NASHVILLE, IN – Hard Truth Distilling Co. has announced a new partnership with the World Food Championships (WFC) to host the “Charred Truth” WFC Live Fire Invitational. This marks the first time this nationally recognized culinary competition will be held at Hard Truth’s 325-acre distillery campus in Brown County.
The “Charred Truth WFC Live Fire Invitational,” set for June 27-28, will bring together top chefs, pitmasters, grill masters, and open-fire cooking specialists from around the globe. The event promises a “sizzling showdown of smoke, flavor, and fire,” complemented by Hard Truth’s craft spirits, wood-fired eats, and live entertainment. The winner will earn an invitation to compete at the WFC Championship event, scheduled for October 16-19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis.
Champion pitmasters competing for the “Charred Truth” $5,000 prize purse include:
- Michelle O’Guin – 2024 World Live Fire Champion
- Damon Holter – 2022 & 2023 World Sandwich Champion
- Al Lino – 2023 World Barbecue Champion
- Mursal Saiq – International Live Fire Champion
- Peter Armendariz – 2022 World Steak Champion
- Craig Baker (with Team Indiana) – 2017 World Chef Champion
- Dave White – Reserve Grand Champion of Indy’s All-Star BBQ Classic
- Randall Bowman & Deep South Smokers – Grand Champion of Indy’s All-Star BBQ Classic
Bryan Smith, Co-Founder and Master Distiller of Hard Truth Distilling Co., expressed enthusiasm for the event. “We’re fired up—literally and figuratively—to host this incredible event,” said Smith. “The spirit of the Live Fire Charred Truth Invitational perfectly aligns with our commitment to craft, flavor, authenticity, and creating memorable experiences.” Smith will also serve as a judge, alongside renowned whiskey writer Maggie Kimbrel, Indiana social media influencer Nate Spangle, and other regional celebrities.
Mike McCloud, Founder of World Food Championships, praised the partnership. “Hard Truth is the perfect host for the Live Fire Charred Truth Invitational in so many ways,” said McCloud. “Their dedication to flavor, innovation, and hospitality makes them an ideal partner. We’re excited to turn up the heat in Brown County and bring our competitors and fans to this beautiful location.”
The two-day event will feature tasting experiences, cooking demonstrations, chef collaborations, and VIP access to some of the nation’s most talented open-fire cooks, all set against the backdrop of one of Indiana’s premier distilleries.
Tickets for the event are limited. More information can be found at:
- June 27th – Before the Char: https://hardtruth.com/event/before-the-char/
- June 28th – The Charred Truth: https://hardtruth.com/event/the-charred-truth/
