What are the best rye whiskey brands?
There is no single best rye whiskey, but widely sold American rye brands include Rittenhouse, Old Overholt, Sazerac Rye, Bulleit Rye, Knob Creek Rye, Michter's and WhistlePig. US rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye grain. Choose by use: an affordable, higher-proof rye for cocktails, or an older straight rye for sipping.
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In this article
What counts as rye whiskey?
In the United States, rye whiskey must be made from a grain mash of at least 51% rye. It is distilled to no more than 160 proof, aged in new charred oak containers, and bottled at no less than 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). Straight rye whiskey has also been aged at least two years. Rye is generally described as drier and spicier than bourbon.
Which rye whiskey brands are widely sold?
- Rittenhouse: sold as a bottled-in-bond rye (100 proof) and often used in cocktails.
- Old Overholt: a brand dating back to 1810 in Pennsylvania, affordable and mixable.
- Sazerac Rye: a classic for the Sazerac cocktail; the standard bottling is 90 proof.
- Bulleit Rye: widely stocked, known for a high-rye mash.
- Knob Creek Rye: a 100 proof rye, usually described as spicy.
- Michter’s: a well-known Kentucky brand.
- WhistlePig: a premium-priced brand with older bottlings.
Availability changes by state and country, and some bottlings are limited.
What do labels like bottled-in-bond mean?
Bottled-in-bond whiskey comes from one distillation season (January to June or July to December) at one distillery, is aged at least four years in a federally supervised bonded warehouse and is bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume). It is a standard of production, not a guarantee you will like the taste.
How to choose a rye whiskey
| You want | Look for |
|---|---|
| Cocktails like Manhattan or Old Fashioned | Bonded or higher-proof rye, 90 to 100 proof |
| Smoother sipping | An older straight rye; try a small pour first |
| Spicy flavor | A high-rye mash bill; check the maker’s page |
Rye whiskey vs Canadian rye
In Canada, rye and Canadian whisky are legally interchangeable terms, and a Canadian whisky does not have to be made mostly from rye. Check the label if you want a high-rye whiskey.
Drink responsibly. Taste is personal, so try a small bottle before committing.
People also ask
What is the best rye whiskey for beginners?
A widely sold, affordable rye such as Old Overholt, Rittenhouse or Bulleit Rye is a common starting point. Try it neat and in a Manhattan to see whether you like the spice.
What percentage of rye must rye whiskey have?
In the United States, rye whiskey must be made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain.
Is rye whiskey the same as bourbon?
No. Bourbon must contain at least 51% corn, while rye must contain at least 51% rye, which generally gives rye a spicier, drier taste.
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