History

Old Raven Distillery is one of Austria's pioneers in whisky. The distillery is located in a former Hungarian customs house in the Lafnitz Valley in southern Burgenland. Water from the 98-meter-deep "Raven Well" gives its unique flavor to the single malt and house-brewed beers. "Charly," a tame raven, watches over the casks and has become a legend in the distillery's history. Production is artisanal in Austria: distillation takes place in our distillery using the "Triple-Distilled Method". Whisky is handcrafted, 100% Made in Austria, and by avoiding filtration and additives the characteristic taste of single malt is preserved. After finishing maturation the whisky is stored in selected casks from around the world in a mild, humid climate. The typical age of the whiskies in the range often exceeds 10 years. The aging process and contact with its own wood form a large part of the flavor, and around 1.5–2% of the contents disappear annually as the angel's share.

Production / Manufacturing

Water, barley and yeast – the basic raw materials. Barley is used to convert sugars into alcohol with water and yeast. The casks mainly consist of bourbon barrels from the USA, but also sherry casks and occasionally wine casks. After final maturation, the whisky is aged in oak barrels, and the size of the casks (160–500 liters) affects the maturation. By law, whisky must be aged for at least 3 years, but brands typically age it longer than 10 years. During aging, the whisky absorbs tannins from the wood and gains its color. In the air around the distillery you can sense the angel's share – about 1.5–2% of the contents disappear per year. And in the Classic line the whisky is aged in casks for at least 6 years, a step that allows a full explosion of aromas without additives.

Products / Whisky Series

• Old Raven Classic Whisky (Single Malt Whisky): aged in casks for at least 6 years, natural color and without additives; floral notes of juicy red apples and malt caramel, plus sweet vanilla; on the palate the fruity notes continue and transition to nut milk chocolate.
• Old Raven Smoky Whisky: represents the smoky side, 5 years old, 100% barley from Port Ellen, Islay; aged exclusively in first-fill Pedro Ximénez casks; aromas of vanilla, toffee, dried forest herbs and cocoa cream; palate with soft cherry-mint and malt; finish with oily smoke and almonds.
• Old Raven Lockdown Whisky: 10 years of aging in first-fill PX and bourbon casks; notes of honey and caramel, along with dark sherry; finish with delicate spicy chocolate notes and berries; medium-length finish.
• Old Raven Smoky Devil Whisky: the smoky side, 5 years old, Port Ellen barley; aged in PX casks; aromas of vanilla, toffee, smoke and dried plum; palate with cherry-mint, honey-sweet malt and tobacco; finish long and oily with smoke.
• Old Raven Black Edition Whisky: oldest casks in the Old Raven FAMILY; 15% of the barley is smoke-dried; 85% non-smoked barley; aroma of wood and dried fruits, cherries; taste of honey, delicate dry smoke, cherries, forest berry marmalade and bitter chocolate; finish long and oily with tobacco and Christmas spices.
• Creamy Old Raven Whisky: Creamy Whisky Old Raven (0.5 L) – new product;
• Single Cask Edition: 0.5 L – single-cask variant (no further flavor description in the content).
• Old Raven Dream Team Tasting Set: 3 x 0.04 L to explore the whisky universe; the set includes Classic, Smoky and Black Edition.

Visits / Experiences

Old Raven offers different whisky experiences: - Small Whisky Tasting: 3 whiskies, about 30 minutes, 2–12 people, 18 € per person. - Old Raven Whisky Tasting: 1.5–2 hours, including a tour of the factory, 45 € per person, 6–12 people. - Whisky Around the World Tasting: 1.5–2 hours, including a tour, 45 € per person, 6–12 people. - Individual Tasting: tailored experience, duration and price depend on inquiry (6–12 people).

Philosophy

Whisky was developed in Austria and the result of years of work to achieve international standards in southern Burgenland. The finest raw materials, craftsmanship, distillation in our own distillery and aging in selected casks from around the world make our whisky distinctive. By avoiding filtration and additives, the characteristic flavor is preserved. Distillation is performed in our distillery with the Triple-Distilled Method. 100% made in Austria. In addition, experiences are offered through Old Raven Lounge and a special OR Club, membership in which is by invitation only.