1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey

Aged in Charred White Oak and Handbottled, 1816 Indiana Rye is a story waiting to be unraveled.

TASTE HISTORY IN A BOTTLE

Embrace the tales of Prohibition-era bootleggers, the spirited resilience of the Hoosier State, and the enduring traditions that stand the test of time. Aged in Charred White Oak and Hand-bottled, 1816 Indiana Rye is history in a bottle. We've made something unique to the state of Indiana that's worthy of sharing, worthy of conversations, and worth collecting.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING RYE

We are delighted to announce that 1816 Indiana Rye, has been honored with the esteemed Gold Medal by the American Distilling Institute’s International Spirits Competition, as well as the SIP Awards Double Gold Medal .

The SIP Double Gold medal is awarded to an outstanding rank of spirits qualifying for the top percentile of it’s category. Spirit samples are served in a controlled environment, evaluated through a double blind tasting by unbiased consumers.

So, what are you waiting for? Be part of the celebration and get your hands on this award-winning Indiana Rye! Indulge yourself in the finest flavors Indiana has to offer. Cheers to the best and let's raise a glass!

“This recognition not only reflects the superior quality and exceptional taste of our whiskey but also underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence in every bottle we produce.”—Kenneth VanHouten | Co-Owner, Fenwick's Distillery

Limited release alert!

Time to hit the books—literally. 📖
Our limited release of Tahitian vanilla infused 1816 Indiana Rye comes in a hand-numbered bottle that reveals the secret inside: a real Tahitian vanilla bean. Savor history, one vanilla-infused sip at a time. This is 2024's limited edition run, and when they're gone, they're gone! Our award-winning 1816 Indiana Rye, known for its bold rye spice and warm notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, now comes infused with genuine Tahitian vanilla bean. The result? A rich, creamy sweetness that you control by adjusting the infusion time.

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Hoosier History

Indiana became the 19th state of the United States on December 11, 1816. Just like other states in the Midwest, Indiana became a site for whiskey production due to its agricultural grain capacity, and natural limestone filtered water. The climate, with hot summers and cold winters, was imperative to the aging process, where the fluctuations help the spirit interact with the charred white oak barrels, imparting the exclusive flavor, color, and character. This natural advantage contributed to the development of distilling in the region. At this time distilling was a small-scale, farm-based activity before the rise of industrial, commercial distilling in the late 1800s.

Our 1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey continues to honor these traditions today. Aged in the fluctuating Indiana climate in charred white oak barrels. Hand-bottled by the small team at our craft distillery after it has been proofed to 101.6, producing the bold rye spice and floral notes with a hint of nutmeg, and cinnamon in the background. Truly history in a bottle!

Heritage Distillation

Immerse yourself in the legacy of Indiana's distilling heritage. Master distillers have perfected the art of crafting this exceptional rye whiskey, drawing inspiration from the time-honored techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Exclusively aged in charred white oak, our 1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey develops a distinctive flavor profile that reflects the slow passage of time. The smooth and robust character is a testament to the patience and dedication invested in every bottle.

WHERE TO BUY OR TRY

Bring the cocktail lounge home. Whether you are entertaining for others, or just taking the time to treat yourself, here are a few of our signature cocktail recipes for your enjoyment.

1816 Rye SIGNATURE COCKTAIL RECIPES

Hoosier Old Fashioned Cocktail made with 1816 Rye

The Ol' Hoosier

Ingredients:

2 oz. 1816 Rye Whiskey
1/4th oz. Cold Dissolved Simple Syrup
1 Dash of Angostura Bitters
1 Dash Black Walnut Bitters
1 Orange Twist Garnish
1 Deep Burgundy Maraschino Cherry

Instructions:

In a mixing glass, stir together two ounces of 1816 Rye, simple syrup, and bitters. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube, rub orange twist over the rim of the glass then garnish with the twist and maraschino cherry.

Ward-8-Fenwicks

WARD 8

Ingredients:

2 oz. 1816 Rye Whiskey
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
1/4 oz. Orange Juice, fresh
3/4 oz. Pomegranate Based Grenadine

Instructions:

Add 1816 Rye Whiskey, lemon juice, orange juice, grenadine and ice to tin.  Shake 8-10 seconds.  Strain.  Can be served up or over ice.  Garnish with lemon twist.

6 Point Buck Cocktail made with 1816 Indiana Straight Rye Whiskey

6 Point Buck

Ingredients:

2 oz. 1816 Rye Whiskey
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
1/2 oz. Ginger Syrup
2-3 Fresh Strawberries
Ginger Beer

Instructions:

Add 1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger syrup and strawberries to tin. Lightly muddle. Add ice to tin and shake 8-10 seconds. Strain over ice into highball glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with candied ginger and strawberry.

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Recent Tasting Reviews

“Oooooh, that tastes like a super-rye…. Holy cow, yeah… I like it, that would be my drink.”

The Bourbon Society of Indiana

“Interesting red apple aroma. Sweet cooked fruit flavor mixed with woody notes”

ADI ISC Judges Panel

“dried nuts, light syrup, candy coating on the nose, flavor has a lot of fun bite to it with great spikes of flavor representing the sweetness of an aged spirit and the typical herbal profile of a great rye”

ADI ISC Judges Panel

“I’m not typically a Rye girl, I’m a Bourbon girl.  But this is really good!”

Jacci Moore

“It’s delicious.  It’s my favorite!  I very much enjoyed it.  It’s gonna be my new Sunday afternoon sipper.”

The Bourbon Society Blind Reviewer

“It really stacks up well against everything else guys. It's amazing whiskey! It's very unique...”

Joe Gruss | Bourbon Battles

Where To Buy or Try 1816 Indiana Rye

Click on the map icon to view location & directions of places selling or serving our 1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey near you.
Currently available in IN, IL, MD, & FL. 

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Indulge your senses

Our 1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey has garnered acclaim for the warm embrace of caramel and vanilla to the subtle hints of warming spices and exclusive white oak. Each sip is a journey through the traditional landscapes that define Indiana's history.

Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a Hoosier history buff, we invite you to savor the spirit of the past in every drop. Elevate your tasting experience with a whiskey that not only stands the test of time but also tells a captivating story with each pour.

Cheers to history in a bottle!

1816 Indiana Rye Bottling

NOW AVAILABLE

Introducing our meticulously crafted 1816 Indiana Rye Whiskey – a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and the rich history of the heartland. For those who savor both the taste of fine spirits and the stories that accompany them, our exclusive Indiana Rye is a journey through time, encapsulating the spirit of the region.

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