The Best Rye Whiskeys

The Best Rye Whiskeys

The renaissance of rye whiskey has been propelled by a resurgence in classic rye whiskey cocktails, such as the Sazerac, Manhattan, and Old Fashioned. These iconic mixed drinks serve as a gateway to discovering the rich flavors and versatility of rye whiskey. This is based on article by Men's Journal: Shop Rye Whiskies!

Best Overall Rye Whiskey: Knob Creek Rye

In the midst of a rye whiskey resurgence, Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey stands out as a top choice among enthusiasts. Bottled at 100-proof, this straight rye whiskey boasts a unique high-corn mash bill, blending sweetness with the signature spice of rye. Aged for a minimum of seven years, it presents a captivating nose of fresh leather, toffee, vanilla, and rye spice, followed by a palate rich in oak, cracked black pepper, caramel, and vanilla beans. Knob Creek Rye is a testament to quality craftsmanship and a must-have for any whiskey aficionado. Buy it now!

Best Single-Barrel Rye Whiskey: Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Rye

Michter's stands out with its flagship rye whiskey, which is uniquely crafted as a single barrel expression, drawing whiskey enthusiasts to its distinct character. Renowned for its consistency and craftsmanship, Michter’s Rye delights the palate with a harmonious blend of spice, salted caramel, butterscotch, and grassy undertones, as noted by Jarrett Karlsbeg, beverage director at the Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, NY. Praised for its smoothness yet assertive profile, it remains a versatile choice for mixing, according to Karlsbeg. Mike Vacheresse, owner of Travel Bar in Brooklyn, NY, underscores the whiskey's robust and full-bodied nature, attributing it to the unique process of entering the barrel at 103 proof and pre-toasting before charring, setting Michter's rye apart from the industry standard. Buy it now!

Best Budget Rye Whiskey: Old Overholt Rye

The nose is straightforward, offering notes of corn and oak with a subtle hint of honey. On the palate, there's a balanced sweetness accompanied by prominent wood and spice flavors, leading to a long, sweet finish. Buy it now for $20.99!

Best Rye Whiskey Splurge: Blue Run Emerald Rye

Blue Run has swiftly become a sensation in the bourbon world, captivating enthusiasts with its sought-after releases that vanish from shelves in the blink of an eye. With industry legend Jim Rutledge at the helm as the brand's "liquid advisor," Blue Run has garnered acclaim for its exceptional rye whiskeys. The Blue Run Emerald Rye, crafted through contract distillation at Kentucky’s Castle & Key in Lexington, is a masterful blend of fewer than 200 barrels. Priced at $120 per bottle, it may command a higher price point, but discerning rye aficionados recognize its worth, making it a prized addition to their collections. Buy it now!

Best Craft Rye Whiskey: Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye

While MGP remains a powerhouse in the production of rye whiskey, Indiana's craft distillery scene is heating up with formidable contenders. Among them, Hard Truth Distilling Co. stands out with its impressive Sweet Mash Rye expression. Setting itself apart with a "sweet mash" process, where each distillation starts fresh, Hard Truth's rye boasts a mashbill of 94 percent rye and six percent malted barley. Despite its youthfulness, being under four years old, the whiskey exudes a surprising depth and maturity. Hard Truth has also expanded its offerings with a range of new cask-finished rye whiskeys, adding to its growing reputation for quality and innovation. Buy it now!

Best Cask-Finished Rye Whiskey: High West Rye A Midwinter Night’s Dram

High West Distillery, renowned for its innovative approach to whiskey-making and emphasis on rye, continues to captivate enthusiasts with its annual release of A Midwinter Night’s Dram. Act 11, the latest iteration, showcases a blend of rye whiskies sourced from MGP and High West's own distillations, finished in ruby and tawny port barrels. Bottled at 98.6 proof, this cask-finished rye boasts a complex flavor profile, enriched with notes of dried fruit, caramel, spice, and citrus, layered atop a spicy base whiskey. The port barrel finish imparts a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, featuring nuances of black currant, plum, anise, and cinnamon, as praised by Dan Rivas, director of food and beverage at Bank & Bourbon, Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Buy it now!

Best Cask-Strength Rye Whiskey: Barrell Rye

Barrell Craft Spirits, headquartered in Louisville, distinguishes itself by curating whiskey from various states and countries, masterfully blending them into exceptional expressions. Among their portfolio of cask-strength releases, Barrell Rye stands out, presented in distinct batches akin to their flagship bourbon. Batch 4, the latest offering, comprises a harmonious blend of rye whiskey sourced from Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Canada, aged between five and 14 years. Bottled at 115.7 proof, the whiskey strikes a balance between potency and approachability. While water may be added to adjust the proof, savoring it neat initially allows for a full appreciation of its robust character and complexity. Buy it now!

Best Rye Whiskey to Drink Straight: Widow Jane Paradigm Rye

Widow Jane, a Brooklyn-based distillery renowned for its artisanal approach, skillfully blends sourced whiskey from Indiana and Kentucky with its own distillate for a distinctive release. Combining youthful rye whiskey from their Brooklyn facility with more mature expressions from renowned distilleries yields a unique product. With its citrus, floral, and spicy rye notes complemented by hints of toffee, fresh herbs, and tropical fruits, this rye whiskey offers a complex and rewarding tasting experience. Bottled at 93 proof, it showcases versatility, excelling both in cocktails and when savored neat or with a single large ice cube. Buy it now!