New Master Distiller Reserve From Hard Truth Is Rye And Bonded

Hard Truth Distilling Co. announces the release of its third 2026 Master Distiller’s Reserve whiskey: Dark Roast Rye. This new release is a 50-50 blend of two different Kentucky style ryes (51% rye and 38% corn in both cases), but in one part the malted barley is chocolate malt and the other caramel malt. For those not conversant with malting, the chocolate and caramel refer to the color of the malt, which is where the title “Dark Roast” comes from. This is a 25 barrel batch of bottled in bond rye, so bottled at 100 proof.

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.

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.

Hard Truth will host two preview events ahead of Dark Roast Rye’s September release: Cask & Still Social at Hard Truth in Nashville on Friday, Aug. 21, and Whiskey Social at the Garage at Bottleworks in Indianapolis on Friday, Aug. 28.

Each event features specially-crafted small plates paired with cocktails, intros from Hard Truth distillers, a grazing table, and tasting stations. The Cask & Still event will also feature live jazz music from Louisville’s Bourbon & Brass Quintet.

Limited Dark Roast Rye bottles will be available for purchase at both events for $60 a bottle.