A trip to SoBro

“Hazmat Barrels are just happy accidents.” – Joe Ybarra

A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to a wonderful place by my friend, the above-mentioned Joe Ybarra. Joe is an excellent brewer (having formerly been at Books & Brews), and has recently switched gears into distilling. His new gig is at the quaint Circle City Whiskey Company.

Located on East 46th Street near the Nickel Plate Trail, Circle City’s tasting room is cozy and inviting, and usually plays host to Indy’s bourbon clubs. In fact, on the particular Friday night we were there they were hosting a club. Though we weren’t members, they treated us as such. That included inviting us to partake in a pitch-in appetizer buffet that would’ve put some restaurants to shame. We really had a fun time.

Circle City’s owner, Drew Black, acquires rare single barrels from distilleries across the country (including many of the biggies). Through their own blending and finishing, Circle City turns them into extraordinary whiskies for bottling. At the tasting room, you will encounter many types of single-barrel bourbons. Among these are gems which are designated as “Legacy Bottles,” which come from Hazmat* Barrels.

So, what are “Hazmat Barrels”? They are cask strength whiskeys that are bottled at 140 proof or higher. By law bourbon can only enter the barrel at 125 proof or below. Most distillers cut the higher proofs with water to make them more palatable to the public. Sometimes a few barrels age to too high a proof, so distilleries consider these barrels to be unmarketable – “happy accidents” for us.

I can’t even begin to tell you how many of these special whiskeys they offer (the menu was staggering). On this particular evening I sampled their 140 proof Lux Row Legacy 6 year, a 117.5 proof double oaked Heaven Hill 6 year, a 101 proof Wild Turkey/Bardstown blend called “Birds of a Feather” and a wonderful 7 year MGP 119 proof Syrah-finished juice named “Que Sarah” (that was my favorite). All were very good! Many are kinda pricey per bottle, but worth every cent.

And … the place serves outstanding cocktails! They’ll do pretty much anything from a Manhattan to a Paper Plane. I might have imbibed a little too much that evening. I can’t express how much I enjoyed the experience at this great little place. If you’re ever in the SoBro area, be sure to drop by. You’ll be glad that you did.

While you’re in SoBro, check out one of the city’s finest liquor stores: SoBro Spirits, Wine and Craft Beer. The place has a great selection of all kinds of boozy goodies, especially bourbon/whiskey.

The thing that sets it apart from most is that they have a great selection of allocated whiskeys that are available through their Bourbon Lottery. The timelines aren’t set in stone, but the lottery is usually once or twice a month. The deal is; every time you purchase a bottle of whiskey, you get one entry. Here’s the really cool part, you get to designate which bottle(s) you are interested in from the ones available for that particular drawing – very nice.

Finally, the place has an awesome tasting room in the back where they (quite often) have free tasting events open to the public. This isn’t just for the ordinary stuff. They often feature rarities, including their own private barrel picks. What a wonderful place!

So, take a little trip down to SoBro for a couple of extraordinary whiskey experiences. You’ll be glad you did. Until next time, cheers!

*The name is derived from the fact that the FAA classifies these high alcohol content whiskies as hazardous materials due to their flammability. No flying for these bad boys.

Jon Smyrnis is a lifelong Indianapolis area resident. He enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, kayaking, dining out, and, of course, fine cocktails and great bourbons.