History

Hochatown Distilling Company was formed in 2015 in the heart of southeastern Oklahoma with the aim of producing the finest quality spirits. Four partners brought unique expertise to the venture: Tommy McDaniel, a chemical engineer with 20 years of experience in technical sales; Michell McDaniel, a chemist with 30 years in food science and analytical chemistry; Mark McDaniel, who has experience in real estate development and construction; and Nathan Jewell, an experienced distiller whose family has a history in moonshine. The town of Hochatown has a long history of moonshine production, supported by Mt. Fork River's clear water and the secluded basins and valleys of the Kiamichi Mountains. In mid-2016 product development was completed, and they began aging their first bourbons. The decision was to release bourbons that they had made themselves through the entire process from mashing to aging and bottling. Their straight bourbon whiskey was launched in spring 2019.

Production/Manufacturing

Production occurs through mashing the finest grain varieties — corn, rye, and barley — followed by fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling. Some of the products are showcased as fully on-site production, where each step of the process takes place at the distillery. For Small Batch Select it is particularly noted that every step of the process occurs on-site. The water source is the Mt. Fork River, which plays an important role in the distillation process. Hochatown describes itself as a place where everything is done—from mashing and fermenting to distillation and bottling, as well as notes about the product range.

Products/Whiskey Series

Bottled In Bond

Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 100. Age: 4 years. Color: Bright, Rich Golden Copper. Nose: Spicy and earthy notes with cinnamon. Palate: Lightly sweet chocolatey with nutty and butter-smooth finish. Finish: Light peppery finish with a long cinnamon note.

Small Batch

Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 90. Age: No less than 3 years. Color: Bright, Rich Golden Copper. Nose: Vanilla, dried apricots, apple, and nutmeg. Palate: Vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate with hints of clove and nutmeg. Finish: Long and smooth with caramel and cinnamon.

Small Batch Select

Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 104. Age: No less than 3 years. Color: Warm copper-gold. Nose: Vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. Palate: Vanilla, oak and caramel with hints of baking spices and dark chocolate. Finish: Long with oak- and cinnamon-spice notes and a long aftertaste.

Single Barrel

Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 120. Age: No less than 3 years. Color: Bright, Rich Golden Copper. Nose: Bakery-spiced aromas, vanilla and dried fruit. Palate: Roasted almonds, caramel and honey with baking spices and a toffee-like creaminess. Finish: Long caramel sweetness with roasted oak and a strong finish.

Mean Green Reserve

Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 100. Four-grain bourbon. Nose: Sweet, creamy vanilla with notes of nuts and caramel. Palate: Nutty and lightly sweet, with vanilla, caramel and spices. Finish: Robust and warm with cinnamon and baking spices. Note: A portion of the proceeds supports the University of North Texas NIL program through the Glory to the Green initiative.

Fearless Pursuit

Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Proof: 100. Nose: Creamy vanilla with notes of nuts and caramel. Palate: Lightly sweet and layered with vanilla, nutmeg and caramel. Finish: Medium oak-forward intensity and a warm, peppery finish.

Visit/Experiences

Hochatown Distilling offers guided tours and opportunities for tastings along the way. Tours include tastings for adults 21 and older in the Hochatown Speakeasy, which is located behind the gift shop. The Speakeasy is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Philosophy

The goal is to produce spirits of the highest quality. Hochatown Distilling Company was formed in 2015 with the aim of delivering the finest quality of spirits and selecting bourbons that are crafted completely from mashing to aging and bottling. These principles permeate their production and approach to their products, and also apply to the experiences and tours on offer.