Hard Truth Distilling Co. has announced Dark Roast Rye, the third expression in its 2026 Master Distiller’s Reserve series. The whiskey will debut as the featured release at the distillery’s Harvest Festival in Nashville, Indiana, on Saturday, September 26.
The bottled-in-bond rye blends two of the producer’s award-winning mash bills, RW-3 Chocolate Malt Rye and RW-4 Caramel Malt Rye, in a 50/50 split.
Both mash bills previously appeared in earlier Master Distiller’s Reserve expressions.
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READ THE STORY"By combining our award-winning Caramel Malt Rye and Chocolate Malt Rye, the caramel malted barley and chocolate malted barley truly become the star ingredients that elevate Dark Roast Rye," said Hard Truth barrel manager Chris Moore.
The distillery began exploring roasted malts used in beer production in 2018.
"The ability to create amazing flavors simply through the roasting of our grains to specific and prescriptive levels was intriguing and ultimately, very delicious," explained Hard Truth master distiller Bryan Smith.
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He noted that the 2022 releases of RW-3 and RW-4 quickly won over rye fans who lean toward bolder expressions.
"Dark Roast Rye is complex, sweet, malty, dark and brooding. It’s destined to become serious mixologists’ secret weapon, adding flavors both nuanced and bold to cocktails," Smith said.
"For the whiskey-lover who prefers a neat pour: Find a seat with a great view, a warm campfire, a cigar (if that’s your thing), and settle in for an amazing glass of whiskey," he concluded.
The 25-barrel batch is bottled-in-bond at 100 proof (50% ABV). It carries a suggested retail price of $59.99 (£45).
According to the brand, the bonded designation "ensures consistency, authenticity, and a whiskey that speaks clearly to its origin."
The official tasting notes from the brand describe an appearance of burnt amber, with aromas of buttered toffee, custard, café mocha and clove. The palate offers butterscotch and Swiss chocolate, with vanilla custard and rye spice, before a finish of fudge brownie, brûléed sugar and dark roast coffee.
Two preview events will precede the September launch. Cask & Still Social takes place at Hard Truth in Nashville on Friday, August 21, followed by Whiskey Social at the Garage at Bottleworks in Indianapolis on Friday, August 28.
Founded in 2015, Hard Truth was named the number-one distillery tour of 2026 by Newsweek. Its products are distributed across more than 20 US states.
