Hard Truth Distilling Co. to release Master Distiller's Reserve Dark Roast Rye

Hard Truth Distilling Co. announces the release of its third 2026 Master Distiller's Reserve whiskey: Dark Roast Rye.

The whiskey will be the featured release at Hard Truth's Harvest Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26. The new rye features the award-winning Chocolate Malt Rye (RW-3) and Caramel Malt Rye (RW-4) mash bills showcased in previous Master Distiller's Reserve expressions.

"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.

In 2018, Hard Truth distillers began exploring the diverse flavors of roasted malts used in the beer world.

"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, noting that the 2022 releases of RW-3 and RW-4 quickly won over rye fans who lean toward bold expressions on the dark side of the flavor spectrum.

"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.

This 50/50 blend is bottled-in-bond, meaning it is the product of a single distilling season, from one distillery, aged at least four years, and bottled at 100 proof under U.S government supervision. SRP: $59.99.