Best Rye Whiskey in 2024: 21 Great Pours - Bourbon Inspector (2024)

Looking to grab a bottle of rye, but don’t know where to start?

I feel you.

There are a gazillion different ryes you can choose from, and they come in all kinds of flavors, proof levels, and price ranges.

Finding the right bottle can easily get overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

But don’t fret!

In this article, I’ll go over the best rye whiskeys for 2024 for every category.

I’ll go over some of the most popular ryes you should try, as well as some of my personal favorites.

I’ve been professionally reviewing whiskey since 2020, and have been drinking it LONG before that.

So whether you’re looking for the best rye overall (and don’t care about the price), or if you want a cheaper rye for your Manhattans, you’ll leave this article with a great place to start.

Shall we?

The Best Rye Whiskey in 2024 by Category

ABV: 47.8% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, butter, vanilla, oak | Price: $119.99 (MSRP), $1,700 – $2,100 (Retail)

Van Winkle Reserve Rye is hands-down the best rye whiskey I’ve ever had. I’m more of a bourbon guy, but I’d gladly take this over many bourbons. It has an amazing, rich palate that’s a joy to drink neat.

You get the usual rye on your first sip, but that’s quickly replaced by a burst of delicious flavor. There are rich notes of caramel, butter, vanilla, oak, and still others that you’ll need superhuman abilities to detect.

There’s a healthy dose of spice on it too, which tastes like cinnamon? (I can’t quite pinpoint it).

But while it’s the best rye I’ve ever had, there’s still room for improvement. At only 47.8% ABV, it doesn’t have the strongest finish.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the sweet, oaky, and peppery finish. There were also deep after-notes of caramel and vanilla which kept me sipping on.

Van Winkle Reserve Rye is distilled by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky (which is owned by the Sazerac company). It’s aged for 13 years, making it one of the oldest ryes you can get.

Is it worth the $1,700 – $2,100 retail price tag?

Probably not. But if you’re looking for the best rye whiskey for a special occasion, you should definitely try to get your hands on one of these.

2. A Midwinter Night’s Dram

ABV: 49.3% | Tasting Notes: Oak, cherry, pepper, and molasses | Price: $150 (MSRP), $250+ (Retail)

This blend of straight rye whiskeys is finished in French oak port barrels—creating a masterpiece. This is one of the more expensive and difficult-to-find rye on this entire list (but nowhere near as hard to find as Van Winkle!).

Right from the nose, you can tell this is going to be a unique experience. You get a strong whiff of cherry, hints of caramel, some maltiness, and earthy undertones. There is some rye in there, but it isn’t overpowering like some ryes are.

Unlike Van Winkle Rye, this has a more dry and earthy palate, which might appeal more to traditional rye fans. You get nice notes of oak, cherry, pepper, molasses, and a hint of dark fruit (probably from the port barrels).

It also slightly reminds me of cough syrup, but not in a bad, nasty tasting way.

The weakest point of this rye is definitely its finish. It’s a satisfying, medium-length finish with hints of pepper, oak, rye spice, and ginger, but it’s not quite as flavorful and dynamic as the rest of the sip.

A Midwinter Night’s Dram retails for around $250 – $300. It’s a limited release from the High West Distillery, which is why it’s hard to find.

For rye enjoyers, this is certainly something you should try!

3. Barrell Seagrass Rye

ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Fruit, vanilla, apricot | Price: $79.99 (MSRP), $90 (Retail)

At an average price of $90 as of writing, Barrel Seagrass is one of the more expensive rye whiskeys on this list. But you get what you pay for because it’s an incredible rye.

This blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys is “meticulously sourced” and finished in Martinique Rhum, Madeira & apricot brandy barrels.

Barrel Seagrass is highly rated and one of the most unique tasting ryes on this entire list. It has a fruity nose, with hints of red apples and peaches. Followed by a funky fruity palate with notes of pineapple, melon, and pear. Finally, it has a medium-length, dry finish with plenty of maltiness and a hint of wood.

If you’re into fruit rye whiskeys, this’ll be a great addition to your shelf. It’s sweet, but the rye gives it a wonderful balance.

This is also a crazy popular bottle. If you have a look around, you’ll find a bunch of people saying this is their #1 choice. For me, I still prefer Van Winkle, but the attention this bottle gets is well deserved.

4. Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye

ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, dried fruit, oak | Price: $40

This blend of Kentucky straight rye, Candian rye, and port offers a fruity and top-shelf quality rye for only around $40. While it still has the traditional spice you expect in a rye whiskey, it leans towards the sweeter side—making for a rye that many say tastes almost like a co*cktail right out of the bottle.

You can think of this bottle as a less romantic version of A Midwinter Night’s Dram. Instead of aging in port barrels, port is simply added to the mix. This, paired with a lower proof, makes Basil Hayden’s dark rye sweeter and smoother.

It’s also readily available in stores, so unlike the Midwinter Night’s Dram, you can get one pretty much anytime you want.

The nose gives you strawberry jam and seasoned oak. The palate has notes of cherries, rye spice, and caramel. And the finish leaves you with a pronounced, dark fruit, feel.

Released in 2017, this rye is fairly new. However, it already has a reputation as a cheaper and easier-to-get Midwinter Night’s Dram.

5. Willett Family Estate Rye

ABV: 55.6% | Tasting Notes: Raisin, cherry, citrus | Price: $54 (MSRP),

Willet has quickly become one of the premier brands in the whiskey game, and their 4-year rye is considered one of the best on the market.

It’s not always easy to find, but the fruit-forward mixture of flavors creates a super unique experience that you should try at least once.

It has a unique nose with a slightly flowery scent and lots of caramel. The palate is slightly medicinal, with hints of green tea, menthol, and a fair amount of spice.

The finish is really where you’ll feel the higher proof of this rye. It has a wonderful hotness to it that meshes so well with the botanical and spice feel.

This whiskey comes from a blend of high rye mashbill (74%) and low rye mashbill (51%). For rye fans, you’ll love the high-proof and stronger rye flavor.

6. High West Double Rye!

ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Mint, rye spices, honey | Price: $35-$40

Back when High West Double Rye! was made with a sourced 16-year-old rye, it was one of the best rye on the market. And it’s definitely still good, but now that High West uses its own, much younger distillate, it has lost a bit of glory.

All that said…it’s a great value for $35-$40.

Both the old and new Double Rye! have a distinct dill aroma. The newer bottles also have spearmint and forest floor scents, unlike the older ones which had more sweetness to them.

The newer bottles have a very light mouthfeel to them. They have a botanical palate with plenty of spices like cinnamon, pepper, clove, and anise. There is a slight sweetness to them, but not as pleasant as the old bottles.

Finally, the finish is a bit disappointing. There’s a short-lived, pleasant rye flavor before it’s quickly overtaken by raw anise.

Thankfully, the proof is quite low, so this doesn’t last too long.

But okay… I didn’t add this to the list to just bash it!

It’s still a great rye for its price, and I’d recommend it for most rye lovers. However, it’s quite disappointing to see how one of the most popular ryes lost some of its quality for price cuts. If you can find a bottle from before 2020, try comparing it yourself.

Best Budget Rye Whiskey

1. Old Overholt

ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, orange, leather | Price: $18

Old Overholt is one of the most popular ryes on the planet because it’s solid and only costs ~$18. It lacks a general boldness and tastes slightly watered down, but it’s insanely smooth and easy to drink. You really can’t go wrong with it for the price.

People say Overholt is the oldest continuously manufactured whiskey in America. At one point, it even was the only rye in the market. Jim Beam eventually bought Overholt, and added it to their “Olds” lineup (hence the name Old Overholt).

Despite its low price, this rye is quite enjoyable!

It has a sweet scent with hints of graham crackers and vanilla frosting. Its palate is watered down with tiny notes of leather and orange. The finish is short-lived, but you do get a strong cinnamon-orange-leather flavor before it disappears.

It’s nowhere near as rich as the previous six ryes I’ve talked about. But for $18?

Not bad at all!

2. Old Forester Rye

ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Black pepper, cinnamon, apple | Price: $22

This solid rye is ideal for co*cktails and sipping. Old Forester uses a higher percentage of malted barley in their mash than other rye whiskeys on this list, giving it a softer edge and a nuttier flavor profile. All of this, and the fact that it’s about $22, make it a fantastic purchase.

It’s a fairly new rye (released in 2019), but it takes inspiration from a 1940 brand Normandy Rye. As for its flavor profile, you get a nice floral aroma on the nose, a nutty mix of spices on the palate, and a peppercorn-to-brown-sugar medium-length finish.

Old Forester is very well-known for making good stuff, so you know you’re getting quality! No, it’s not the best rye in the world. But if you’re looking for a cheap bottle with a higher proof than Old Overholt, this one fits the bill.

3. George Dickel Rye

ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, marshmallow, rye spice | Price: $25

George Dickel Rye is a very approachable whiskey at an affordable price. For under $25, it provides a great rye with a unique flavor profile due to the Dickel charcoal filtering process. Many say this is a great option for bourbon drinkers who want to get into rye whiskey.

Another thing that jumps out (aside from the charcoal filtering process) is its 95% rye mashbill. Despite this, it doesn’t hit your nose the moment you take a whiff. You’re instead met by vanilla, marshmallows, and fallen leaves.

However, when you get the palate, you’re taken straight back to reality. The heavy rye fills your mouth, but it’s not at all unpleasant. Instead, it’s a creamy and spicy profile. The same goes for the finish. It’s rye forward, but there are hints of oak and leather as well.

It’s a bit pricier than Old Overholt and Old Forester. But for fans of rye who want a good mid-shelf bottle, this is a great choice!

4. Redemption Rye

ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, dark fruit, dill | Price: $27.99

Redemption Rye is a classic MGP whiskey with a good kick to it, reminding many of a “classic” rye whiskey. It’s light and doesn’t have a ton of character since it’s a 2-year-old whiskey, but it’s a versatile co*cktail component.

As for flavor, Redemption Rye is a lot more gentle than your typical ryes (despite having a 95% rye mashbill). On the nose, you get dill, spearmint, and bubblegum.

The palate brings out more of that bubblegum flavor with some nuttiness to it. And the finish has hints of caramel, cinnamon, and mint.

It’s the priciest of this budget list, but it’s nowhere near the premium bottles like Van Winkle or Midwinter Night’s Dram! It also offers some unique flavors that most other ryes don’t have.

Smoothest Rye Whiskey

1. Sazerac Rye

ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Apricot, caramel, vanilla | Price: $40-$50

While it’s usually hard to find (like most Buffalo Trace products), Sazerac Rye is one of the most essential ryes on the market. It’s a smooth, crowd-pleasing, easy-to-drink rye for around $30. This would obviously be the go-to rye for the Sazerac co*cktail.

It has a pretty standard rye nose, with some hints of orange, raisin, and vanilla. The palate is very smooth, with notes of vanilla and caramel followed by rye spice, oak, and raisin.

The finish starts with a strong rye spice, and there are hints of black pepper and raisins that stay well after you’ve swallowed.

If you enjoy smooth whiskey, this is a must-try. It’s closer to a bourbon than most other bottles on this list (other than Van Winkle).

Sazerac Rye goes wayyy back to the 1800s. According to their site, this is the original New Orleans Sazerac Rye that they produced all those years ago. Pretty cool huh?

2. Elijah Craig Rye

ABV: 47% | Tasting Notes: Kettle corn, nutmeg, rye spice | Price: $29.99 (MSRP)

This sweet rye comes from one of the biggest names in the bourbon world. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser that tastes very similar to a bourbon. Elijah Craig actually uses a much lower rye content than other ryes on this list.

There’s a mintiness and cinnamoniness (is that a word?) to both the nose, palate, and finish. The finish also has a nice spiciness to it without being too hot. The best part? It’s smooth all throughout.

I slightly prefer Sazerac Rye over this one because I find it more rich. I also think, while Elijah Craig is a solid brand, that most of its bottles are slightly over-hyped. They tend to be heavy on oak notes.

Again, this rye is a lot closer to bourbon than other ryes. If ever you plan to mix some co*cktails, I wouldn’t use this for recipes that call for rye!

3. Angel’s Envy Finished Rye

ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Gingerbread, maple, marshmallow | Price: $75 (MSRP)

Many say this is the most dessert-like whiskey they’ve ever had. If you like sweet ryes, you’re in for a treat here. If not, you probably won’t like this at all. It’s a very polarizing pour.

As we all know, some whiskey gets lost during aging (they say the angels drink it). The story goes that when this particular whiskey was first tasted; the distiller said that we finally got a better deal than the angels! Hence the name Angel’s Envy.

The nose has some alcohol burn to it. But otherwise, it’s a pleasant mix of gingerbread, graham crackers, molasses, and a lot of sweet scents. The palate is no different. It’s a very sweet sip once again.

The finish is a long and – you guessed it – sweet. The higher proof makes it linger in your mouth for quite a while. Overall, a very sweet and different pour.

Do I think the angels are jealous?

I think they’re jealous of all the whiskeys we enjoy, not just this one!

Best Ryes for an Old Fashioned

1. Woodford Reserve Rye

ABV: 45.2% | Tasting Notes: Honey, apple, pepper | Price: $40

While a bit overpriced (~$40) for what it offers, Woodford Reserve Rye is a good co*cktail rye. It has the traditional rye flavor profile but leans towards the lighter side—making it a really solid complement for a classic old fashioned.

I gave Woodford Reserve bourbon a silver badge. And I’d say their rye is roughly the same.

Woodford Reserve is a brand under the Brown Forman Corp – the same guys who own Old Forrester and Jack Daniels. They have a long fermentation process, a “unique” strain of yeast, and they make their own barrels.

The nose is quite subtle. There are hints of rye, new wood, and even some pears and apples. With only 53% rye on the mashbill, the palate of this is a lot more like bourbon. You get notes of honey and apples, and also a slight tinge of rye spice.

This all blends so well with the bitters in an old-fashioned! And while I’m not the biggest Woodford fan, they make solid stuff that you can’t go wrong trying.

2. Wild Turkey 101 Rye

ABV: 50.5% | Tasting Notes: Heavy spice, oatmeal, butter | Price: $25 (MSRP)

This is one of the hottest ryes (in a literal sense) on this list, which can make for an exceptional old fashioned if you like yours on the spicier side. It’s a straightforward, quality rye that leans into the traditional rye profile.

Wild Turkey is an awesome bourbon brand. Their master distiller, Jimmy Russell, is referred to as the Buddha of Bourbon.

However, their ryes don’t have the greatest history. Up until recently, most people ignored Wild Turkey 101 bottles (and sometimes it went out of production).

Most people say use smoother, sweeter, whiskies for an old-fashioned. But if you’re looking for something different, this spicy bottle will definitely do the trick.

The rye spice is present all throughout the nose, palate, and finish. This offsets the sweetness of the other ingredients and gives you a more complex co*cktail.

Not my favorite for drinking neat. But on an old-fashioned with the sugar, bitters, and zest? Sign me up!

Best Rye Whiskey Under $50

1. WhistlePig Piggyback Rye

ABV: 48.28% | Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, caramel, vanilla | Price: $50 (MSRP)

If you’re looking for a bold, high-quality rye for under $50, this is it. It was one of late master distiller Dave Pickerell’s last creations and it’s a fantastic sipper with tons of character. It also works well in co*cktails with its sweet and spicy profile.

WhistlePig pretty much only makes ryes. They’re popular for their expensive bottles, which is why this one is quite surprising. It has a 100% rye mashbill, which gives it a spicy flavor all throughout. You also get lovely notes of cinnamon and cedar in the nose, palate, and finish.

Because of its lower price compared to their other bottles, PiggyBack is quickly becoming WhistlePig’s most popular pour. For its price, it’s definitely something to keep around! It’s not as cheap as Old Overholt or Old Forester. But if you want to take things up a notch without splurging, this’ll do the trick.

2. New Riff Rye

ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, honey, orange, vanilla | Price: $45 (MSRP)

New Riff is gaining traction quickly in the whiskey world. And this great rye expression only has accelerated their growth. New Riff Rye is a silky rye with a spicy and sweet profile that tastes much older than it really is.

New Riff is a distillery that opened in 2014 in Kentucky. They produce quite a lot, including bourbon, rye, malted rye, and even gin and other specialty drinks. I personally love New Riff bourbon, and their rye is quite nice too.

The nose has a nice smokiness to it, with notes of charred oak and orange peels. The palate has a nice silky smooth mouthfeel to it with touches of spice, honey, orange zest, and tobacco. It finishes fiery, with plenty of heat and rye spice.

3. Stellum Rye

ABV: 58.1% | Tasting Notes: Cinnamon, nutmeg, apple | Price: $40 – $55

From Barrell Craft Spirits, Stellum Rye is a complex pour that is both complex and subtle. Many say it can go toe-to-toe with any rye on the market and works well both neat and in a co*cktail.

Stellum is a really new brand by Barrel Craft Spirits. Launched in March 2021, it’s quite a common bottle to see around. I really like Stellum bourbon, and their rye doesn’t disappoint! They haven’t disclosed their mashbill, but I’m guessing it’s one of those high-rye mashes.

The nose is quite intense, with rye spice and cinnamon buns. The palate has a complex flavor with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple.

Finally, the finish gives you plenty of heat and some dryness, with hints of rye spice and cinnamon.

If you enjoy high-proof ryes, you’ll probably like this one over WhistlePig and New Riff ryes. You can still find some bottles for less than $50.

However, most retailers today sell this for around $55.

Best Rye Whiskey for a Manhattan

1. Rittenhouse Rye

ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Peach, pepper, spice | Price: $34.99 (MSRP)

This fruit-forward rye is an easy-to-sip whiskey that works great in Manhattans as mixologist Heather Wibbels so eloquently said in her guest post. It’s a more mellow rye that resembles a bourbon, making it a solid “bridging” rye for bourbon drinkers who want to get into the rye world.

Rittenhouse Rye has a reputation as a bartender’s favorite, and for good reason! It’s a great base for many co*cktails and, of course, manhattans. On its own, it holds up quite well too.

The nose starts slow, but gradually you’ll get some sweet and earthy notes. The palate brings you a mix of blackberry, rye spice, pepper, and peach notes. It’s a lovely mix of spicy and sweet. The finish is medium-length, with notes of char, peppercorn, and clove.

Mix this with sweet vermouth and bitters, and you’ll have an awesome Manhattan!

2. Knob Creek Rye

ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, pine, oak | Price: $40

Knob Creek is a powerhouse whiskey brand from Beam Suntory, and their rye expression won’t disappoint. This is just as fruity as Rittenhouse Rye but has a bit more character and isn’t overly sweet—making it a great compliment for a Manhattan.

Distilled by Jim Beam, Knob Creek is mostly known for their bourbons. But in 2012, they released this rye, which is currently the only ongoing product in Jim Beam’s Small Batch Collection.

It’s barely legal rye (51% only), but it does have a much more peppery flavor compared to Knob Creek bourbons. With a higher proof, it blends so nicely with the sweetness of vermouth.

But I still prefer Rittenhouse Rye for my Manhattans. The higher proof of Knob Creek makes it work great on the rocks though.

3. Russell’s Reserve Rye

ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, vanilla, spice | Price: $45

Russell’s Reserve is distilled by Wild Turkey, one of the most popular distilleries in Kentucky. I personally love their Single Barrell and 10-Year Bourbons, and their rye is quite good too.

However, it’s not the greatest sip in the world, which is why I prefer using it for Manhattans instead of drinking it neat.

This is another barely legal rye. The nose is quite light, with notes of vanilla and oak. The palate hits you with sweetness and notes of bubblegum and caramel.

Finally, it finishes with notes of rye spice, leather, and peppercorn.

When mixing a Manhattan, keep in mind that this is a sweeter rye. You might want to balance the other ingredients accordingly (maybe even treat it like a bourbon).

FAQs

1. What is the highest rated rye whiskey?

There are a few rye whiskeys that consistently rank highly among critics and experts. Some of the highest-rated rye whiskeys include Sazerac 18-Year Rye, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, High West Double Rye!, and WhistlePig 10 Year.

2. Is rye whiskey a good sipping whiskey?

Rye whiskey is a great sipping whiskey because it has a bold, complex flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or in co*cktails. Its spiciness makes it perfect for drinking neat or even in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan co*cktail.

3. What are common rye whiskeys?

Some of the most common rye whiskeys include Rittenhouse Rye, Knob Creek Rye, and Bulleit Rye. You shouldn’t have much trouble finding at least one of them at a store in your area.

What’s the Absolute Best Rye Whiskey in 2024?

Taking everything into consideration—taste, price, and availability—our top rye for 2024 is Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye.

It offers the best bang for your buck, is approachable, and versatile.

This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the “best tasting” rye, it’s just our #1 pick based on these factors.

Pretty much any rye on this list is a good buy.