Forget malted barley and corn. Here, there's only one star of the show: rye.
Rye whiskey is like the spicy, rebellious cousin of bourbon that leaves a peppery tingle after each sip. With a story as rugged as its flavor, this isn't just a spirit; it's a taste of American history.
But what is rye whiskey? And what makes it so special? Let's find out.
Rye Whiskey: An Overview
As you can probably guess, rye whiskey is a type of whiskey in which the primary ingredient is rye.
In the US, rye whiskey can only be called as such if it's made from a mash bill that contains at least 51% rye. Typically, the remainder of the mash bill consists of malted barley and corn, but this depends on each distillery's unique recipe.
Additionally, to be classified as rye whiskey, it must be:
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Distilled to no more than 160 proof
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Aged in new charred oak barrels
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Bottled at a minimum of 80% proof
Rye whiskey is widely enjoyed across the US and Canada, but it's also a popular tipple in other parts of the world.
Rye whiskey vs. Bourbon: What's the difference?
Rye grain whiskey is distinctly different from bourbon whiskey.
The main difference lies in their mash bills. Bourbon must have a mash bill of at least 51% corn, while rye whiskey (as we know) must be 51% rye.
Because of this, bourbon is sweeter and smoother and is noted for its caramel and vanilla flavor profiles. Rye, on the other hand, gives you a spicy, drier taste with peppery notes.
It also comes down to the location of where each whiskey is made. Bourbon is associated with the south, especially Kentucky, while rye is more commonly produced in the Northeastern parts of the US and Canada.
A Quick History Lesson On
Rye whiskey has a long and detailed history that dates back to the late 1700s.
This was the time when many German and Scottish immigrants made the Northeastern US their home, armed with their treasured whiskey-making knowledge and traditions. Additionally, rye was (and still is) a thriving crop in this part of the US, making it an easy choice for early distillers.
Around the 19th century, the popularity of rye whiskey soared. It remained the most enjoyed spirit in America until Prohibition came along in the 1920s. At this point, many distilleries were forced to close their doors for good.
Once Prohibition ended and alcohol production was allowed, other whiskey varieties, such as bourbon, became widespread, and the popularity of rye diminished.
But our story doesn't end there. Rye remained celebrated in Canada (which was not affected by Prohibition), and in recent decades, the drink has enjoyed a resurgence in the US.
Now considered a trendy tipple, rye whiskey is often showcased in craft cocktails and heritage spirits.
What Are The Key Characteristics Of Rye Whiskey?
Rye whiskey can be described as having a bold, spicy, or fruity flavor. Beautifully complex, it has several characteristics that make it stand out:
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Spicy tones: Rye's signature spice is thanks to the grain itself. Common notes to enjoy are black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
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Fruity notes: Depending on the brand, you can find dried fruit and hints of citrus, such as lemon or orange peel.
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Herbal flavors: Rye has some interesting herby notes, most notably mint and dill.
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Oak: Since rye is aged in new charred oak barrels, you'll encounter toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel.
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Proof: The majority of rye whiskey is bottled at a higher proof which adds to its intense, complex, and bold profile.
How Is Rye Whiskey Made?
Although rye whiskey follows a very similar production process as other whiskies, there are a few aspects that make it stand out.
1. Select and mash the grains
First, the grains for the mash bill are carefully selected. The distillery could use a percentage anywhere from 51% to 100% of rye grain.
The remaining percentage of the mash bill can consist of any type of grain that the distillery wishes to include. This could be corn, malted barley, wheat, or even a different type of grain.
Once the grains are selected, they are finely ground and mixed with water to create a mushy, thick substance, a bit like porridge. This releases the sugars from the grains, ready for the fermentation process.
2. Fermentation
The fermentation process starts when the mash bill is placed into large containers and yeast is added. The yeast then consumes the released sugars which creates the alcohol.
The process takes up to five days, at which point the mash bill will have an alcohol content of around 12% ABV (alcohol by volume).
3. The distillation process
Rye whiskey is most commonly distilled using the "pot still" process. A less common approach is to use "column stills".
The fermented mash bill is poured into large metal pots and then gently heated from underneath. The vapor that rises is collected in a condensing chamber and then cooled back into liquid form.
This process is repeated until it reaches the required alcohol content of 160 proof (80%) alcohol.
4. Aging
Once the alcohol content is at the right level, it's poured into the new charred American oak barrels.
The oak expands and retracts over time, infusing the aromas, colors, and flavors of the wood with the whiskey.
For a whiskey to be classified as "straight rye whiskey", it requires a minimum of two years of aging. However, you can find many premium brands aged for longer than four years.
5. Bottling
After aging, the whiskey is chill-filtered and then diluted with water to reach the desired proof.
Some producers bottle at "barrel proof", meaning the whiskey is bottled at its natural strength right out of the barrel.
Where Is Rye Whiskey Made?
American rye whiskey is made across several regions, including:
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Pennsylvania: The birthplace of rye whiskey and, most notably, Monongahela rye, made close to the river of the same name. Notable distilleries include Dad's Hat Rye, Wigle Whiskey, and Liberty Pole Spirits.
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Maryland: Distilleries here, such as Sagamore Spirit and Baltimore Spirits, produce a slightly sweeter taste.
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Kentucky: Not just the place for bourbon! Rye whiskey producers here include Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, Older Forester, and Michter's.
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Indiana: Lawrenceburg distillers in Indiana include the famous Midwest Grain Products (MGP), which produces most of the rye whiskey used by non-distilling producers.
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Other smaller American rye whiskey regions include New York, Colorado, and California.
Canadian rye whiskey is also produced across several regions. You'll most commonly find it made in:
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Ontario: Here, you'll find the largest distilleries, including Hiram Walker & Sons, Forty Creek, and Dillon's Small Batch (which makes 100% rye whiskey).
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Alberta: Another region that is known for its 100% rye whiskies. Alberta Distillers Limited and Eau Claire Distillers are both found here.
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Manitoba: Home to the notable Gimli Distillery and the globally recognized Crown Royal brand.
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British Columbia and Quebec are also Canadian rye whiskey regions that are worth checking out.
The Best Way To Drink Rye Whiskey
Rye whiskey is no different than other whiskey types and is best enjoyed neat to get the best out of its distinct flavor profiles.
However, if you find the taste a little overpowering, it can be taken with a splash of water or on the rocks. Alternatively, it makes a great cocktail base!
4 Notable Rye Whiskey Cocktails
One lesser-known fact about rye whiskey is that it's one of the best whiskies to use in cocktails.
Because it's generally spicier than other whiskies, it provides a great balance among the typically sweeter ingredients that go into blended drinks.
1. Rye whiskey sours
A rye whiskey sour balances the bold spice of rye with the tartness of fresh lemon juice and the sweetness of simple syrup. Adding egg white is optional but provides a velvety texture and a frothy top.
Ingredients:
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2 oz rye whiskey
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0.75 oz lemon juice
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0.5 oz simple syrup
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Optional: egg white
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.
2. Sazerac
One of the oldest American whiskey cocktails, the Sazerac originated in New Orleans and is a bold, aromatic drink that showcases rye whiskey beautifully.
Ingredients:
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2 oz rye whiskey (we recommend the Super Sazerac 6-year rye)
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1 sugar cube
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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Absinthe rinse
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Lemon peel
Method: Muddle the sugar and bitters, add rye whiskey, stir with ice, and strain into an absinthe-rinsed glass. Express a lemon peel over the drink and discard it or use it as a garnish.
3. Manhattan
A rye-based Manhattan is sophisticated and timeless. The spiciness of rye contrasts perfectly with the sweet vermouth.
Ingredients:
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2 oz rye whiskey
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1 oz sweet vermouth
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2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Method: Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.
4. Vieux Carré
Another cocktail that originates from New Orleans, the Vieux Carré combines rye whiskey, cognac, vermouth, and bitters for a rich, complex drink.
Ingredients:
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1 oz rye whiskey
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1 oz cognac
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1 oz sweet vermouth
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2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
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2 dashes of Angostura bitters
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0.25 oz Benedictine liqueur
Method: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
Top Rye Whiskey Brands To Try
There are so many rye whiskey brands out there, so where do you start?
Whether your preference is Canadian or American whiskey, here are some of the best bottles to choose:
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Whistlepig Farmstock: Discover incredible notes of brown sugar, black pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, and hints of orange.
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Blue Run Golden Rye: Indulge in a stunning flavor profile of caramel, citrus, and spices. Another option is the Emerald Rye, a cask strength masterpiece.
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Smoke Wagon: The Straight Rye whiskey is made with a powerful 95% rye mash bill for a deep, complex flavor.
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Blackened Whiskey: With a unique aging process, each barrel receives low-frequency sound waves (courtesy of a Metallica playlist) to help the whiskey penetrate deeper into the wood.
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High West Campfire: Smoky yet sweet; for drinking in the wild with a smore in hand.
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Kosher Rye: From the Buffalo Trace Distillery and made according to kosher requirements.
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James E. Pepper: An affordable rye whiskey made with a 90% mash bill.
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Elijah Craig: A straight rye whiskey with a full body.
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Jack Daniels: A single-barrel, barrel-proof whiskey. A change from the usual Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey.
FAQs
What's the difference between rye whiskey and regular whiskey?
The term "regular whiskey" refers to any type of whiskey, including bourbon, Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, and rye. On the other hand, the term "rye whiskey" refers to whiskey made from a mash bill with a rye content of at least 51%.
What makes rye whiskey special?
Rye whiskey is special thanks to its unique profile of dry, spicy, and complex flavors. This is achieved through a mash bill of predominate rye and the aging process in new American charred oak barrels.
Do you drink rye whiskey straight?
Yes, you can drink straight rye whiskey. It's also widely enjoyed with a splash of water or on the rocks. Rye also makes an excellent base for cocktails.
What exactly is rye whiskey?
Rye whiskey is a spirit distilled from a mash that includes at least 51% rye grain and aged in new oak charred barrels. It's celebrated for its spicy, dry, and complex flavor, making it a popular choice for sipping and mixing alike.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a change from your usual bourbon or Scotch, rye is a fascinating alternative that will deliver a powerful flavor punch.
Whether you choose a bottle from craft distillers or a larger producer, there are many fine, high-quality rye whiskey brands to try.
