Hard Truth Dark Roast Rye Release Announced for September

Press Release – Hard Truth Dark Roast Rye

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

The September release brings together a pair of award-winning, fan-favorite mash bills

Hard Truth Dark Roast Rye Release Set for September 26

NASHVILLE, Ind., Aug. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 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.

Roasted Malt Mash Bills Shape Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Dark Roast Rye

“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.

Bottled-in-Bond

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.

The designation ensures consistency, authenticity, and a whiskey that speaks clearly to its origin, which fully embodies Hard Truth’s grain-to-glass approach to whiskey-making.

Preview Events

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 bottles will be available for purchase at both events.

Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Dark Roast Rye Details

• 25 barrel batch
• 50/50 blend of RW-3 (51% Rye, 38% Corn, 11% Chocolate malt barley) and RW-4 (51% Rye, 38% Corn, 11% Caramel malt barley)
• Bottled-in-Bond at 100 Proof (50% ABV)
• MSRP $59.99

Hard Truth Dark Roast Rye Tasting Notes From the Braind

Tasting notes:

• Appearance: Burnt amber
• Aroma: Buttered toffee and custard with café mocha and clove
• Palate: Butterscotch and Swiss chocolate, with vanilla custard and rye spice
• Finish: Fudge brownie, brûléed sugar, and dark roast coffee fade to peach nectar, butter pecan, cracked black pepper, and oak

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Will you be picking up a bottle of Hard Truth Master Distiller’s Reserve Dark Roast Rye? Next, read these related articles: New Bourbon Releases News for August 1, 2025, Hard Truth Unveils Trio of 7-Year Whiskeys, and Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon Review.

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