Ed Ryan

Ed  Ryan is the co‑founder and CEO of Hard Truth Distilling, the heart of a unique “three‑legged stool” business that includes a brewery, restaurants, and a distillery nestled in the woods of Nashville, Indiana. His journey began in 2008 when he, Jeff McCabe, and Tim O’Bryan teamed up to buy a foreclosed building. By 2009, they had turned it into Big Woods Brewing Co., a cozy brewpub where Tim’s homebrew was a hit from the start.

As demand grew, the team expanded: New restaurant spaces were added in 2011, then Quaff On! Brewing Co. was launched from a former bowling alley in 2012. Their craft beers now flow in over a thousand taps across Indiana. But Ed and his partners had bigger dreams. In 2015, they built a small distillery in the attic of Big Woods Pizza, repurposing a 4-barrel brew system to produce gin, vodka, rum, and an agave-style spirit.  Encouraged by early success, they purchased 325 acres just outside town to create a destination campus with a 40,000-square-foot restaurant, welcome center, and a full‑scale distillery. 

Ed’s leadership helped Hard Truth grow into Indiana’s largest craft distillery. This rural retreat offers tours, award-winning spirits, and outdoor activities like ATV‑guided “Get Lost” rides—where Ed himself joins in, and swinging on tree‑hung wooden swings with a drink in hand! In 2021, Hard Truth drew more than 400,000 visitors—surpassing even the historic Buffalo  Trace Distillery—thanks to its combination of excellent spirits, great food, and a fun, laid‑back vibe.

Under Ed’s direction, Hard Truth has released creative products like a 14‑year‑old Legends straight bourbon and a 70-proof Peanut Butter flavored Whiskey, showcasing their innovative spirit‑smoke‑and‑barrel‑smoking techniques. They also champion local farming using only Indiana‑grown corn, rye, wheat, and barley for their bourbons, crafting blends with mash bills that are typically 73% corn, 19% rye, and 8% barley.

Ryan may be a CEO, but he’s just as likely to be found driving a Bobcat, hauling mulch, or cleaning the patio alongside his team, honoring the “Jack of all Trades” roots that first ignited this venture. His ambition: to build a place that’s equal parts distillery, brewery, restaurant, and adventure, has turned Hard Truth into a beloved destination showcasing Hoosier hospitality, craftsmanship, and a spirit of fun.

Ed Ryan’s story is a reminder that great things can grow from humble beginnings: a small brewpub, a lot of hard work, and a dream of building something people truly love. Hard Truth is now not just his vision, it’s Ed’s legacy, sharing good drinks, good food, and great times in the heart of the Indiana woods.

Contributed by Tracy McLemore, Fairview, Tennessee