byAndré Radford
This article containsaffiliate linkswhich allows us to earn a small commission on purchases made through the links (at no additional cost to you). We appreciate your support!
Every aspiring whiskey connoisseur should have at least one bottle of American rye whiskey in their pantry. The best American rye whiskeys are naturally spicier than their non-rye whiskey cousins, contributing flavors of black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and even smoke.
Index
- What is rye whiskey?
- whisky normal vs whisky de centeno
- The 7 Best American Rye Whiskeys
- 1. Whisky de centeno Rittenhouse
- 2. Look for Balcones Texas Rye 100
- 3. Few rye whiskey
- 4. Whiskey de centeno Jim Beam
- 5. Pikesville 6 Year Old Rye Whiskey
- 6. Sagamore Double Oak Rye Whiskey
- 7. WhistlePig 12 Year Old Rye Whiskey
- Andrew's Best Choice
- WhistlePig 12 Year Old Rye Whiskey
- conclusion
- Other reading
What is rye whiskey?
A whiskey must meet a list ofstringent government requirementsbe labeled as rye whiskey. The grain mix for the wort must contain a minimum of 51% rye (a type of grass) produced at a maximum of 80% ABV. Finally, it must be stored at no more than 62.5% ABV in charred oak barrels or casks.
whisky normal vs whisky de centeno
Regular whiskey can be made with corn, wheat, barley, or a combination of grains. This allows the distillery to have a wide variety of flavors and aromas. However, rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye (a type of grass), which gives rye whiskey its uniquely spicy flavor profile.
The 7 Best American Rye Whiskeys
The best American rye whiskeys are bursting with the spicy flavors of pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon and a hint of smokiness. Here are 7 to consider.
1. Whisky de centeno Rittenhouse
Overview
- Distiller:Hill of Heaven Distillery
- ABV:50% (100 tests)
- Country:Kentucky, United States
- Heart:Mahogany
Analysis
Founded in 1935 by the Shapira family,Hill of Heaven DistilleryHe's had his fair share of bad luck over the years. On November 7, 1996, the distillery was struck by lightning and burned down, destroying property and 92,000 barrels of whiskey. Since then the distillery has moved on and has continued to distill its famous rye whiskey.
A wort made up of 52% rye, 35% corn and 13% malt can ferment for up to five days (fuente🇧🇷 The wort is then passed through 70 foot tall beer columns before being distilled a second time. The rye whiskey is then placed in charred American oak barrels and matured for four years.
not nose
A bouquet of sweet caramel, peach and white pepper.
not palate
Blackberry and vanilla with a hint of nutmeg leading to a smooth, fruity finish with a hint of maple spice and cocoa. I liked the lingering ending.
best served
Rittenhouse Rye whiskey is best enjoyed on the rocks or in a flavorfulcoctel manhattan.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
2. Look for Balcones Texas Rye 100
Overview
- Distiller:balconies
- ABV:50% (100 tests)
- Country:Texas, United States
- Heart:Dark brown
Analysis
distillery balconieswas launched in a small weld shop in Waco, Texas in 2008. They imported copper stills from Portugal and turned the small weld shop into a mini distillery. In 2009, Balcones distilled its first batch of rye whiskey.
Balcones uses a minimum of four types of rye for its must; Elbon, chocolate, roasted and crystal rye. The must is distilled in copper stills and the whiskey is vatted. The whiskey is aged for 18 months before being bottled at 100 proof.
not nose
Dark chocolate, caramel and black pepper on the nose.
not palate
Rich chocolate and caramel flavor, with subtle hints of oak, coffee and pepper on the mid palate. The finish is smooth with hints of chocolate and nuts.
best served
Balcones Texas Rye 100 Whiskey is best enjoyed neat or as a traditional chocolate.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
3. Few rye whiskey
Overview
- Distiller:FEW spirits
- ABV:46.5% (93 tests)
- Country:Illinois, United States
- Heart:Amber
Analysis
Started by Paul Hletko in 1933 at a breakers shop in Evanston, Illinois,SOMEhe decided to make rye whiskey that would rival Kentucky whiskeys. The distillery is named after temperance activist Frances Elizabeth Willard.
FEW Rye Whiskey is made from a blend of 70% rye, 20% corn, and 10% malted barley. This wort is similar to the production of the Saison beer and is distilled and poured into new charred oak barrels, aged for a minimum of one year before bottling.
not nose
Sweet vanilla, cinnamon and oak on the nose with hints of orange zest and black pepper.
not palate
Spiced honey, smoky rye grains and oak on the palate with a hint of black pepper.
best served
FEW Rye whiskey is best served neat on the rocks, or consider trying it in a tastyBOLD FEWcocktail.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
4. Whiskey de centeno Jim Beam
Overview
- Distiller:haz you guys
- ABV:40% (80 tests)
- Country:Kentucky, United States
- Heart:dark amber
Analysis
Made with an old family recipe,haz you guyshe decided to bring back a pre-prohibition flavor with his rye whiskey. The whiskey met the exacting standards that have governed whiskey production for nearly 200 years.
Jim Beam Rye Whiskey is made from a mash containing a minimum of 51% rye and barley. The mash bead is allowed to ferment into a "distilled ale" before being distilled through a 65 foot column. The whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels for four years.
Look at my article,7 whiskies Jim Beam elaborados con Kentucky Magic, if you like to know the brand in depth.
not nose
Aromas of rich fruit, orange zest and black pepper.
not palate
A distinctive vanilla sweetness on the palate, spiced with black pepper, rye grains, oak and a subtle hint of citrus zest.
best served
Personally, I prefer my Jim Beam Rye whiskey neat, but you can try it in a Rye Orleans or Old Fashioned cocktail.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
5. Pikesville 6 Year Old Rye Whiskey
Overview
- Distiller:Hill of Heaven Distillery
- ABV:55% (110 tests)
- Country:Kentucky, United States
- Heart:Mahogany
Analysis
Pikesville rye whiskey was first produced in Maryland in the pre-Prohibition era. DespitePikesvillestarted distilling after prohibition ended, he moved to Kentucky, making whiskey the traditional way.
A wort made up of 51% rye, 39% corn and 13% malted barley is fermented before passing through a 21 meter high column. The rye whiskey is then placed in virgin American white oak barrels, aged for six years, and bottled at 110 proof.
not nose
Caramel, cocoa, smoked in oak with a hint of pepper.
not palate
Bittersweet dark chocolate, honey and cloves with earthy grains on the mid palate. A smooth vanilla finish with a hint of lingering spice.
best served
Pikesville 6 Year Old Rye Whiskey can be enjoyed neat on the rocks or in an Old Pal cocktail.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
6. Sagamore Double Oak Rye Whiskey
Overview
- Distiller:spirit of sagamore
- ABV:48.3% (96.6 tests)
- Country:Maryland, United States
- Heart:rich amber
Analysis
spirit of sagamoreis proud to use only Maryland-grown rye for its whiskeys. They have built a great relationship with the local farmers who supply all the ingredients necessary to produce their award winning rye whisky.
A wort consisting of 95% rye and 5% barley is fermented and distilled in a 40 foot tall copper "alembic" column. The distillate is placed in new charred American oak barrels for 4 to 5 years, then placed in toasted wooden barrels for another 18 months.
not nose
Cinnamon, vanilla and dried fruit on the nose with a hint of fresh nuts.
not palate
Caramel and hazelnut on the palate with notes of cinnamon, walnuts and burnt coconut.
best served
Sagamore Double Oak Rye Whiskey is best served neat or as aCidra Sagamore, with sweet apple cider, lime juice, simple syrup and a cinnamon stick garnished with an apple slice.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
7. WhistlePig 12 Year Old Rye Whiskey
Overview
- Distiller:Distillaria Whistle Pig
- ABV:43% (86 tests)
- Country:Vermont, United States
- Heart:rich amber
Analysis
In 2007, a group of rye whiskey enthusiasts bought a dairy farm in Vermont and turned it into a distillery. Master Distiller Dave Pickerell joined the team onwhistlepig, and together they created a rye whiskey with a truly unique taste.
Rye Whiskey is made from a blend of 79% rye, 15% malted rye and 6% barley. The must is distilled in a copper still and aged in three different barrels. 63% of the distilled whiskey is placed in Madeira barrels, 30% in Sauternes barrels and 7% in Port barrels and is aged for 12 years.
Before bottling, the three whiskeys are perfectly blended to produce WhistlePig 12-Year Old World Rye Whiskey.
not nose
Nuts, caramel and sweet vanilla on the nose.
not palate
Ripe apricot, dark raisins, plum and honey on the palate with delicate spicy notes. The finish is ultra-smooth and I love the rich fruit, dark chocolate, and vanilla.
best served
WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye Whiskey is best served neat, and may be added with awater splashto further open the scent. Also try a rye version ofdirty shirleycocktail garnished with a cherry.
prices and information
You can check the latest prices, product information and order online.
Andrew's Best Choice
WhistlePig 12 Year Old Rye Whiskey
my favorite option isWhistlepig 12 years old 'Old World Rye'🇧🇷 The rich fruit and honey notes are intensified by the delicate spice of rye. Enjoy it neat on the rocks for the ultimate rye whiskey experience.
conclusion
Ingrid and I have just returned from a research trip to Belgium, where we sampled whiskeys from around the world, including the classic American rye (more on this trip in future articles!).
American rye whiskey must comply withstrict regulationsto be considered a rye whiskey. These whiskeys come from a long line of traditions dating back to the prohibition era. American rye whiskey is quickly becoming more popular as more distilleries experiment with its incredible flavor profile.
Be sure to check out our articles on9 excellent Irish whiskeysmi9 Japanese Whiskeys for Beginners.
Other reading
Here are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on many fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, types of drinks, cocktail recipes, and much more.
We offer a worldwide beverage analysis service to help our readers in all countries make informed decisions about purchasing beverages for events, parties, gifts, or simply to enjoy at home.
Our primary audience is from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Europe, although we have readers from as far away as Mauritius!
FAQs
What is the highest rated rye whiskey? ›
What is the highest rated rye whiskey? There are a few rye whiskeys that consistently rank highly among critics and experts. Some of the highest-rated rye whiskeys include Sazerac 18-Year Rye, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, High West Double Rye!, and WhistlePig 10 Year.
Why rye whiskey is the best? ›Rye brings spicy notes to the palate that are not always as present in other types of whiskey like bourbon. Think baking spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper, which make this whiskey a classic choice to use in cocktails that have a bit of sweetness to counterbalance the character of the rye.
What whiskey does MGP make? ›One primary product of MGP Indiana is a straight rye whiskey with a 95% rye mash bill, which is bottled under various brand names, including Angel's Envy, Bulleit Rye, Filibuster, George Dickel Rye, James E. Pepper, Smooth Ambler, and Templeton Rye.
What does MGP stand for in bourbon? ›In a world of small-batch whiskeys and craft production, the increased popularity of Midwest Grain Product, or "MGP bourbon" may shock some bourbon enthusiasts.
What is a spicy rye whiskey? ›Rye is known for its peppery bite, a spicy splash of flavor that washes over the palate with every sip. Some are more aggressive than others, of course, but with rye grain making up the majority of its malt bill, you're bound to pick up at least a touch of that signature sting.
Is rye better than bourbon? ›Rye: Rye has a spicier taste. Many feel that it has notes of grass and pepper, as well as oak, smoke, and fruit. Bourbon: Most will agree that bourbon has a sweeter taste than rye with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Bourbon has an overall lighter and smoother taste than rye.
What does rye whiskey say about you? ›Rye whiskey drinkers tend to be a discerning and hip bunch. You love to stay ahead of the curve and on top of the latest trends.
Is rye whiskey a healthy drink? ›Adding rye into your diet regularly can help those who suffer from high blood pressure. It is the combination of the fibers, vitamins and minerals that all play a role in lowering the blood pressure. In return, this leads to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
Is rye whiskey good for your stomach? ›Whiskey is a Digestion Aid
The high proof whiskey stimulates the stomach's enzymes, which help to break down food. This benefit makes whiskey an excellent part of your next happy hour.
Angel's Envy, whose rum barrel-finished rye comes from MGP, is one of the best known practitioners of extra-aging.
Does MGP bottle their own bourbon? ›
You have most likely enjoyed MGP whiskey at some point, even if you were not aware you were doing so. That's because this Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery-factory makes bourbon, rye and other spirits that many other brands purchase and bottle under their own names.
Is bulleit still MGP? ›Bulleit bourbon is famous for its rye whiskey, made from a whopping 95% rye and 5% malted barley — which comes from MGP. This whiskey brand has one of the industry's most iconic bourbon and rye whiskies.
What is the best tasting smoothest whiskey? ›The Woodford Reserve Kentucky straight bourbon is one of the smoothest whiskey on the market. It's a unique combination of over 200 flavor notes, including wood, fruit, bold grain, and sweet aromatics. The finish of this bourbon is silky smooth with a creamy aftertaste.
What is the highest rated whiskey in the world? ›The Glenmorangie Signet is considered the best whisky in the world, thanks to its use of high roast chocolate malt barley with a blend of Glenmorangie's rarest whiskies matured in bespoke casks.
What is the smoothest top shelf whiskey? ›Laphroaig is the smoothest top-shelf whiskey. The Scotch whisky has a smooth-smoky taste that is not overpowering and complements other flavor notes of the spirit well. Moreso, blended scotch is more approachable and easy to drink than other types of whiskey.