic Brown County, Hard Truth Distilling is quickly becoming a go-to name for craft spirits from Indiana. Their sweet mash rye whiskey has earned national awards, but locals know their cinnamon vodka and toasted coconut rum are perfect for cocktails year-round. Try their Straight Rye Whiskey neat — it’s bold, spicy, and 100% Indiana-made.

2. Hotel Tango Distillery — Indianapolis, IN

As the first combat-disabled veteran-owned distillery in the U.S., Hotel Tango brings a unique edge to the Indiana spirits scene. Their versatile line includes bourbon, gin, and even ready-to-drink cocktails. Their Victor Vodka and Golf Gin are smooth, crisp, and great for upgrading your classic drinks while supporting a local veteran-owned business.

3. Cardinal Spirits — Bloomington, IN

Cardinal Spirits is a craft distillery that puts Bloomington on the map for more than just college basketball. Their Bramble black raspberry liqueur and Terra Botanical Gin offer a fresh take on traditional spirits from Indiana. Don’t miss their Straight Bourbon Whiskey — a small-batch release with rich caramel and vanilla notes.

4. Starlight Distillery — Borden, IN

Located on a family farm, Starlight Distillery produces handcrafted spirits from Indiana with a focus on bourbon and brandy. Their Carl T. Bourbon is a fan favorite at Payless Liquors, offering smooth oak and dark fruit flavors. It’s perfect for sipping or gifting to the whiskey lover in your life.

5. Oakley Brothers Distillery — Anderson, IN

One of Indiana’s best-kept secrets, Oakley Brothers Distillery crafts small-batch spirits that capture the essence of Hoosier craftsmanship. Their rye whiskey and honey liqueur bring unique flavors to your glass, perfect for those looking to try something new and truly local.

Why Choose Local Spirits from Indiana?

Choosing small-batch spirits from Indiana isn’t just about supporting local businesses — it’s about discovering authentic flavors and craftsmanship you won’t find in mass-produced bottles. Many of these distilleries use Indiana-grown grains, local botanicals, and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

At Payless Liquors, we’re proud to stock a wide selection of Indiana spirits, from the well-known to the hidden gems. Next time you’re shopping for your home bar, ask our team for their local favorites — you might just find your new go-to bottle.

Ready to explore more? Visit your nearest Payless Liquors location and ask about our latest selection of Indiana-made spirits!

indiana's spirits

Exploring Indiana’s Spirits: From Bourbon to Vodka

Indiana may be best known for its iconic Indy 500 race, stunning state parks, and rich agricultural heritage, but there’s another hidden gem that deserves a spotlight—Indiana’s spirits. The Hoosier State has steadily gained recognition for its thriving craft distillery scene, producing everything from smooth bourbons to crisp vodkas. If you’re looking to discover local flavors and support Indiana businesses, look no further than Payless Liquors, where you’ll find a carefully curated selection of the best Indiana’s spirits.

A Thriving Craft Distillery Scene

Indiana’s craft distillery industry has blossomed over the past decade, thanks to a combination of passionate distillers, access to high-quality grains, and a welcoming regulatory environment. The state is home to a growing number of distilleries producing exceptional spirits with unique regional twists. By offering a diverse selection of locally distilled beverages, Payless Liquors makes it easy for you to experience the best of Indiana’s spirits.

Bourbon: A Hoosier Favorite

While Kentucky may be the first state that comes to mind when you think of bourbon, Indiana is quickly making a name for itself in the bourbon world. One standout is MGP Ingredients in Lawrenceburg, a major supplier of bourbon and rye whiskey to many well-known brands. Beyond MGP, smaller craft distilleries such as Starlight Distillery and Bear Wallow Distillery are crafting bourbons that embody Indiana’s terroir.

Indiana bourbons are characterized by their rich flavors, often featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. Whether you prefer your bourbon neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a classic cocktail, Payless Liquors offers a selection that showcases the best of Indiana’s bourbons.

Vodka: Crisp and Clean

Vodka is another spirit where Indiana shines. The state’s distillers utilize high-quality grains and pure water to create vodkas that are smooth, crisp, and perfect for mixing. Hotel Tango Distillery in Indianapolis is well-known for its vodka, offering a spirit with a clean finish that elevates any cocktail. Cardinal Spirits in Bloomington also produces a range of vodkas, including unique flavors like cucumber and lime.

At Payless Liquors, you can explore an array of Indiana vodkas, whether you’re looking to craft a refreshing vodka soda or a sophisticated martini. The diversity of local vodkas ensures there’s something for every palate.

Gin: Indiana’s Botanical Twist

Indiana distilleries have also embraced gin, incorporating local botanicals to create distinctive flavors. Cardinal Spirits’ gin features a blend of juniper, citrus, and floral notes, making it an excellent choice for a gin and tonic or a classic gin martini. The creative use of botanicals sets Indiana gins apart, offering a fresh take on this traditional spirit.

Rum and Beyond

While bourbon, vodka, and gin might steal the spotlight, Indiana’s distilleries are also venturing into rum, brandy, and specialty liqueurs. Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Nashville, Indiana, produces an award-winning rum that brings a taste of the tropics to the Midwest. Payless Liquors’ selection of Indiana-made rums and other unique spirits offers endless opportunities to expand your palate.

Supporting Local Distillers

By purchasing Indiana’s spirits, you’re not only enjoying high-quality products but also supporting local businesses and communities. Many of Indiana’s distilleries prioritize sustainability, local sourcing, and giving back to their communities, making each bottle a testament to Hoosier values.

Visit Payless Liquors for the Best of Indiana’s Spirits

Payless Liquors makes it easy to explore Indiana’s thriving distillery scene. With knowledgeable staff and a diverse selection of locally crafted spirits, you’ll find the perfect bottle for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a tasting party, looking for a gift, or simply stocking your home bar, Payless Liquors is your go-to destination for Indiana’s spirits.

Conclusion

From rich bourbons and crisp vodkas to innovative gins and smooth rums, Indiana’s spirits offer something for everyone. As the state’s craft distillery scene continues to grow, there’s never been a better time to explore the unique and flavorful offerings of Hoosier-made spirits. Visit Payless Liquors today to discover your new favorite local spirit and support Indiana’s vibrant distillery community.

What Is the Toast the Trees Program?

Toast the Trees

Environmental responsibility is a more pressing concern for modern businesses than ever. There is an increasingly expanding consumer market that prizes sustainability, environmental awareness, and eco-friendliness from the brands with which they do business. Companies in all markets are paying attention to this focus on environmentalism. And, that includes distilleries and breweries across the nation.

One of the best examples of brands taking sustainability seriously is Angel’s Envy, a distillery specializing in bourbon whiskey. The Angel’s Envy team has developed a program that aims to give back to the environment and help preserve it for years to come. While many companies have adopted similar environmentalist policies and programs, Angel’s Envy has a distinct impact on both the environment and the whiskey industry of the United States.

The Link Between Whiskey and Oak

An often overlooked yet crucial component of the creation of bourbon is white oak. Distillers will store their whiskey in white oak barrels, to optimize flavors and richness. This method creates the best whiskey. The natural flavors in this wood give bourbon its distinct taste. Different types of whiskey require different types of oak. The two most prevalent oak woods used in the whiskey world are American white oak and European oak.

Bourbon is the American take on whiskey, and bourbon requires American white oak barrels for optimal aging. Scotch whiskey and Irish whiskey tend to use European oak barrels. Many whiskey distilleries have developed filling and refilling policies to conserve their barrels and to optimize the flavor of their whiskeys. When an oak barrel is filled the first time, the whiskey inside absorbs the most flavor from the wood during aging. After so many years, the whiskey will absorb less flavor, and the distiller will need a new barrel. It’s easy to see how the whiskey industry has a significant impact on the supply of oak barrel lumber.

What Is the Toast the Trees Program?

The Angel’s Envy Toast the Trees program aims to replace white oak trees cut down for whiskey barrel manufacturing. They, instead, plant more trees than are cut down. For more than six years, Angel’s Envy has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation and Green Forests Work. Together, they raise money for the mass planting of new white oak trees across the country. Angel’s Envy has a vast network of retail and service partners. They are  ready to provide customers with fantastic experiences in exchange for their support of this sustainability program.

If you’re looking for a whiskey experience that you can feel good about, Angel’s Envy Toast the Trees program is something you should investigate. The distillery is sponsoring cocktail hours and other specials at locations across the country. They are also sponsoring a social media campaign to drive environmental awareness and encourage participation in the program.

The team at Payless Liquors wants to help you connect with the Toast the Trees program this year. We provide a wide selection of fine bourbon whiskeys, including those produced by Angel’s Envy. If you are interested in trying one of these world-class bourbons for yourself and contributing to the Toast the Trees social media campaign, contact Payless Liquors today to find out which Angel’s Envy products we have in stock.

Jeptha Creed

Discover Jeptha Creed at Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration

Jeptha Creed Distillery was a means to keep the Nethery Farm going, a continuation of their family heritage that’s been going strong since the 1700s. The biggest distilleries in the country were once family-owned enterprises and the only difference between Jeptha Creed and them is that they want to remain a family-owned, authentic enterprise.

The distillery is owned and operated by a mother-daughter duo, Joyce and Autumn Nethery. The family’s 64-acre distillery sits on approximately 1,000 acres of land where they produce almost all the products used to make their spirits. The Nethery family is committed to their ground to glass motto, if they can grow the products themselves, they will. Using only the finest, locally grown and sourced ingredients ensures their products meet the highest expectations for quality and flavor.

Jeptha Creed

Not only do they produce their own corn and fruits, they use old-fashioned methods to meet today’s demanding modern tastes. “Ne Oublie” is a Scottish Gaelic saying meaning “Never Forget”. Much like their use of old-fashioned methods, this phrase has been passed down through the Nethery family for generations. Jeptha Creed was founded on the motto “Don’t forget where you came from,” and they hold true to that to this day.

The distillery currently has their Vodka and Moonshine on the market and their bourbon is aging and will be available in 2019! Unfortunately, Jeptha Creed spirits are not available in Indianapolis, but they will be available to taste at Indy’s Premier Bourbon Celebration on February 23, 2018. Get your tickets here!

 

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