Rye Whiskey
 

Best Rye Whiskey

 

The Fifty Best Rye Whiskey Tasting 2022


The Tasting:
The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 14 American rye whiskies with a panel of eight judges. The order of service was established beforehand by lottery, with the higher proofs tasted last. Strict tasting rules were applied. The rye whiskies were poured into fresh glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at room temperature. Each of the whiskies were judged and scored separately. Only ice water, unflavored unsalted crackers and chips were available to cleanse the palate.

The judges wrote down their impressions of each product on score sheets. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the highest. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals were awarded according to a set range of final point scores received from the judges. There were no Bronze medals awarded for this tasting. Medals are provided based entirely on merit and only to products judged worthy of such award.

The tasting notes below are summaries of the judges’ opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. The distilleries, states of origin, alcohol proofs and other tidbits are identified for each brand. Clicking on the brands' names will link to their websites.

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

King's Family Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey
Aged 6 years

(IN & TN)   121.7° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, molasses, brown sugar, dark sugar, sugar cane, vanilla, maple syrup, dried fruit, green apple, rye, nutty, warm spice, leather.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, toffee, vanilla, honey, cherry, ripe banana, ginger, cinnamon, peppery, spicy hot, leather, grain, wood, oak, burnt wood, creamy.
Finish: Opens to caramel, black pepper, peppery, rye spice, spicy, heat lingers perfectly, balanced, layered, approachable, rich, very smooth, velvety.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



King's Family Distillery Straight Rye Whiskey



The Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
(Kentucky Owl, KY/LA)  100.8° prf

Nose: Dark chocolate, vanilla, dark stone fruit, pineapple, banana, corn, pumpkin, ginger, dill, green capers, herbs, poppy seeds, rye bread, crusty bread, nutty, burnt almonds, black pepper, spicy, oak.
Palate: Butterscotch, treacle, vanilla, raisins, pineapple, tropical fruits, orange peel, mint, honeysuckle, corn flakes, rye, sweet grain, toasted grain, toasted white bread, hay, mellow spice, black pepper, oak, sherry.
Finish: Vanilla, cream, honey, almond, spearmint, pepper, white pepper, spicy, oaky, strong tropicals, sherry, well balanced, excellent length, very good, high quality.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



The Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey



Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey
(Treasure Island Distillery, IN & CA)  100° prf
Aged min. 3 months in charred new American oak barrel
with charred American oak staves.

Nose: Caramel, toffee, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, cocoa, Kit Kat bar, sugar cane, vanilla, Juicy Fruit, sweet rye, hint of pepper, leather, burnt matches, burnt wood, saw dust, cedar, oaky, Madeira cask.
Palate: Caramel, dark chocolate, chocolaty, cocoa, dark sugar, vanilla, baked apples, warm nuts, warm spices, pepper, wood, oak, port wine, crisp, full flavor.
Finish: Caramel, toffee, dark sugar, toasted walnuts, toasty, nutmeg, clove, woodsy, complex texture, rich, layered, outstanding.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Bespoken Spirits Rye Whiskey



Ryeconic Double Aged Rye Whiskey
(King’s Family Distillery, IN & TN)   108.2° prf
Twice barreled. Aged 4 years.

Nose: Toffee, sweet cream, butter, buttered toast, warm chocolate, demerara, brown sugar, maple syrup, Graham cracker, dried fruit, orange peel, green apple, fennel seeds, rye, cinnamon, nutmeg, crisp.
Palate: Caramel, buttery, orange peel, dried orange, citrus, ginger, bread, dough, toasty, walnut, black tea, mint, clove, cinnamon, pepper, black pepper, spicy, leather, earth, woody, oak, high proof, round, rich.
Finish: Honey, orange peel, minty, warm spicy honey nuts, mixed roasted nuts, bold, smooth, rich, flavorful, best for cocktails.


Double Gold Medal
Double Gold medal



Ryeconic Double Aged Rye Whiskey



GOLD MEDAL WINNERS


Iron Fish Distillery Rye Whiskey
Finished in Caribbean rum casks

(MI)  94° prf

Nose: Caramel, nougat, honey, ripe banana, tropical fruit, cherry, Dole fruit cup, dried apple, dried green apple, bergamot, jasmine, grain.
Palate: Toffee, sweet caramel, cocoa, molasses, cookie dough, honey, dried fruit, dates, cherry, Jolly Rancher, sour apple, grape notes, orange peel oil, roasted walnut, nutmeg, toast, burnt toast, earth, leather, oak, cognac, rich.
Finish: Vanilla, cake batter, banana, cherry cola, cocoa powder, licorice, pepper, spicy, spice lingers, dusty, nice, soft, pleasant, rich, tasty, beautiful.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Iron Fish Distillery Rye Whiskey finished in Caribbean rum casks



Barrel King Straight Rye Whiskey
Batch B

(Old Road Craft Spirits, IN & MO)  Aged over 5 yrs.   110.8° prf.

Nose: Caramel, chocolate, brown sugar, sugar cane, dried cherries, dried figs, apricot, peach, ripe apple, orange peel, grain, rye, black pepper, toasty.
Palate: Caramel, dark chocolate burnt sugar, buttery, vanilla, spicy honey, dried apricot, cherry, plum, ripe banana, licorice, macadamia nut, almonds, nuts, grain, rye, toast, coffee, pepper, leather, oak, creamy mouthfeel, rich, creamy.
Finish: Light cocoa, cola nut, cherry, apricot, apple, grain, black pepper, peppery, spicy, heat, effervescent, bold, rich, drink neat.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Barrel King Straight Rye Whiskey



Blue Wing Rye Whiskey
(C.H. Wittenberg Distilling Co., MO)  90° prf
Aged 2+ years in MO White oak charred barrels.

Nose: Toffee, caramel, hint of maple, nougat, vanilla, honey, cherry compote, ripe banana, aged apple, apricot, cinnamon, tobacco, oak.
Palate: Toffee, caramel, vanilla, cocoa, honey, cooked Delicious apple, apricot, banana bread, banana cookies, sweet rye, walnut, clove, cinnamon, Red Hots, spice, great balance of sweet & spice, new wood, oak, buttery mouthfeel.
Finish: Vanilla, creamy, apricot, baked banana, baked goods, grain, spicy, nice heat, good length, great finish.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Blue Wing Rye Whiskey



Nashville Barrel Co.
Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

(TN)  9 years old.   105.08° prf

Nose: Toffee, cocoa, butter, nougat, sugar cane juice, vanilla, delicate honey, baked cherries & apples, cherry, blackberry, ripe berries, banana, nutty, wisp of rye, nutmeg, sherry.
Palate: Dark chocolate, berry, strawberry, Red Delicious apple, dried green apple, lavender, ginger, marzipan, nutty, ginger spice, pepper, black tea, leather, burnt wood, oak, delicate, creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: Chocolate, touch of cocoa, dried fruit, dried green apple, concentrated, classic.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Nashville Barrel Co. Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey



Barrel King Straight Rye Whiskey
Batch A

(Old Road Craft Spirits, IN & MO)  Aged over 5 years.  109.6° prf.

Nose: Toffee, nougat, honey, cooked ripe cherries, apricot, orange peel, nutmeg, spice, buttered rye toast, leather, tobacco, oak.
Palate: Vanilla, honey, banana bread, ripe banana, figs, dried cherry, green apple, orange peel, lemon, citrus, lavender, licorice, rye bread, clove, sweet spice, leather, deep woods, oak, sherry, rich.
Finish: Caramel, creamy, baked orange, sharp herbal note, vegetal, hazelnut, spice carries through, spicy, oak, complex, zesty, bold, nice, fulfilling.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Barrel King Straight Rye Whiskey



Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
(KY)  103.8° prf
Aged a minimum 2 years in new charred oak.

Nose: Caramel, toffee, sugar cane, warm maple syrup, honey-butter, buttery, candied apples, apples, lemon, citrus, ginger, spicy, new oak, cedar.
Palate: Light caramel, butterscotch pudding, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, honey, baked apple, banana, green apple, lemon, orange peel, light wafer, cinnamon toast, clove, pepper, oaky, buttery.
Finish: Apple bomb, cherry, rye, spicy, toasty, earthy, balanced, good balance, round. soft, rich.

Gold Medal
Gold medal



Bradshaw Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey



TINCUP Straight Rye Whiskey
(IN & CO)  Aged 3 years.  90° prf
Aged in uniquely charred barrels made at the distillery’s
own cooperage.

Nose: Vanilla, sugar cane, honey, dried apricot, candied ginger, ripe banana, cut grass, nutmeg, black pepper, wet wood, cherry wood.
Palate: Chocolate, dark dry cocoa, caramel, butterscotch, vanilla, nougat, sweet cream, brown sugar, honey, ripe banana, macerated pears, apple, Granny Smith apple, sweet rye, ginger, clove, spicy, oak.
Finish: Green apple, ripe apple lingers, buttery, peppered corn, a hint of pepper, nice spice, bone dry, balanced, smooth, flavorful, refined.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



TINCUP Straight Rye Whiskey



Three Chord Amplify Rye Whiskey
(Steel Bending Spirits, KY, IN & MI)  95° prf

Nose: Light caramel, honey, dried fruit, cherry, banana, Granny Smith apple, green apple, sweet nuttiness, cinnamon, cloves, spice, new wood, oak.
Palate: Caramel, butterscotch, burnt sugar, vanilla, apricot, green apple, mint, sweet almond, raw almond, walnuts, clove, cinnamon, pepper, wood, pine wood, oaky, nicely balanced, creamy, rich.
Finish: Vanilla, buttery, honey, green apple, nutty, toasty, spicy, balanced, round, rich, flavorful, classic style, great.


Gold Medal
Gold medal



Three Chord Amplify Rye Whiskey



SILVER MEDAL WINNERS

Great Jones Straight Rye Whiskey
(NY)  100% New York State rye.  90° prf

Nose: Caramel, butterscotch, buttery, toffee, cocoa, brown sugar, strawberry, blueberry, Fuji apple, citrus, lavender, flower note, leather, polished wood, balsam wood, zesty.
Palate: Caramel, brown sugar, vanilla, nougat, honey notes, orange peel, mint, walnut, lightly nutty, coffee grinds, nutmeg, spices, suede, leather, oak, cedar, woody, very dry, creamy mouthfeel, rich.
Finish: Echoes of caramel, honey, peppery, spicy, toasty, leather note, oak, balanced, round, clean, soft.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Great Jones Straight Rye Whiskey



Leatherneck Rye Whiskey
(1350 Distilling, CO)  Aged 3 years.  90° prf

Nose: Sweet caramel, burnt sugar, molasses, vanilla, butter cream, nougat, ripe banana, cherry, blueberry, orange peel, ginger, sweet spice, walnut, burnt new wood.
Palate: Cocoa, vanilla, plum, strawberry, honey, honeysuckle, honey-nut, soft grains, ginger, mint, hint of spice, black tea, leather, smoky, lightly charred barrel, oak, creamy.
Finish: Honey, Juicy Fruit gum, orange peel, sweet bread, toast, dry leaves, strong pepper, balanced, nice, soft, gentle.


Silver Medal
Silver medal



Leatherneck Rye Whiskey

 



The Rye Whiskey Revival

 

Historically, rye whiskey was the favored grain of the East Coast. George Washington even had the largest rye whiskey distillery in early America on his Virginia estate. By the 1780s, around 5,000 log still houses were operating in Pennsylvania and Maryland producing the whiskey that came to be known as “rye”. Mostly by German immigrants that had been using rye in the production of schnapps and vodka back in northern Europe.

Two different styles of rye whiskey developed during the colonial era: Pennsylvania or Monongahela-style, and Maryland-style rye. Since the bulk transportation of large amounts of grain was not practical during this era, the distillers made whiskey from the grain grown on their farm or from grains grown nearby. Corn was not generally native north of the southern edge of Pennsylvania; so the distillers made rye whiskey with no corn in it. Monongahela Rye was known for its ultra-high rye content and its full-bodied and spicy nature. Distillers operating in the southern part of America made Maryland style rye, a mixture of rye with some corn. The rye content in Maryland style rye tended to be about 65%, and it was notably sweeter and more mellow than its northern cousin.

Since the still was essentially a piece of farm equipment, it should be no surprise that by the late 1700’s, there were literally thousands of small grain distilleries each in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. It is estimated that there were between 14,000 and 20,000 distilleries operating in the United States between 1810 and 1840. Rye was the most prevalent grain in colonial America. It was considerably more hardy than barley, and much easier to grow. Corn, or maize, was native to America, but only south of the Mason-Dixon line, and most of the population was to the north.

While the center of population in the United States remained east of the Appalachian Mountains, rye whiskey flourished. Shipping routes in the east favored rye whiskey over its cousin from Kentucky. The only major shipping routes for bourbon were down the river to New Orleans or overland through the mountains. As such, rye whiskey was the main style of whiskey consumed in the United States from the end of the Civil War until prohibition.

Back in the 1880’s, saloons were all the rage. There were thousands of them in the old American west. Much of the liquor sold were pretty mean homemade concoctions called rotgut or Firewater, (sometimes made with raw alcohol, burnt sugar and a little chewing tobacco), but the majority of saloons “imported” rye whiskeys from the Eastern states for their regular customers. Rye was not sold in "shots". It was sold in a small glass which normally held a gill (4 ounces) and cost a nickel. This price could be much higher in cities or for big name brand liquors. For example, a good quality bottle of rye whiskey in a nice hotel might be as much as 2 dollars. Rye was usually served straight, but the distinctive flavor made it a perfect mixer during the early years of the cocktail. Three of the most popular classic cocktails were originally created for rye whiskey — the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan & the Sazerac.

Before the Prohibition, there were over 50 brands of rye. When Prohibition outlawed the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages in 1920, many enterprising residents of small towns across America chose to become outlaws – They produced thousands of kegs per month, supplying Al Capone and other gangs who in turn filled the demand of speakeasies throughout Chicago, New York and all the way west to San Francisco.

By the time Prohibition ended, most American whiskey distilleries had ceased production. The few that existed were put at a massive competitive disadvantage to imported aged spirits. Boatloads of well-aged Scotch and Irish whiskies were waiting offshore in the northeast, truckloads of aged Canadian Whiskey were waiting to cross the border from Canada and ships full of mature rum were waiting in the Caribbean. The astute American distiller quickly realized that when getting back into the business, they would not be able to compete on quality, so they would have to compete on price.

The bourbon distilleries in Kentucky were better situated to build large facilities to garner economy of scale. There was plenty of land and a very well-developed rail system. Conversely, most of the rye distilleries in the east were on small farm plots with poor infrastructure and were not well funded. Additionally, the first farm subsidy bill supported corn but not rye. As a result, it was reborn in 2006. For the first time in 87 years, modern pioneers across the country dusted off old family records, recreating great grandpa's handed-down recipes and started producing rye whiskies deeply rooted in tradition. A decade ago in this country there were only six brands of rye. Now you can find over 600 brands, and rye whiskey has once again become one of the most popular go-to craft spirits.

Rye whiskey is made from fermented mashed grain that is at least 51% rye grain by law, sometimes with barley, corn and other grains blended in. Many of the newer, small-batch brands use 100% rye. Ryes must be distilled at less than 80% ABV (160 proof), and aged in new, charred oak barrels, used one-time only. Ryes labeled as "straight" must be aged for at least two years.

Rye whiskies are typically dry, peppery, and grainy, with complex flavors bursting with fruit, walnuts, and spice. This distinctly bold assertive character is embraced by a dedicated and continuously growing following of discerning whiskey fans.

 

 

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