Haider Distillery Marks 30 Years with Dark Rye Malt

A New Chapter for Haider Distillery: Celebrating 30 Years with Dark Rye Malt

The Haider Distillery in Roggenreith, Austria’s first whisky distillery, marks thirty years of pioneering Austrian whisky culture with a strategic shift from production to curation. Rather than continuing new make production, the distillery now focusses on nurturing and showcasing the maturation treasures accumulated over three decades. This new phase opens with the Haider Dark Rye Malt , a special bottling that highlights the depth and craftsmanship of their mature stocks.

Design & Presentation

The Haider Dark Rye Malt is presented with a striking new label design featuring an expressive, surreal artwork. The vivid face of a woman with color contours visually interprets the whisky’s aromas: dark, warm hues symbolize roasted rye malt notes, while floral and fruity details reflect the Doublewood maturation influences, giving the bottle a distinctive and innovative character.

Maturation & Flavor Profile

Crafted from 100% dark roasted rye malt, this whisky undergoes a Doublewood maturation lasting 12 years. Initially aged for 5 years in virgin oak barrels made from local oak, it then completes 7 years in used wine casks from the Christoph Bauer winery, which previously held Vintage-style port wine. This dual cask process imparts a vibrant amber color and a complex profile balancing roasted, fruity, and spicy elements.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense plum and tobacco notes; complemented by gingerbread, chocolate, brittle, roasted almonds, grapes, citrus, red berries, and vanilla
• Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with berry fruitiness; tobacco deepens into peppery spice and coffee-caramel aromas
• Finish: Long, powerful, dominated by tobacco with dark chocolate, nougat sweetness, and a peppery aftertaste

Release & Availability

The Haider Dark Rye Malt represents the first of several special bottlings intended to share the past 30 years of matured whisky. Bottled at 44% ABV in a 700 ml format, this expression is available exclusively through Spiritory, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to discover a cornerstone of Austrian whisky legacy.