Rye whiskey, a spirit with a long and rich history in the United States, dates back to the 18th century when it was the dominant spirit before the rise of bourbon. It was George Washington himself who owned a rye distillery, producing a significant amount annually. However, the popularity of rye whiskey began to decline, especially during Prohibition when bootleggers favored corn-based bourbon. This led to a sharp decline in the rye whiskey market, with cheap Canadian substitutes taking its place.
Thankfully, the recent surge in cocktail culture and craft distilling has paved the way for a revival of rye whiskey. Nowadays, you can find rye-based cocktails at most bars and an array of exciting rye whiskey bottles on store shelves. This resurgence has brought attention to the best rye whiskeys available, making it essential for enthusiasts to know what to look for when shopping for a quality bottle.
Every year, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition gathers the best spirits worldwide for blind taste testing by a panel of judges. From these tastings, the top rye whiskeys are singled out for recognition. Some of the standout rye whiskeys competing for the Best in Class Rye Whiskey Award include:
River Roots Barrel Company-Rye Whiskey Single Barrel
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, River Roots Barrel Company focuses on producing high-quality American whiskeys with a modern twist. Their Straight Rye Whiskey impressed judges with its flavors of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and caramel.
Tumblin’ Dice-Curated Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey
Created by industry legend Dave Schmier, Tumblin‘ Dice’s Curated Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey features notes of dried fruit, spice, caramel, and vanilla. The consistent quality of Schmier’s whiskeys has made them a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
Dark Arts Whiskey House-Straight Rye Whiskey Finished with Toasted Amburana Oak Staves
Dark Arts Whiskey House in Lexington, Kentucky, utilizes unique maturation and blending techniques to create their award-winning Straight Rye Whiskey. By finishing the whiskey with toasted Amburana Oak staves, they have developed a complex and aromatic spirit that stands out.
Penelope Toasted Straight Rye Whiskey
A newcomer in the whiskey scene, Penelope Bourbon has quickly gained a following with its innovative approach to whiskey making. Their Toasted Straight Rye Whiskey is noted for its sweet and inviting profile, featuring hints of honey, vanilla, and spice.
Tabby Road-Single Barrel Rye #1B 116.2 Proof
Coming from Daufuskie Island off the coast of South Carolina, Tabby Road’s Single Barrel Rye offers a high-proof experience packed with bold flavors. The whiskey showcases the spicy and intense characteristics rye is known for, including notes of spice, vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, caramel, and more.
The resurgence of rye whiskey in recent years has led to a diverse range of high-quality bottles available on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or new to the spirit, exploring the world of rye whiskey offers exciting opportunities to discover unique flavors and craftsmanship. Cheers to the revival of this iconic American spirit!
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