Rye : Always Makes More

Rye grains impart what you know as a fruity or spicy flavor to the whiskey. Bourbon is noticeably sweeter especially when distilled from at least 51 percent corn. It also tends to be more full-bodied in comparison to rye whiskey.

Rye whiskey is required to be made from at least 51 percent rye grain mash bill. It must additionally be bottled at a minimum of 40 percent ABV. However, rye whiskey is not as popular among whiskey lovers as other whiskeys are. Nevertheless, rye whiskey makes a wonderful addition to cocktails as these drinks profoundly benefit from the subtly spicy flavor profile of rye whiskey.

Canadian rye whiskey however does not hold the same standards. A bottle of Canadian rye whiskey need not contain a major portion of the rye mash bill. Moreover, in quite a few instances, you may also find that rye whiskeys in Canada do not even incorporate rye at all.

Minor Case Rye Whiskey

Roots boasted by Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey are nearly as deep as the history of rye whiskey itself. M.C. Beam, the master distiller began distilling rye whiskey in the late 1870s. He saw success in the spirit until Prohibition stifled the industry. Otherwise, the mature Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey would have been quite similar to the elixir we bottle today. What was served in the 19th century could be just as good as it is today.

With 90 Proof or 45 percent ABV, Minor Case Rye Whiskey is finished in sherry casks to provide a remarkable flavor. This sets it apart from other rye whiskeys available in the market. This Straight Rye Whiskey offers earthy notes on the nose alongside a hint of sweet butterscotch on the palate. The finish of this rye spirit is smooth along with hints of dried fruits.

13 Best Rye Whiskey Brands for Beginners

Bold and spicy, rye whiskey has been an essential part of the spirit history of America. Therefore, this whiskey has increasingly become more popular for both; people who prefer whiskey straight, and those who like cocktails. 

This region has always been a very rye-focused culture historically. However, it was easier to distill with corn and barley malt in most of the United States. Rye, on the flip side, was also harder to grow in the soil. Moreover, it tended to have more spice when compared to sweet corn.

Nevertheless, rye was popular in the United States during the 1940s and ‘50s. But then it went through a slump until the early 2010s. Subsequently, the demand grew once again.

As of now, there are quite a lot of good rye whiskeys available on the market. Some of these are specifically crafted for sipping straight. Then there are others that efficiently punch through the cocktails. The question with rye whiskey is not just of aroma and flavor, but the body and heat of the spirit as well. Any noted bartender across the world will agree with this fact.

Here are some of the best rye whiskeys to savor this year. Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Whiskey with rare flavors happens to be the winner on our list. This is what our experts have in mind. Go on to find the best bottles of rye to enjoy and mix around with.

• Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Finish: With 50 percent ABV, this is the best cask-finished rye whiskey coming from the Kentucky region of the United States. The Angel’s Envy portrays tasting notes of caramel, mint, and orange. This distillery specializes in cask-finished spirits. It utilizes used barrels from the Caribbean for its rye whiskey.  The distilled spirit spends almost 18 months within these barrels. Eventually, the liquor soaks up color and flavor from the container. That finish of this rye whiskey brings out delicious tropical notes while holding on to the elegant spiciness of the rye. This spirit from the distillery is a favorite of whiskey lovers from all around the world.
• Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof: With 50 percent ABV, this is the best rye whiskey available under the $50 price tag. The Balcones Rye 100 Proof comes from Texas along with tasting notes of cocoa, espresso, and pepper of the regional soil. However, you don’t have to move to Texas to be a fan of this spirit! This rye whiskey available worldwide is rich, chocolatey, and spicy along with notes of pepper and tobacco. It is just the kind of spirit you would love to have with a few ice cubes. The Balcones distillery is located in Waco. It makes this young whiskey with a mash bill of 100 percent rye. These include crystal, chocolatey, and roasted rye varieties of grains along with Elbon Rye cultivated in the north of Texas.

• Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey: This best overall rye whiskey comes bottled at 40 percent ABV. The Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey comes with tasting notes of dried fruit, molasses, and spice. This rich and unique rye whiskey is actually a blend of Canadian rye and Kentucky rye. The Alberta-based Basil Hayden distillery produces the whiskey, which subsequently gets a touch of maturing within used port casks in California. This is where the spirit acquires undertones of dark fruit flavors. This rye is a typical spirit. But it is great for sipping neat and goes well with cocktails like a Boulevardier or a Manhattan. The bottling however still harbors the spicy rye signature. Whether you are new to rye, seasoned, or looking to extend, consider this rye whiskey although it leans more into the holiday spice category than black pepper.

• High West Double Rye Whiskey: With 46 percent ABV, this is the second-best overall rye whiskey. The High West Double Rye Whiskey comes from Utah and Indiana along with tasting notes of honey, menthol, and spice. The High West ski-in distillery is in Utah. The Double Rye a great option for loyal rye aficionados as the bottling is heavy on the spice. It makes an excellent choice for heat-seekers. The Double Rye Whiskey is a blend of two different selections of rye whiskeys. One is a younger spirit and the other an older spirit. However, both are aged for two years at least. This design is meant to ensure that the whiskey is twice as spicy as an average rye. You can mix this spirit with classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned. Or savor it in a drink that calls for an amaro. If not just sip it straight with a splash of water. This will help you tame the heat.

• Lock Stock & Barrel 16 Year: This best splurge rye whiskey with 53.6 ABV comes from Canada. The Lock, Stock & Barrel 16 Year portrays tasting notes of honey, plum, and vanilla. This high-proof rye whiskey was made by the late Robert J. Cooper who also happens to be the creator of the St-Germain. This rye whiskey is definitely a collector’s item even if it is not so easy to drink. Made from 100 percent rye, only 3,000 cases of 107-proof of this spirit were aged in charred American oak barrels for 16 years. As a result, this whiskey is delightfully spicy and yet easy to go through. The spirit is well balanced by a touch of honey and notes of stone fruit. The high proof content of alcohol means that the spirit is great for mixing into cocktails along with other robustly flavored ingredients. However, you should also have it straight to welcome the well-balanced flavors. And to enjoy the cheek-warming heat as well.

• Lot 40 Canadian Rye Whisky: With 43 percent ABV, this is the best Canadian rye whiskey. The Lot 40 Canadian comes along with tasting notes of oak, spice, and vanilla. This 100-percent rye became a precious collectible prized by fans when it was briefly discontinued in the early 2000s. However, it made a good comeback in 2012. Relaunched by Pernod-Ricard, this dry and powerful rye whiskey with notes of fresh-baked bread and plenty of zesty spice goes great in a Maple Old Fashioned. And as per its Canadian heritage, this spirit is just as delectable when poured over ice. Add a touch of chill and dilution to bring out more fruitier notes of the whisky. This will also temper its bold and big-bodied influence.

• Nashville Barrel Company Small Batch Rye: With 50 percent ABV, this is the best new brand of rye whiskey. This rye spirit coming from the Indiana and Tennessee regions portrays tasting notes of caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla. The barrels used for aging this rye whiskey are mainly sourced through MGP in Indiana. It is however the new Nashville brand from Tennessee that blends them together. The second batch of this rye, however, is more popular. It is a favorite of Mike Vacheresse of Travel Bar in Brooklyn according to whom a blend of four and eight-year-old MGP whiskey is a pleasant sipping rye. He also recommends picking up any Nashville Barrel Company single-barrel rye whiskeys.

• Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey: With 40 percent ABV, this is the best rye whiskey from Kentucky under the $25 price tag. The Old Overholt Straight comes with tasting notes of cinnamon, orange, and vanilla. This spirit is a favorite of bartenders and budget-conscious whiskey drinkers. However, this rye has stood over the test of time. Moreover, the Old Overholt brand boasts that it was the most popular spirit in the United States ever since Prohibition was lifted. This spirit begins with a cereal sweetness. It comes with a touch of vanilla. Before finishing with a refreshing hit of white pepper. This rye often forms into the stiffer half of a Boilermaker. It can also be delightfully mixed into a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.

• Redemption Rye: This rye whiskey from Indiana with 46 percent ABV is the best for Manhattans. With 95 percent rye grain, the Redemption Rye goes a bit further to create exemplary tasting notes of citrus, floral, and mint. This rye is one of the most outstanding spirits. It is ideal for engaging with your social drinks. Moreover, this whiskey is perfect for rye purists as well, although it happens to make a terrific Manhattan. The spice and malty quality of the grain effectively comes through because of the heavy rye content. It balances out the fruity sweet vermouth in the cocktail while the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the spirit play off the bitters. And if you are keen on the punch, you can have this rye straight at 92 proof.

• Rittenhouse Straight Rye: With 50 percent ABV, this rye whiskey is the best bottled-in-bond spirit. The Rittenhouse Straight Rye comes from the Kentucky region of the United States. It features tasting notes of baking spice, citrus, and vanilla. The bottled-in-bond label on the bottle means that the spirit follows the regulations put in place by the 1897 legal act. This honor accords that these whiskeys are 100 proof, originating from a single distillery within the United States. Then these spirits are required to be aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse. Rittenhouse follows the law in letter and spirit. The high-quality and spicy spirit endorses that. This rye is the one that bartenders turn to from time to time. It is their go-to back bar rye that is affordable as well. You would love to shake it into both conventional and modern cocktails that stand up well to citrus. Some experts also hold up this spirit as an exemplary rye overall. It is consistently their first grab; which is cost-effective and mixes well with all types of drinks.

• Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: With 52 percent ABV, this rye whiskey from Kentucky is best for sipping. The Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel features tasting notes of nutmeg, oak, and vanilla. You would love this rye whiskey created by Eddie Russell. Despite being disliked by his father Jimmy, who has been distilling and blending Wild Turkey for over 60 years. You would rather thank Eddie for rebelling against his father and creating this excellent single-barrel rye. This spirit at 104 proof packs some heat. Nevertheless, it is the essence of rye it tries to bring out. Moreover, you will get the intensity of the vanilla when you pour it straight. This comes because of the time this rye spent in oak barrels. The earthy, smoky flavors and swell dry finish of this whiskey are a delight. Or simply stir this rye into a Boulevardier to make the most of an evening.

• Sazerac Rye: With 45 percent ABV, this rye is the best of the land from the Kentucky region. The Sazerac Rye comes with tasting notes of candied spice, citrus, and vanilla. First of all, this rye whiskey is the best pick for Sazeracs. It is packed with tasting notes of baking spices, lemon zest, and orange along with a hint of vanilla. Moreover, this rye is bright and vibrant to harmonize beautifully with classic cocktails like New Orleans.  It effectively sinks in with absinthe and Peychaud’s bitters. Additionally, it can handle a little dilution from some ice as well. However, do not forget to garnish with lemon zest, whenever you are using Sazerac. This will bring out more notes of candied citrus in the drink while mixing everything.

• WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye: Coming from Vermont with 48.28 percent ABV, this is the best value-added Canadian rye whiskey. The WhistlePig PiggyBack rye from the border comes with tasting notes of cardamom, cocoa, and leather. This brand is also well-known for releasing some of the most expensive rye whiskeys. However, this distillery launched this low-priced six-year-old rye a few years ago. It is a good bottle providing abundant flavor and a higher ABV for the price you pay. This 100 percent rye whiskey aged for six years also works well in cocktails. The PiggyBack whiskey has a bit of heat. But nothing really hangs around for long. The prominent flavors you derive from this rye are baking spices and cardamom along with citrusy hints of grapefruit and orange. PiggyBack goes great on a large cube of ice. It can also be savored neat with a few drops of water. This spirit also makes a great Boulevardier. The citrus flavoring in the whiskey pairs perfectly well with Campari.

The Last Word

Basil Hayden Dark Rye, beyond doubt, is the best overall rye whiskey to try. This spirit is an interesting blend of Canadian and Kentucky whiskey fortified with some port wine. The High West’s Double Rye is a close second. It is a product of traditional rye that is essentially made up of a blend of whiskey distilled at High West and MGP in Indiana.

Best Rye Whisky Cocktails For All

The classic rye whiskey enfolds the peppery and spicy bite of the grain. This spirit is a stark contrast to the sweet bourbon and mellow Irish whiskey. Although rye packs a punch when sipped neat, it is equally great when mixed into cocktails. Of course, there are numerous ways to accompany its bold flavor.

Here are some of the best rye whiskey cocktails you can try in 2024. Check out how rye blends with classics like the Manhattan. Or go with the modern spins and forgotten classics. You can even start with the Ward 8. It is such a balanced and refreshing drink to begin with.

• Brooklyn Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Amer Picon or any other herbal
• Citrusy amaro
• Dry vermouth
• Maraschino liqueur

You must try this unique spin if you like The Manhattan! The Brooklyn cocktail mixes maraschino liqueur and dry vermouth. Rye whiskey adds intrigue and rounds out the flavor profile in this sophisticated whiskey drink. The recipe for this drink was first printed in 1908. 

• La Louisiane Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Absinthe
• Benedictine
• Peychaud’s bitters
• Sweet vermouth

This rye whiskey cocktail is for you! It is a lot like a Sazerac or even better. The La Louisiane is a unique drink in its class that was first mixed in the 1800s. However, most people have never heard of it. 

• Manhattan Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Bitters
• Sweet vermouth

This is one of the most famous rye whiskey cocktails. The Manhattan is a 3-ingredient drink coming all the way from the 1870s. It delivers hints of pepper and spice on flavor that comes from the whiskey, alongside herby nuances from the bitters and sweet tanginess from the vermouth. 

• Old Pal Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Campari
• Dry vermouth

This one is a crisp, punchy three-ingredient rye whiskey cocktail. The Old Pal is a complex but spirit-forward drink. It is perfect especially when you love dry cocktails like a Manhattan or a Negroni. The spirit mixes very well with bitter Campari and dry vermouth. It is a dry, bitter, and spicy rye whiskey drink rolled in one. 

• Sazerac Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Absinthe
• Cognac
• Peychaud’s bitters
• Sugar cube

This boozy classic rye whiskey cocktail was invented in New Orleans during the mid-1800s. The Sazerac, beyond doubt, is one of the best cocktails. Interestingly it has got a surprise element as absinthe in the drink gives a black licorice finish to each sip. The Sazerac as of now is also the official drink of the city.

• Toronto Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Angostura bitters
• Fernet Branca
• Simple syrup

This one is a fancy spin on the Old Fashioned. The Toronto cocktail featuring Fernet Branca and rye whiskey was first introduced in the 1920s. It is an alcohol-forward sophisticated but complex drink with a rich flavor. The earthiness of the rye whiskey in the drink is well balanced with the indirect bitterness of the Angostura and Fernet Branca.

• Trinidad Sour

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Angostura bitters
• Lemon juice
• Orgeat syrup

This surprising rye whiskey cocktail features an unprecedented amount of Angostura bitters. The Trinidad Sour was first created in 2009 by New York City bartender Giuseppe Gonzalez. The modern version of this vintage cocktail goes big on bitters. However, it adds the almond and citrusy notes of orgeat syrup along with that of fresh lemon and spicy rye whiskey. This whiskey-based cocktail is truly revealing.

• Vieux Carre

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Angostura bitters
• Benedictine
• Cognac
• Peychaud bitters
• Sweet red vermouth

This strong alcohol-forward rye whiskey cocktail is made with not one but two types of bitters. You would love the Vieux Carre if you like a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. This exclusive classic whiskey-based drink comes from New Orleans. In French Vieux Carre translates to ‘Old Square’.

• Ward 8 Cocktail

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Grenadine
• Lemon juice
• Orange juice

Starring rye whiskey this classic cocktail flies under the radar. The Ward 8 was invented in 1898 in Boston. However, this take on the Whiskey Sour needs encouragement. However, this whiskey-based drink is perfectly balanced and tart. The spirit mixes well with orange juice and grenadine for color and sweetness. Overall, it makes a deliciously beguiling cocktail drink.

• Whiskey Ginger

Ingredients

• Rye whiskey
• Ginger ale

Ginger ale and rye whiskey pair perfectly well in this refreshing cocktail. The spicy notes of the spirit subtly meld into the sweet and bubbly notes of the brew. All you need is to add a big ice cube and a squeeze of lime to get going.

Rye Whiskey Vs. Bourbon

Here are the main differences between rye whiskey and bourbon and where Tennessee whiskey fits in the comparison. Newcomers to whiskey are bound to wonder what distinguishes them. The two spirits most often smell and taste quite similar. Moreover, they can interchangeably also be used in many cocktails. And to top it all, they are impossible to tell apart on sight alone. 

However, there are significant differences between the two that impact their flavor profile. Ultimately, it is the drinker who decides how they want to enjoy them. That is why you need to know about the differences and similarities between the two major American whiskey styles.

Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey, as such, can be made anywhere in the world. But it must adhere to certain rules to be labeled as rye whiskey in the United States. 

Firstly it must be made from a fermented mash of at least 51 percent rye grain. The rest of the 49 percent can include other cereal grains. However, rye whiskey must be distilled to no more than 80 percent ABV.

Before entering the barrel for maturing, rye whiskey must be proofed down to no more than 62.5 percent ABV. Rye whiskey must also be matured in new charred oak barrels. Lastly, it should be bottled at a minimum of 40 percent ABV.

Bourbon

Contrary to what whiskey-tasting experts may tell you, it is not legally required that bourbon should be made in Kentucky alone. Bourbon can be made anywhere within the United States, including territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands.

However, bourbon must be made from a fermented mash. This means cooked grains mixed along with yeast, which consists of at least 51 percent corn. Then the rest of the mash can be any other type of cereal grain. Some combinations of bourbon include malted barley, rye, and/or wheat.

Nevertheless, like rye whiskey, bourbon must also be distilled to no more than 80 percent ABV, and subsequently diluted with water to enter the barrel at no more than 62.5 percent ABV. 

Similarly, bourbon has to be aged in new charred-oak containers. However, there is no minimum aging requirement as such. The spirit can be in there for a day or two, or for months. The spirit must then be there at least for two years, to be labeled ‘Straight’ bourbon. And then, the label must also state its age if it is less than four years.

Lastly, bourbon must also be bottled at a minimum of 40 percent ABV. However, in export markets like Australia, you can find bourbon at lower proof. This is mainly for reasons relating to taxation.

 Similarities Between Rye Whiskey And Bourbon

Rye whiskey and bourbon commonly share quite a few aspects. Like maximum distillation proof and aging of the spirit in new charred oak barrels. Both these whiskeys are normally made in column stills. This is not a specific requirement as such.

Several bourbon brands, like Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve also have a rye-whiskey relative that is made at the same distillery. But the Bulleit rye whiskey comes from MGP Distillery in Indiana. Nevertheless, the bourbon from the same brand is then made in Kentucky.

Additionally, rye whiskey and bourbon can taste quite similar. This depends upon the recipes they occupy. Especially when you compare a rye whiskey with a 49 percent corn mash bill to a similarly aged bourbon with a 49 percent rye mash bill. You are bound to find that the two spirits are almost identical in terms of flavor.

Differences Between Rye Whiskey And Bourbon

Nonetheless, bourbon can only be made within the United States. Rye whiskey on the contrary can, and does come from all over the world. Including the likes of Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Nothing but water can be added to bourbon. Irrespective of whether it is labeled ‘Straight’ or not. But the rules are a little bit different for rye whiskey. Although ‘Straight’ rye whiskey cannot have any additives. However, it is normally a blend of straight ryes. Otherwise, rye whiskeys are allowed to take harmless coloring, flavoring, or blending inputs up to 2.5 percent of the total volume. Moreover, these additives are not required to be disclosed. It is therefore almost impossible to tell which rye whiskey has them. Templeton Rye is perhaps a good and well-known example. 

Bourbon however tends to be sweeter than rye whiskey flavor-wise. It has a distinct oily mouthfeel due to its high corn content. Moreover, common flavor notes in bourbon include caramel, chocolate, dark fruit, mild spice, nuts, oak, and vanilla. 

The flavor profile of rye whiskey can considerably vary. It normally depends upon the overall rye content of the mash bill. A minimum of 51 percent rye, traditionally adopted by the big Kentucky distilleries, means that the spirit will taste almost similar to bourbon. 

But the 100 percent rye style that comes from Canada typically portrays herbal notes alongside a rich spicy flavor profile. This is further enhanced by oak and vanilla flavors derived from barrel aging. 

About Tennessee Whiskey

This spirit is yet another type of bourbon. Tennessee whiskey adheres to all the requirements of bourbon but includes an added step of having to be filtered through sugar-maple charcoal prior to barreling. And of course, this American whiskey is required to be made and aged in Tennessee. 

Which Type of Whiskey to Use and When?

The Old Fashioned is one of the most well-known whiskey cocktails that can be made with either bourbon, rye whiskey, or Tennessee whiskey. The Manhattan is yet another one. However, the choice of the spirit will depend upon the preference of the drinker. Then the Boulevardier, the Hot Toddy, the Old Pal, and the Whiskey Sour cocktails can delightfully include rye whiskey.

However, some cocktails specifically call for one or the other. Mint Julep is a good example. It is always made with bourbon. Nevertheless, the Sazerac is strictly rye-based unless you prefer the old school which only uses cognac. 

Keep in mind that rye whiskey generally makes a drier cocktail while choosing the spirit to be included in the drink. The oily mouthfeel of bourbon, on the other hand, can enhance the body of the cocktail. However, make sure that the proof of the whiskey is appropriate regardless of the spirit you choose. Stronger whiskeys will overpower the rest of the ingredients of the cocktail and 40 percent ABV spirits can get lost. You are better off hitting the middle-of-the-road mark and choosing whiskeys ranging between 43 percent to 46 percent ABV for most cocktails.

FAQs

What makes rye whiskey?

To be legal, rye whiskey in the United States has to have at least 51 percent of rye grain in its mash bill. A combination of corn and malted barley usually goes as other grains in the spirit. Nonetheless, rye whiskey mash can include other grain types as well. However, rye whiskey in the United States is required to be aged in new charred oak barrels only.

How does rye whiskey differ from other types of whiskey?

Rye whiskey beyond doubt brings spicy notes to the palate. This aspect is not always present in bourbon or other types of whiskeys. When it comes to rye, you can think of baking spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. They make rye whiskey a unique choice to be used in cocktails. Especially the drinks having a bit of sweetness to counterbalance the tone of rye.

 What is the best way to savor rye whiskey?

Try sipping rye whiskey neat to begin with. Then discover the flavors of the spirit. Moreover, rye whiskey is also meant to be used in cocktails. Rye whiskey effectively enhances the spirit of an Old Pal or a Manhattan.