In their 2025 “Charred Truth” Live Fire Invitational, Hard Truth Distillery Co. will host past champions and local legends alike for a two day barbecue showdown on June 27th and 28th. This event will also be a qualifier for the World Food Championships, which will be returning to the Indiana State Fair Grounds from October 16th to 19th, 2025.
The competition is open to the public, with general admission tickets running $25. Attendees can expect chef demonstrations and tastings of Hard Truth’s whiskey and cocktails alongside the event judging by local entrepreneur Nate Spangle, Hard Truth co-founder Bryan Smith and whiskey journalist Maggie Kimberl.
Competitors include Grand Champion of Indy’s All-Star BBQ Classic Randall Bowman and Deep South Smokers, Former Reserve Grand Champion of Indy’s All-Star BBQ Classic Dave White, 2024 Live Fire Champion Michelle O’Guin, and 2023 World Barbeque Champion Al Lino.
To see the action in-person, visit https://hardtruth.com/event/
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