NASHVILLE, Ind. (April 30, 2026) – Hard Truth Distilling Co. announces the opening of Hard Truth on the Rocks, the outdoor terraces and amphitheater located on its 325-acre distillery campus.

To kick off the season, the all ages, rain-or-shine event is set for Saturday, May 9, and includes the opening of the quick-service terrace bar that offers both food and drinks, evening live music from the Blue River Band, and special tours and tastings celebrating the release of Hard Truth’s latest Barrel Finish Reserve offering: Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon.

“Opening weekend is always an exciting time here at Hard Truth,” said Public Events Manager Lizzie Nunn. “Our visitors can’t wait to get outside and take in all of the incredible beauty of our property in full bloom, and neither can we.”

Opening day events schedule, all times in EST:

• 11 a.m. – Restaurant and Tours & Tastings Center open; Mizunara Finished Wheated Bourbon bottle sales available at both all day, Mizunara side-by-side tastings and tour available at Tours & Tastings until 7 p.m.
• Noon to 9 p.m. – Hard Truth on the Rocks terrace and bar open; Mizunara side by side tastings and bottle sales available all day
• 6-9 p.m. – Live music from Blue River Band, no cover/tickets required

“This is just the beginning of a great season,” Nunn noted. “We’ve got a lot of incredible live music and special events planned for 2026, and we can’t wait to have everyone here, enjoying everything Hard Truth has to offer.”

Upcoming Hard Truth on the Rocks events:

• Memorial Day Weekend | Saturday, May 23 | 6-9 p.m.
  Enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and delicious eats in the open air.
• Rumble on the Rocks Round 1, Part 1 | Saturday, May 30 | 6-9 p.m.
  Fans vote in this competition where six bands vie for cash prizes and a chance to perform at Amplify Nashville, 6-9 p.m.
• Rumble on the Rocks Round 1, Part 2 | Saturday, June 6 | 6-9 p.m.
  Fans vote in this competition where six bands vie for cash prizes and a chance to perform at Amplify Nashville.
• Rumble on the Rocks Final | Saturday, June 13 | 6-9 p.m.
• Two winners from nights one and two will compete for the cash prizes and a chance to perform at Amplify Nashville in this fan-voting event.
• Bourbon & BBQ Festival | Saturday, July 18 | 4-9 p.m.
  Celebrate bourbon, BBQ, and good times at this popular event, now in its second year. Can’t wait? Start celebrating early at the Bourbon & BBQ cooking demo with Pit Master Dave White on Friday, June 6.
• Rum on the Rocks | Saturday, Aug. 1 | 6-9 p.m.
  Get tropical with Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, live music, and more at this popular summer celebration.

For folks in need of a little air conditioning, Hard Truth also has plenty of indoor events slated, including the upcoming Mother’s Day brunch on Sunday, May 10, Cask & Still Socials with new whiskey previews on Fridays, June 12, Aug. 21, and Oct. 1, and more.

View all events at https://hardtruth.com/events/list/.

For opening day, all terrace and patio seating is first come, first served. Guests who would like to reserve porch seating to enjoy the music while they dine can check availability through the online reservation link.

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.  
Hard Truth Distilling Co. (est. 2015) is an industry leader in sweet mash whiskey production and a nationally recognized whiskey destination. Located in Brown County, Indiana amongst 325 acres of rolling hills, Hard Truth was named the No. 1 Distillery Tour 2026 by Newsweek. Hard Truth also crafts premium spirits, including Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum and Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, and limited release barrel reserve spirits.  

Its first grain-to-glass Sweet Mash Rye release debuted in 2021, earning a spot in Fred Minnick’s Top 50 American Whiskeys. Hard Truth Straight Bourbon Whiskey entered the market in 2024 to much acclaim, recognized by Robb Report as “one of the 50 Greatest Bourbons of the 21st Century (so far).”  

In 2025, Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, High Road Rye and Sweet Mash Rye earned Gold Medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). The Double Oaked Sweet Mash Single Barrel Rye also earned a Double Gold at the 2025 SFWSC.  

Hard Truth products are distributed in more than 20 states and available online in more than 40. For more information, visit hardtruth.com.