Austria's whisky market, while a small part of the global industry, is developing with producers exploring unique maturation methods. The country's spirits market is worth about €360m a year, with whisky exports accounting for around 10 per cent of this total, according to figures published in 2024.
The first Austrian whisky was produced in 1995 by Waldviertler Roggenhof (Haider Distillery). The Austrian Whisky Association, established in 2012, now represents approximately 13 regional distilleries.
Austrian whisky adheres to quality controls requiring it to be made and matured in Austria for three years in oak, without artificial flavouring. Producers are using local wine, beer, and schnapps casks, as well as cherry wood and fortified pear wine barrels, to create distinct whiskies such as Fissky Imperial and Rauchkofel, Cask 169.