Riachi - Winery & Distillery, Khenchara, Lebanon
The first ever Lebanese single malt whisky
Athyr أثير is an Arabic word which reflects the other-worldly premium qualities of this first Lebanese single malt whisky.
Athyr - Lebanese single malt whisky
is an otherworldly and unique single malt whiskey aged in new Lebanese oak. The result is a savory, rich, and complex whisky that is unmatched by traditional malts.
The Whisky
The Distillery
The Distillery
The Distillery
Athyr is produced by one of the oldest wineries and distilleries in Lebanon. Riachi dates back to 1839 and has a vast experience in wine-making and distillation, especially arak, grappa, and brandy. In 2013 we decided to enter into the interesting world of single malt whisky with a Lebanese influence.
The Malt
The Distillery
The Distillery
Our barley is harvested from the Bekaa valley in Lebanon. It is then malted, sun-dried, milled, mashed and fermented. The fermented wash which is a relatively high ale compared to commercial beer becomes ready for distillation.
Distillation
The Distillery
Distillation
The ale is distilled in our copper gooseneck still into what is called a low wine for the first time, the distilled an additional time (spirit run) to become a new make whisky.
Aging
Distillery Visits
Distillation
All our whisky are aged in new Lebanese oak, and some receive special finishing in different types of wood.
The Whisky
Distillery Visits
Distillery Visits
Our first batch release is a limited to 150 bottles that have to be reserved prior to purchase. The are at cask strength, un-colored and un-chill filtered. The whisky has a deep amber color with rich Empyreumatic aromas.
Distillery Visits
Distillery Visits
Distillery Visits
Our distillery is open for visitors. you can request an appointment to taste our whisky or reserve your bottle.
current release - cedarwood finish
Double Aged
This release of Athyr is double aged, it was first aged in Lebanese Oak then finished for a full year in cedar wood.
A Limited Release Bottled at Cask Strength
Cedarwood finish is bottled at cask strength of 56.5% and limited
to 200 serial numbered bottles.
Tasting Notes
The first maturation of Lebanese oak contributes notes of black forest honey, figs and roasted coffee, whereas the second maturation adds layers of baking spices like pine, licorice root, nutmeg and cinnamon, while evolving the mouth feel with the cedar wood’s rich oily esters which are visible as the whisky turns opalescent when watered down.
previous Release - Overture
ATHYR Overture
Athyr, coming from the profound Arabic word “أثير ”, is bottled liquid elegance. Just as in Arabic, Athyr is the premium elite, the other-worldly, and the shine of the unsheathed sword. Athyr is the first Lebanese single malt whisky, brought to life from the spring water of “Ain Smaydieh” in the Lebanese village of Khenchara. The toasted Lebanese oak harvested from the village itself houses Athyr to conceive its unique flavor and contribute to its elaborate character.
A release limited to 600 bottles
Overture is composed of serial numbered bottles ranging from 1 to 600,
bottled at 45% a.b.v. un-chill-filtered and un-colored.
Overture's Profile
As part of the Lebanese Oak Series, Overture is a smooth shade of Athyr. Like the opening of an orchestral symphony, sway your senses with Overture‘s deep amber color and its fragrant Empyreumatic notes. Savor a delicate tune on your palate, twirling to the melodic hint of molasses and yellow fruits. Nourish your soul with Overture’s earthy finish, composed for excellence.