Paul Kushner
Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain. It is known for its spicy and robust flavor profile, which sets it apart from other types of whiskey. Rye whiskey has a long and storied history in the United States, where it was a popular spirit during the pre-Prohibition era and has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
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If you enjoy exploring new spirits and trying out different cocktail recipes, then rye whiskey is definitely worth trying. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular ingredient in a variety of classic cocktails, as well as more modern creations. Whether you’re looking to sip a fine rye whiskey neat or mix up a spicy Manhattan, rye whiskey offers a delicious and versatile drinking experience. So whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just looking to expand your palate, rye whiskey is definitely worth exploring.
WhistlePig 10 Year Straight Rye
A small batch spirit, WhistlePig 10 Year Straight Rye, has been aged for ten years for an intensely spicy whiskey. Vanilla and caramel notes characterize the palate’s first taste, followed by mint and rye flavors. WhistlePig has a lingering finish where you can experience the sweet hints of butterscotch and caramel.
Michter’s US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye
Michter’s US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye bottles their whiskey in limited quantities using the single barrel method. Each bottle comes from one fire-charred oak barrel, so expect variance if you become a repeat customer. Tasting notes from this rye whiskey include pepper, citrus, and butterscotch. While this rye whiskey goes great in cocktails, you’ll want to try this one neat to sample the full flavor of this spirit.
Old Overholt Rye
An established brand, Old Overholt Rye is a straight rye whiskey aged for around three years. The resulting spirit takes on a golden color and an expressive nose with graham cracker and citrus notes. The taste of this whiskey is subtle, with only hints of cinnamon and orange. Old Overholt’s flavors carry through the short finish of this rye whiskey.
Pikesville Straight Rye
A 110-proof example of the best rye whiskey from Maryland, Pikesville Straight Rye, has been in production since the 1890s. Though production ceased during prohibition, the makers started providing this aged spirit again when it ended. A spicy and dry rye whiskey, Pikesville Straight Rye showcases flavors of honey and cloves.
Redemption Rye
Redemption Rye revives the old way of making pre-prohibition rye whiskey. This spicy spirit uses 95% rye in its grain mash, making an award-winning spirit rounded out by malted barley. The resulting whiskey has a complex flavor profile with floral and citrus notes paired with strong black pepper. Redemption Rye ends with an intriguing minty finish.
Sagamore Spirit Signature Rye Whiskey
A blended liquor, Sagamore Spirit Signature Rye Whiskey, uses two whiskies in its composition. The first, with a high rye content, lends spiciness with notes of clove and cinnamon. The second spirit in this blend is a low-rye variety bringing in sweeter tones of caramel and citrus. Aged between four to six years, this whiskey has a brown sugar finish.
Rittenhouse Rye
Rittenhouse Rye has a darker color than some of the other whiskies on this list. The mahogany color indicates this rye whiskey’s rich, almost chocolatey flavor. Other flavors on the palate include citrus and nutmeg. Rittenhouse Rye has a lingering finish with a spicy taste and a hint of maple.
Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
A spirit hailing from New Orleans, Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey launched America’s first branded cocktail. The “Sazerac” pairs the whiskey with Peychaud’s Bitters, highlighting the subtle candied citrus notes of the spirit. The rye whiskey has a smooth, lasting finish with hints of licorice. An exceptional aroma of sweet vanilla also characterizes this liquor.
Templeton Rye
Templeton Rye is a six-year-aged whiskey with a complex collection of flavors. The aroma is also intriguing, with notes of flowers, spice, and green apples. You’ll also find the fruity notes in the spirit’s taste paired with smokey oak. A smooth and mellow rye whiskey, Templeton Rye is an award winner, including the 2021 Iowa Distillery of the Year.
Alberta Premium Rye Whiskey
A Canadian product, Alberta Premium Rye Whiskey, has a pleasant golden color with amber tones. A 100% rye mash from locally sourced grain, this whiskey’s aroma is one of buttered toffee and bananas. This whiskey tastes mellow but spicey with smokey notes and a vanilla finish. Bold flavors in this spirit make it a favorite for drinking neat.
Elijag Craig Straight Rye Whiskey
Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey adds a robust flavor to its whiskey from a mixed grain mash. Corn and barley are used in addition to rye, creating a rich flavor profile of baking spices, honey, and oak. Characterized by a long and lingering finish, this rye whiskey also boasts a smokey aroma reminiscent of dark chocolate.
High West Double Rye Whiskey
Another example of a blended whiskey, High West Double Rye Whiskey, uses two rye whiskies created using different distilling processes. An herbaceous botanical flavor paired with layers of spice makes up this spirit’s flavor profile, with juniper and mint notes.
Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Whiskey
Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Whiskey is another blended spirit with an added twist. In addition to two rye whiskies, this blend uses a small amount of port. The fortified wine adds red undertones to the liquor’s golden color and a berry aroma. Fruity and spice with oaky notes make up the flavor profile of this whiskey.
Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Named the World’s Best Rye in the 2016 Spirits Competition, Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey produces this liquor with a beautiful golden amber color. This small batch variety is 100-proof and has all the bold spice flavors you want from a rye whiskey. Vanilla and oak undertones bring balance to the otherwise spicy spirit.
Laws San Luis Valley Straight Rye
Law San Luis Valley Straight Rye uses 100% heirloom rye grown in Colorado at 8,000 feet above sea level. These specific growing conditions coax out terrific flavor from the grain, resulting in a spirit with peppercorn and black tea tastes. Other notes include orange peel and salted toffee, creating a complex whiskey with a sharp finish.
New York Distilling Ragtime Rye
New York Distilling Ragtime Rye starts with grains grown in New York State. After barrel aging, the spirit has a rich nose with nutty tones and spice. The taste of this rye whiskey starts with a vegetable flavor of peppers, creating an earthy palette with chocolate undertones. This balanced whiskey also has a deep amber color.
New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
An example of the best rye whiskey, New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, uses a 100% grain mash with a twist. While the only grain used is rye, 5% of the mash is malted, resulting in a spicy, rich whiskey with a bold mouthfeel. Other notes of caramel and toasted oak are also present. Expect a robust finish with a touch of vanilla from this spirit.
Woodfoord Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey boasts a complex nose with tones of black pepper, cedar wood, fall fruits, and spicy rye. The spirit’s rich honey color makes this rye whiskey look as appealing as it tastes. Flavors like mint, molasses, and apple make up the palate of this rye whiskey.
Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
A product from one of the most well-known whiskey brands, Wild Turkey 101 Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, has a signature spiced smoke finish. This warming spirit tastes smoky throughout, adding a layer of flavor on top of the spice. Wild Turkey ages its liquor for at least four years, creating a bright amber coloration.
Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye
Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye uses a unique 18-month aging process in Caribbean rum casks to create a whiskey different from any other. You’ll notice flavors of sweet rum in this whiskey with soft oak notes. The finish is sweeter than other spicier rye whiskies but ends quickly, inviting you to take another sip.
