Waldviertler Roggenhof

History

Waldviertler Whisky J.H. is Austria's first whisky and originates from Whisky-Erlebniswelt in Roggenreith in Waldviertel. The Haider family began as a farm in 1990 and gradually built up to a distillery and whisky distillery. In the 1990s they developed through a learning process and created a new whisky tradition in the region – instead of copying Scotland's model. In 1995 it became clear that grain and regional raw materials could be defined as the basis for a truly Austrian whisky. Original Rye Whisky J.H. was launched in 1998 and is described as Austria's first whisky on the market. In 2016 management passed to Jasmin Haider-Stadler, who together with the family continues the work of defining whisky made in Austria – without copying other regions. It also highlights regionality, craftsmanship and a strong belief that the goal is to create whisky with a regional base and an individual character.

Production / Manufacturing

The distillery is run by two high-efficiency distillation units (Christian Carl) with about 500 liters of mash each. Whisky is distilled in four runs and bottled as "New Made" into casks. The first filling takes place in new casks of native oak (Virgin Oak). Maturation follows a pattern where the first filling occurs in new casks for at least 3 years, second filling about 6 years, and third filling between 8 and 18 years. The casks are primarily local casks from Manhartsberg, and water is drawn from a private source. Whisky is typically aged at 41% or 46% ABV, and there are also cask-strength editions.

Products / Whisky Series

• Original Rye Whisky J.H. – 60% unmalted rye and 40% barley malt; 41% ABV; inspired by American Rye tradition, produced in Austria.

• Rye Malt J.H. – 100% rye malt; 41% ABV; notes of honey, citrus and rye character.

• Dark Rye Malt J.H. – 100% dark roasted rye malt; 41% ABV; combination of nutty, nougat and chocolate notes and rye spice.

• Dark Single Malt J.H. – 100% dark roasted barley malt; 41% ABV; complex, full-bodied and with a long finish.

• Original Masterblend J.H. – 60% unmalted rye and 40% barley malt; 41% ABV; a harmonious blend.

• Rye Malt Whisky J.H. 18 – Single Cask; 18 years; 46% ABV; 100% pale rye malt; anniversary edition.

• SELECTED SINGLE CASK Original Rye Whisky J.H. – 10 years; 500 ml bottle; cask-selected, signed and numbered; 46% ABV; option to purchase the whole cask or individual bottles.

• RARE Single Malt J.H. (Pinot Noir) – 100% pale barley malt; aged 10 years in used Pinot Noir cask (Schloss Gobelsburg); 500 ml; €52.

• RARE Dark Rye Malt J.H. (Laphroaig cask-finish) – 100% dark roasted rye malt; 4 years in native oak, then 6 years in ex-Laphroaig cask; 500 ml; around €64 (600/700 ml variants also available at higher prices).

• RARE Mini-Box – 5 x 50 ml in black carton; selected RARE Selections; €36.50.

• Whisky Mini-Box – 5 x 50 ml in black carton; €34.

• SELECTED SINGLE CASK Original Rye Whisky J.H. – 10 years; 500 ml; €56; option to obtain cask share and/or the whole cask.

Visits / Experiences

The distillery offers guided tours of Whisky-Erlebniswelt in Roggenreith, including a tour, a film and malt-nose experiences, as well as tastings. There is also an Explorer Tour and various whisky tastings (Special and Whisky tasting). The Waldviertel region and partner packages through Waldviertel-Tourismus provide the opportunity to combine a visit with other experiences in the region. Helicopter tours are also arranged as an option for special outings.

Philosophy

Our philosophy is to produce whisky with a focus on quality, regionality and individuality. We want to use the raw materials the region provides, and to define whisky in Austria through impeccable craftsmanship, our own source and maturation in local oak casks. We believe that whisky does not have to be old to be exciting, and we are working to define the typical Waldviertel whisky style – authentic, regional and characterful. We place emphasis on the accessibility of unique, regional expressions and on telling the story of whisky in Austria through experiences and products that reflect the region.