Military Rye Review: Hellbender Straight Rye

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History – Established in 2014, Independent Distilling Company emerged onto the craft spirits scene in Decatur, Georgia, with a bold vision: to produce small-batch, handcrafted spirits that pay homage to the rich heritage of southern distillation, all while prioritizing locally sourced, quality ingredients. At the helm of this endeavor were two passionate individuals, Michael Anderson and Casey Teague, who shared a deep-seated love for their home state and a profound appreciation for the art of spirits-making.

Michael Anderson, a proud native of Kennesaw, Georgia, brought to the table not only his expertise in distillation but also a strong sense of connection to the local community. Growing up amidst Georgia’s rolling hills and verdant farmlands, Michael developed a profound respect for the land and the bounty it provided, instilling in him a desire to create spirits that truly reflected the essence of the region.

Casey Teague, hailing from Smyrna, Georgia, brought her own unique background to the table. With a degree in journalism and a passion for literature, Casey understood the power of storytelling and its ability to evoke emotion and captivate audiences. It was this storytelling ethos that she sought to infuse into every aspect of Independent Distilling Company’s brand identity, from its product labels to its marketing campaigns.

Together, Michael and Casey embarked on a journey to redefine craft distillation in Georgia, guided by a shared commitment to excellence, authenticity, and innovation. Armed with a 100-gallon Copper Pot Still and an unwavering passion for spirits, they set out to create a lineup of offerings that would not only showcase the region’s finest grains but also honor its rich distilling traditions.

The first product to emerge from Independent Distilling Company was the iconic Hellbender Corn Whiskey. Crafted from locally sourced corn harvested from Riverview Farms in Ranger, Georgia, this whiskey represented a revival of a southern tradition that had long been overlooked by mainstream spirits producers. Using a grain-up process in distillation, Michael and Casey ensured that every bottle of Hellbender Corn Whiskey captured the essence of the region’s terroir, with no blending diluting its unique flavor profile.

Buoyed by the success of their inaugural release, Independent Distilling Company expanded its portfolio to include a range of spirits, each crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. From the Independent Rum, made from table-grade molasses and aged to perfection in a combination of new and used barrels, to the Hellbender Bourbon, the first batch of its kind to be produced within the Atlanta perimeter since Prohibition, every spirit bore the unmistakable stamp of Michael and Casey’s dedication to their craft.

As Independent Distilling Company continued to grow and evolve, Michael and Casey remained steadfast in their commitment to their founding principles. Their journalism and literature backgrounds imbued every aspect of the distillery’s brand identity with a sense of narrative depth and authenticity, inviting consumers to not just enjoy their spirits but to become part of their story.

Looking to the future, Michael and Casey were excited to lead Independent Distilling Company into its next chapter. With a keen eye for innovation and a deep respect for tradition, they were poised to continue pushing the boundaries of craft distillation, creating new and exciting spirits that would captivate the palates of spirits enthusiasts everywhere. As they embarked on this new journey, Michael and Casey remained grounded in their shared vision, confident that Independent Distilling Company would continue to be a beacon of excellence in the world of craft spirits for years to come.

Lets dig in!

Value – Great Value at under $50 for a unique homegrown spirit.

Appearance – Awesome bottle and name at that. When I spoke with Casey at the distillery he also pointed out the crafty back of the label that forms and I when the label is placed on correctly.

Nose – Citrus / Piney / Walnut / Waffles

Palate – Very Smooth and Syrupy / Cherry Wood / Vanilla / Honey / Apple

Finish – Light on the end and smooth but has a decent lingering of piney flavor which is not a bad thing at all. Spearmint / Pepper / Pistachio Ice Cream.

Summary – Reviewing this company’s product for the first time I can tell the heart that had gone into this spirit. Being run by only two people in the city of Atlanta is no small venture. From distillation, hand bottling and running a business there is a lot of work that goes into this. After touring the facility and tasting the product I can see the love that has gone into the entire process.

“The flavor profile of this Rye really stands out and this falls towards the top of my list for a great sip. These guys are hard workers and a testament to what hard work looks like. It shows through their products!“

– Andrew Workman

Uniqueness- 1-10 – 4

Appearance- 1-10 – 8

Nose- 1-20 – 16

Palate- 1-20 – 15

Finish- 1-20 – 15

Value- 1-20 – 20