The 7 Best Rye Whiskeys to Try in 2021

To the casual drinker, rye whiskey may often be confused with American bourbon, however they’re quite different in taste despite similarities in the distillation process.

If you are new to drinking rye whiskeys or are looking extend your bar and palate into a new direction, the following list of 7 best rye whiskeys to try in 2020 will help you find the taste you like. As always, enjoy responsibly!

1. High West Double Rye! Whiskey

High West Double Rye! Barrel Aged Rye Whiskey is the blend of a spicy 2-year-old rye whiskey with a smoother, older barrel whiskey.

Double Rye! blends straight ryes aged in oak barrels for two to seven years in new, charred white oak barrels.

The younger rye whiskey creates a bold up-front taste that mellows to hints of wildflowers and anise on the palate.

The Double Rye! is a quality mid-priced American Rye that drinkers of all types can enjoy whether sipping an Old Fashioned cocktail or drinking neat.

2. Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye

Michter’s makes an enjoyable American Rye whiskey, however it likes to experiment by adopting different barrel finishes to craft even better tasting whiskey with variety in cask strength.

The result is the brilliant Toasted Barrel Finish Rye, which uses a second custom barrel made from air dried wood and toasted (instead of burnt) at the end of the distillation process to add an extra layer of unique flavor.

Michter’s US-1 Toasted Barrel Finish Rye is the most expensive but most uniquely flavored bottle of rye whiskey on the list and would suit the collection of a serious connoisseur.

3. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Rittenhouse Rye is a favorite for whiskey drinkers of all stripes. The brand is known for a strong, spicy flavor in their rye whiskey, making it a popular choice for drinking straight or for use with other spirits in a classic cocktail.

Taste wise the Rittenhouse rye is well balanced, with caramel and cinnamon flavors helping contrast the bold rye taste against hints of fruit such as apple and pear.

Made at the Heaven Hill Distillery in Kentucky – home of the popular Elijah Craig and Evan Williams straight bourbon brands – it’s distilled in bonded oak for a bigger kick and heavier ABV (50%)

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey not only tastes as an American Rye whiskey should, it’s light on the wallet as well.

4. WhistlePig Rye 10 Year

WhistlePig Rye 10 Year has been aged for at least a decade through a unique double barrel process and made with 100% straight rye at their Vermont distillery.

The Whistle Pig’s lengthy maturation process results in a full flavor, with accents of vanilla and caramel working in opposition to the classic rye spice from the mash bill.

Its creamy finish leaves your tastebuds with notes of dark chocolate on the tongue.

WhistlePig Rye Ten Year is an exceptionally bold and flavorsome aged rye whiskey.

5. Old Overholt Rye Whiskey

The famed Old Overholt rye whiskey was at the forefront of booze sales after Prohibition ended and whiskey lovers could get back drinking their rye without the threat of fines and prosecution.

It’s a quintessential rye whiskey, aged in oak for three years for a bold and peppery base, yet drier finishing taste.

Now bottled in Kentucky, the brand’s long and interesting history links it with famed gunslingers and drinkers Doc Holliday and Johnny Ringo – it’s the rye of choice amongst the tourist spots of Tombstone, Arizona.

The cheapest bottle on our list Old Overholt is more than just a rye whiskey, it’s a bottle of American history you can add to your collection.

6. Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye

Angel’s Envy rum cask rye whiskey tastes just that little bit differently. The spirit is finished in rum casks previously used to age French cognac, resulting in a rich, warm and complex tasting whiskey.

The raw spice of the rye mixes tremendously with taste of vanilla and caramel, plus the rum’s sweetness enlivens the American Whiskey.

Another top shelf and uniquely flavored rye whiskey, Angel’s Envy is designed to impress even the grumpiest whiskey lover.

7. Alberta Premium Rye Whisky

The only Canadian rye whiskey on the list (note the spelling!) Alberta premium is made by blending two aged whiskeys, one of which is aged for flavor in bourbon casks.

After mixing they’re aged for another five years to give the barrel strength extra polish, and a taste mixing caramel with hints of honey amidst the rye spice.

Alberta Premium Rye Whiskey is a fine tasting smooth spirit and affordable option for any whiskey lover or classic cocktail enthusiast.

More About Rye Whiskey

For a spirit to call itself American rye whiskey, the mash bill must be made up of at least 51 percent actual rye grain.

Certified rye whiskey’s initial alcohol levels can’t be higher than 160 proof, or roughly 80% alcohol before it’s distilled down and eventually bottled.

Rye whiskeys are generally more peppery and stronger in flavor than bourbon whiskey. A traditional Kentucky Style rye whiskey lacks the distinct honey flavor from using corn in the mash bill that gives straight bourbon it’s sweetness.

Aside from the straight rye whiskey, you’ll find some rye bills filled out with brown sugar, corn, or malted barley, or even finished in wine, rum, or brandy casks to add another flavor dimension.

Most popular Kentucky style rye whiskey is made alongside famous bourbons such as Jim Beam, Knob Creek, and Wild Turkey, while other brands like to specialize on rye only.

Rye whiskey is becoming an increasingly popular small batch, single barrel and craft spirit choice for independent producers and small-scale distillers.