The Waldviertel Whiskey Experience in Roggenreith is a special destination for connoisseurs, explorers, and anyone who wants to learn about authentic craftsmanship.
Austria's oldest whiskey distillery demonstrates how regional grains, pure water, artisanal skill, and a great deal of patience come together to create whiskey with a distinctive character.
From our vacation rentals in Gutenbrunn You can easily plan this visit as a delightful excursion through the countryside of the Waldviertel.
Austria's Oldest Whiskey Distillery
The history of Waldviertler Whisky J.H. began in 1995. At that time, Johann Haider had the idea to become the first person in Austria to produce his own whisky according to local tradition.
The intention was not to create a copy of Scottish models. The goal was to produce a distinctive Austrian whiskey with a regional character.
Over the years, a bold idea grew into a well-known distillery with its own whiskey experience center. Today, the family-run business is carried on by Jasmin Haider-Stadler and her team.
Waldviertel Whisky Made from Regional Ingredients
The production process focuses on quality, regional origins, and individuality. The main ingredients used are rye and rye malt, which thrive particularly well in the region around Roggenreith.
The soft water from our own spring and the use of carefully selected wooden barrels also contribute to the distinctive character of Waldviertel whiskey.
Key Ingredients for Waldviertel Whiskey
- locally grown rye
- high-quality rye malt and barley malt
- soft water from our own spring
- Traditional Austrian Distilling Arts
- modern distillation column
- selected barrels for aging
- enough time and plenty of experience
In addition to rye whiskey, the selection also includes single malt, whiskey liqueurs, gin, vodka, brandies, and limited-edition special bottlings.
Guided Tour of the Whiskey Experience Center
On a guided tour, visitors learn about the distillery's history and the individual steps involved in whiskey production.
Here's what to expect on the guided tour
- Film Screening: „From the Grain Field to the Whiskey Glass“
- Tour of the Production Facility
- A Look Inside the Whiskey Warehouse
- Information About Grains and Malt
- Explanation of Distillation
- Interesting Facts About Barrels and Aging Times
- Comparison of Different Manufacturing Methods
- followed by a tasting
The tours explain in a way that even guests with no prior knowledge can understand how high-quality whiskey is made from grain.
Dates for Guided Tours and Tastings
Guided tours are offered at set times for individuals and small groups.
Regular Appointments
Tuesday through Friday: 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
The regular tour with tasting lasts about 75 minutes in total and includes three samples.
For groups of 15 or more, custom dates can be arranged by appointment and subject to availability. Smaller groups can also request their own date for a flat fee.
Since dates, prices, and offers are subject to change, we recommend booking the tour directly before your visit.
For more information, please visit:
Various Tasting Options
Depending on your interests and the time you have available, there are various tasting options to choose from.
Regular Tasting
The regular guided tour with tasting lasts about 75 minutes. It includes three tastings at the Waldviertel Whiskey Experience. It takes place Tuesday through Friday at 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Special Tasting
The special tasting is offered on Fridays at 2:30 p.m. It lasts about two hours and includes five samples. Advance registration is required.
Grand Whiskey Tasting
The Grand Whiskey Tasting takes place on Saturdays on select scheduled dates. It lasts about two and a half to three hours and includes eight tastings. Advance registration is required for this event as well.
Discovery Tour
Depending on availability, individual visitors can take part in a shorter discovery tour during opening hours. The tour introduces the family-run business and the history of the distillery. A short film, a look inside the distillery, and two tastings round out the experience.
Tastings of alcoholic beverages are intended exclusively for adults. If you are traveling by car, you should decide before your visit who will refrain from participating in the tasting and who will drive you home safely.
From Grain to Finished Whiskey
The production of a good whiskey begins long before bottling. The grain is processed, mashed, and then distilled.
The distillery uses two modern, high-capacity stills. After distillation, the fresh distillate is transferred to select wooden barrels and aged for several years.
The Importance of Barrel Aging
During aging, the whiskey develops its color, aroma, and unique character. The type of wood, the pre-treatment of the barrel, and the duration of aging all play a significant role in this process.
Among other things, barrels made of local oak are used for Waldviertel whiskey. Depending on whether a barrel is being filled for the first, second, or third time, the whiskey requires a different aging period.
A good whiskey, therefore, does not necessarily have to be as old as possible. What matters most is that the aging period, the distillate, and the barrel are perfectly balanced.
The Fire-Water Garden
The Whisky Experience also includes the approximately 7,000-square-meter Fire-Water-Garden. It is dedicated to the four elements—earth, air, water, and fire—from which the whiskey is symbolically born.
In the Fire-Water Garden, you'll discover
- a fire arena
- various water features
- a Celtic cycle of life and the annual cycle
- spacious outdoor areas
- a preschool
- a public Druid Playground
As a result, the Whisky Experience also offers interesting opportunities for accompanying guests and families. Of course, children do not participate in alcoholic tastings.
Is the Whiskey Experience World accessible to people with disabilities?
Due to structural constraints, not all areas of the Whiskey Experience are fully accessible barrier-free reachable.
The movie theater is located in an area that is accessible only by stairs. For guests in wheelchairs, the film can be shown in the Whisky Lounge instead. According to the operator, the rest of the facility is generally accessible by wheelchair.
A steep ramp leads to the restrooms. The Erlebniswelt team is available to assist. Guests with limited mobility should call ahead to let us know they’re coming and discuss their specific needs.
Hours of Operation for the Whiskey Experience
Summer Hours Starting May 1
Tuesday through Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Winter Hours Starting November 1
Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday is a day off.
On Sundays and holidays, group visits for 15 or more people are available by appointment. We are closed in January.
Please check the current opening hours and tour dates directly on the website before your visit.
Address and Contact Information
Whiskey Experience – J. Haider Distillery
Roggenreith 3
3664 Kirchschlag
Lower Austria
Phone: +43 2874 7496
E-Mail: haider@roggenhof.at
Website: https://waldviertlerwhisky.at/
Our tip for vacation guests
Please book your guided tour as early as possible, especially on weekends and during peak travel season.
If you'd like to take part in a wine tasting, be sure to arrange a safe ride home in advance. That way, you can relax and enjoy your visit and then return to the peace and quiet of your vacation rental in Gutenbrunn.
In the adjacent retail area, you’ll also find a variety of whiskeys, liqueurs, tasting sets, gift boxes, and regional specialties. Perhaps you’ll discover a special souvenir there or a delightful memento of your vacation in the Waldviertel.
Combine a vacation in Gutenbrunn with special experiences
Our vacation rentals in Gutenbrunn are a cozy base from which to explore the nature, culture, and culinary delights of the Waldviertel region.
After an interesting excursion to the Waldviertel Whiskey Experience, you’ll enjoy plenty of space, peace and quiet, and personalized attention from Anna and Herbert.
Here's what you can expect in our vacation rentals
- Cozy vacation rentals for couples and families
- a wheelchair-accessible vacation rental
- Personal attention from Anna and Herbert
- Quiet location in Gutenbrunn
- Numerous places to visit in the area
- Nature, Recreation, and Waldviertel Hospitality
Request a vacation rental in Gutenbrunn now
Would you like to discover the Waldviertel Whiskey Experience and other special places to visit?
You can request your vacation rental directly here:
https://tbooking.toubiz.de/AUT00020100515644705/tbooking/?globalReset=1&lang=de
We look forward to welcoming you here in Gutenbrunn!
Anna and Herbert
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