What is rye whiskey doing in a bourbon blog post?
Rye whiskey continues to be part of the American whiskey discussion. While often ignored during the early years of the current bourbon boom, rye whiskey continues to grow and obtain market share. In January 2019, Old Forester released its first new grain recipe in over one hundred and 150 years. The release of Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye entered the market with a mash bill of 65 percent rye, 15 percent corn, and 20 percent malted barley.
The Rye Whiskey Boom
Rye whiskey began a renaissance in America with the advent of craft cocktails and bartenders expanding their use of this traditionally historic whiskey. Many bourbon drinkers began experimenting with rye whiskey releases after learning to enjoy rye-forward bourbons.
Major rye whiskey brands
· Jim Beam Rye – A widely recognized and popular rye whiskey from the Jim Beam family.
· Bulleit Rye – Known for its high rye content and bold flavor profile.
· Old Forester Rye – A historic brand with a rich, spicy character.
· Rittenhouse Rye – A well-regarded straight rye whiskey with a robust flavor.
· Michter’s Rye – A premium rye with a rich and complex profile.
· Knob Creek Rye – Offers a full-bodied flavor with a spicy kick.
Additional rye whiskey brands
· WhistlePig – Known for its high-quality, aged rye whiskeys, often with distinctive flavor profiles.
· Redemption Rye – Offers a range of rye whiskeys focusing on traditional styles.
· Sazerac Rye – Named after the classic cocktail known for its smoothness and balance.
· Evan Williams Rye – A budget-friendly option with a good balance of spice and sweetness.
· Rye3 – A newer player focusing on craft production and quality.
More rye whiskey brands to sample
Peerless Double Oaked Rye, Still Austin Cask Strength Rye, Frey Ranch Straight Rye, Barrel Rye, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Rye, Old Ezra Straight Rye Whiskey, Rossville Union Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye, Nashville Barrel Company Cask Strength Straight Rye, Sagamore Spirit Port Finish Rye, Penelope Straight Rye Heavy Toasted Barrel Finish, Grand Traverse Ole George Cask Strength Rye Whiskey, Nelson Brothers Whiskey Straight Rye, Hemingway Rye, Old Overholt Cask Strength, Angels Envy and many more.
Rye whiskey consumption in the United States
Specific percentages vary from year to year. However, the rye whiskey category accounts for 10 to 15% of American whiskey sales. The rye whiskey boom continues with excellent releases such as the following bottle from Wild Turkey.
An outstanding rye whiskey release
Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Triumph is an outstanding rye whiskey and one of the best I have ever sampled. You can find our full review here.