(rī¹)
Type: Kentucky Style, Straight Rye Decent starter rye but pricey compared to others.
Rye whiskey could be considered one of the ancestors of American whiskey. One of the first types of whiskey to be distilled in the United States, ( after wheat whiskey which was also used extensively in Early American beer) , it also became one of the most popular and varied in style at one point. This whiskey suffered a severe fall from grace after prohibition (1919-1933) and the Second World War (for America 1941-1945) and was almost extinct by the 1960’s when most of the older rye drinkers died and the whiskey came very close to following them. Formerly the whiskey ingredient for most cocktails (including the famous Manhattan), it was replaced by bourbon and mostly forgotten. Happily, it has undergone a major revival in the past 30 years or so, and seems to be coming back with many new brands and a few old ones seeing an ever growing demand. Rye – once dismissed as a weed in wheat crops – started to be used in distilled grain products in northern European countries (Russia, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Holland etc.), but primarily as a vodka, aquavit (an vodka-type product that is flavored or unflavored) or genever (a form of gin).
With the influx of large populations of German immigrants, the U.S. began to see the distillation of rye grain whiskey springing up in and along the eastern seaboard area, and as far west as Pennsylvania. This was in part due to the fact that rye will grow in poorer soil where barley will not flourish.
Historically, there were a number of styles of rye such as Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Monongahela, which now, unfortunately, are only remembered by empty bottles or engraved shot glasses.
The only examples of Pennsylvania and Maryland rye whiskeys still in existence are Rittenhouse Rye and Old Overholt (Pennsylvania-style but distilled in Kentucky), and Pikesville, representing Maryland (also distilled in Kentucky). Other styles or expressions of rye have sprung up in Kentucky by the larger distillers along with a host of ryes from microdistillers who are either making their own versions or in some cases recreating lost ones such as Templeton Rye hails from Iowa – fabled to be the faithful recreation of Al Capone’s favorite whiskey.
Rye uses a mashbill of at least 51% rye and usually barley and corn to make up the rest. There are very few ryes that use 100% rye in their recipe.
The aging of rye varies by distiller, for the larger distillers uses 53 gallon barrels ( new or used) some are as young as 2 years (a few even less), the average being 6 years old, with some as old as 23 years in the barrel.
Craft distilled rye tends toward smaller barrels and less aging and actually thereby more accurately reflects what rye whiskey made in earlier time was like and it could be argued is more authentic for a older classic cocktail such as the Manhattan.
Decent starter rye but pricey compared to others.
A very good rye if not as complex as I would personally like. If you like them a bit shallow and uncomplicated this one is for you.
Singular, a touch exotic, and lovely- just the way we like them .
Interesting if not overly great young rye whiskey. Nice example of an early type of rye but not overly complex because of it.
Gateway rye at best. Great for newbies of rye but too light in character to recommend to anyone else
A very solid New York State Empire Rye at a decent price- unlike a number of the others
You don’t have to chose between local, organic, and excellent, this is all three!
Decently made, if not spectacular. Kind of like the rest of the Knob Creek portfolio in that sense. Upside is reliable and widely available.
An excellent rye white whiskey, and a great Samogon type spirit also for those of you looking for a lot more flavor in a white spirits that is not corn based.
A very interesting and uniquely finished rye whiskey
A Damn Manly kind of whiskey.Large, intense, and worth getting to know. A man or a woman who wants to try a old school rye needs to try this one.
A very complex, spicy, and fruity rye that reflects its many influences and background. Highly recommend as a departure from the ordinary.
Red Saw Rye Batch 13 which is the first sample of their 30 gallon barrel ryes. It is a significant departure from the younger expressions with the rye/oak ratio being in more balance.
An interesting milestone in their evolution. Read More …
A somewhat oak forward rye but in a charming way rather than an oak stave between the eyes. A nice upward progression in terms of quality/taste in this rye.
Another later batch of Red Saw Rye that was aged a bit longer in the same size barrel but shows intriguing progress/evolution. Read the full review…
A well done, young and exuberant rye with some rough edges to its character making for a charmingly roguish character
A good solid rye whiskey that is an outstanding value for the money – not to mention the quality low cost option.
A good solid rye whiskey that is an outstanding value for the money – not to mention the quality low cost option.
A very nice Pennsylvania Rye, drier and more spare than other types of rye. Price is excellent for the quality
Raid juniors college fund for this one.
Rarely do we use terms like cheap, interesting and good in the same review. This rye is all of these descriptors and more.
Any whiskey lover who tries it will become a convert.
An amazing rye whiskey for the price – Favorite for our around the house rye, and best buy.
An excellent gateway rye that is smooth , flavorful but not overly challenging.
A single barrel rye reputed to be Al Capones’ favorite – I can see why
A truly exceptional barrel proof rye whiskey.