Rye

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Best Buy | 96 Points | The aroma entices with bold caramel and vanilla. The palate is brisk and relatively dry, despite the succulent aroma, showing vanilla and oak up front, and rounding into nutmeg, almond, vanilla and bitter orange on the finish. Versatile for cocktails, including its namesake Sazerac.

The Whisky Advocate 91 Points |  Fresh orange, raspberry, caramel candy corn, cotton candy, and lemon aromas, with a hint of fresh banana. On the palate, smooth, spiced, and fruity, with notes of candied watermelon, cherry hard candy, and overall candied sweetness, with a dash of pepper spice. The finish is smooth, with muted sweetness and fruit notes of raspberry sorbet—spicy but well-textured and of medium length, with a great veneer of softness and emerging spice. 

Producer Description 

Light amber/burnt orange color. The nose includes sun dried peaches and spice with a hint of caramel and oak. Notes of rye grass, peaches, light caramel and a huge burst of cinnamon spice. Pleasantly warm in the mouth and throat without the alcohol burn. The finish is fruity and sweet at first with a dash of spice and caramel. A little oak wood at the end leaves a very clean palate.

Memo Summary Notes

Often called "Baby Saz," Sazerac Straight Rye. Best For: Making a Sazerac or Manhattan. Its 90-proof point makes it approachable for people who find 100+ proof whiskeys too aggressive.

Jefferson’s Rye Blend · 88 Proof

Jefferson’s brings together straight rye whiskeys drawing on American and Canadian distilling traditions. Bottled at 88 proof, this full-bodied blend is presented in a 750ml format.

At a Glance

• Style: Blended straight rye whiskey
• Proof: 88
• Size: 750ml
• Blend: American and Canadian distilling traditions

A bold, full-bodied rye blend shaped by two distilling traditions.

Producer Description 

Van Winkle's magnum opus. A rye whiskey that masquerades as a bourbon, and one of the most awe-inspiring whiskeys to ever come out of Kentucky. Enigmatic and highly sought-after, expect a sumptuously smooth mouthfeel, rolling with outstanding and captivating flavors that blur the lines between rye and bourbon and leave you wondering and wanting more. 

On the nose, classic notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and spice prevail, before a silky, alkaline mouthfeel comes to the fore with rye spice, cinnamon, ground black pepper and smooth caramel notes, before a buttery finish that brings subtle spice, toffee and oak. While it may not hold the same stature as its "Pappy" counterparts, the 13 Year Old Family Reserve Rye from van Winkle is perhaps the most important whiskey in their portfolio. 

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey | 90 Proof | 750ml | Sonoma County, California, USA

Rated 97 Points – The Tasting Panel | 92 Points – Wine Advocate

Named after the fastest-growing Redwood in the world — an ancient giant standing 359 feet tall and estimated to be 1,180 years old — this whiskey embodies boldness and resilience. Crafted with a robust high-rye mash bill, it delivers bold spice while maintaining a surprisingly soft mouthfeel.

• Distillery: Redwood Empire Whiskey
• Origin: Sonoma County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Style: California Straight Rye Whiskey
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
• Mash Bill: High-rye

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Warm brown sugar and cinnamon with salted orange peel and a subtle hint of pepper
• Palate: Bold spice, sea salt, bittersweet chocolate, nutmeg, exotic blue flowers, caraway, tobacco, and malt balls
• Finish: Long and satisfying with stone fruit, vanilla, lemon sorbet, and savory espresso

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 The Tasting Panel – 97 Points: "Sumptuous scents of salted orange peel give way to an impressive weightiness on the palate, where sea salt and bittersweet chocolate intertwine with nutmeg, exotic blue flowers, and caraway."
• 🏆 Wine Advocate – 92 Points: "A smooth but complex rye with depth and lively flavors... beautifully fragrant and redolent of fresh morning fields. The finish is quite long, with vanilla and lemon sorbet, balanced by savory espresso."

Donnafugata · Ben Ryé · Passito di Pantelleria · 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2023 is a Zibibbo dessert wine from Pantelleria, Sicily, offered in a 375ml half bottle. The 2023 Vinous review describes an exotic yet fresh expression, with white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus, followed by a long, refreshing finish.

Ben Ryé comes from Pantelleria in Sicily and is made from Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria. The current-vintage review appears first below; the 2022 reviews and memo notes are retained separately as historical context.

Expert Review · Vintage 2023

Vinous · 94 Points · Vintage 2023

Exotic yet remarkably fresh, the 2023 Ben Ryé bursts from the glass with a seductive blend of white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus. It is weighty, rich and harmonious throughout, coming across as sweet but not cloyingly so. Ultra-ripe pit fruit combines with candied lemon and a crisp mineral tinge that adds form toward the close. Dramatically long, the 2023 leaves a resonance of sour melon and an air of confectionary spice while cleaning up well, leaving the palate completely refreshed.

• Nose: Intense aromas of dried apricots, candied orange peel, and figs, with tropical hints of mango and papaya. You’ll also notice "Mediterranean macchia" (herbal/balsamic notes like wild mint and sage).
• Palate: Unctuous and honeyed but balanced by a remarkably high acidity that keeps it from being cloying.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with almond pastries, fruit-based desserts or blue cheese, or serve a small glass on its own at the end of a meal.

Details

• Producer: Donnafugata
• Wine: Ben Ryé
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily
• Appellation: Passito di Pantelleria
• Grape: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
• Type: Dessert wine
• Reviews: Vinous review for 2023; historical reviews for 2022, labeled separately

Producer Description

Aged for a minimum of four years in our federally bonded warehouse, bottled at precisely 100 proof. Ideal for those who like plenty of spice, and a single, unmalted grain expression. Not shying away from a complex flavor profile, grain-forward spiciness nuanced by cinnamon and ginger give a nice kick to the entire drinking experience.

High West Double Rye is the flagship expression from Park City, Utah's celebrated High West Distillery — a pioneer of American craft whiskey and the art of blending. A harmonious marriage of column-still and pot-still rye whiskies, aged a minimum of two years, Double Rye is built to showcase the bold, spice-forward character of high-rye whiskey alongside an unexpected botanical brightness that sets it apart from the crowd.

The nose is complex and inviting: mint, clove, cinnamon, licorice root, pine nuts, and dark chocolate, with a surprising gin-like herbal quality woven throughout. On the palate, rye spice leads the charge — assertive and warming — before giving way to menthol, eucalyptus, wildflower honey, and allspice. The finish is long and satisfying, with cinnamon and mint gradually sweetening into a lingering hint of anise. Bold, layered, and endlessly sippable at 92 proof.

High West's approach to blending — sourcing and marrying whiskies of different ages, mash bills, and distillation methods — is rooted in the tradition of the great Scotch blenders, applied with a distinctly American spirit. Double Rye is the result: a whiskey greater than the sum of its parts.

Outstanding neat, with a splash of water, or on the rocks. A natural fit for Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, and Whiskey Sours. Equally at home by a campfire or at the bar.

Tasting Notes

Smooth yet complex, Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe Bourbon delivers the hallmark character of one of America's most celebrated distilleries. Expect rich vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak on the nose, with a spicy rye backbone, hints of dark fruit, and a warm, lingering finish that rewards every sip.

About the Whiskey

Crafted using the same high-quality grains as Buffalo Trace Bourbon, this expression was produced in partnership with the Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc) and aged in specifically designated Kosher barrels — ensuring full Kosher integrity from grain to glass. A rare and sought-after expression for whiskey lovers who keep Kosher.

Product Details

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Rye Recipe)
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher – Chicago Rabbinical Council (cRc)
• Country: United States

Elijah Craig · Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey · 94 Proof · 750ml

Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey balances spicy rye grain with sweet corn, bringing together rich baking spices, honey and smooth oak. Bottled at 94 proof, it offers a rounded texture and a long, lingering finish for sipping or mixing.

Producer & Production

The first extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to join the Elijah Craig family, this expression follows a distillation process similar to the brand’s Small Batch Bourbon. Its distinction begins with the mashbill, which contains 51% rye grain rather than a corn-led recipe.

Tasting Notes

Medium chestnut in color, with aromas of dark chocolate, spices and a hint of smoke. Rich baking spices and honey unfold on the palate, supported by smooth oak influence. The finish is long and lingering.

Expert Comment

Fred Minnick
“On the palate, it’s like butter, drenching down the jawline and hitting the tongue with a cadre of spice, from cinnamon to black pepper.”

Producer Description

Elijah Craig
The first extra-aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey to join Elijah Craig’s award-winning family of Bourbons. A unique combination of spicy rye grains and sweet corn, coupled with a steadfast attention to detail, give Elijah Craig Straight Rye the perfect balance of flavor and smoothness.

Customer Comments

Michael · Salt Lake City · “A great sipping rye!”
My "go to" favorite. This rye is smooth and flavorful with just enough spice to be interesting and satisfying.

Tyler · Wisconsin · “Love it”
Loved the spice notes of the Rye coming through. Very smooth for the price. Definitely will buy again.

Spike · Salem, OR · “Daily drinker!”
I was looking to find a great tasting whiskey as my go to that didn't break the bank. I truly love all the flavors and being extremely smooth! This is my new daily sipper!

Dan · Prescott, AZ · “Smooth buttery spice”
Excellent flavor and viscosity. As a new rye drinker, I appreciate the corn sweetness -a perfect mellow addition to the rye spices.

W. · Texas · “Superior Tasting Rye” · Reviewed at Heaven Hill Distillery
I do enjoy Rittenhouse, Bulleit and Knob Creek Rye's. If you have a hankering for those, you'll love this one. I certainly do. Fantastic flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy neat, over ice or with a small splash of water. Try in an Old Fashioned or Manhattan to bring its rye spice and oak character into a classic cocktail.

Details

• Brand: Elijah Craig
• Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: Kentucky
• Location: Bardstown
• Grain base: 51% rye, with corn in the mashbill
• Strength: 94 proof, 47% ABV
• Color: Medium chestnut
• Primary tasting notes: Baking spices, honey, dark chocolate and oak

Producer Description

Bold aroma of caramel and vanilla, with hints of prunes, apricots and rye. Notes of caramel and rye dominate the palate, and are complemented by touches of cinnamon, cloves, mint, and butterscotch. Long, warming finish that is slightly sweet.

Nelson Bros. · Straight Rye Whiskey · 92.5 Proof · 750ml

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey brings together nutmeg, dried apricot, mint, leather, cinnamon and cedar in an American whiskey bottled at 92.5 proof. The combination of fruit, spice and herbal notes makes this 750ml bottle a choice for exploring neat or mixing into a rye cocktail.

Producer & Heritage

The Nelson family's whiskey story stretches from Charles Nelson's Nashville grocery business to Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. The producer's historical notes below recount the family business and the Belle Meade label; they are background, not a claim that this rye shares the historic bourbon's recipe or production details.

Producer Description

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 92.5 proof. This American whiskey features tasting notes of nutmeg, dried apricot, mint, leather, cinnamon, and cedar.

Seeking an American dream and a fresh start in Nashville, Charles Nelson opened a grocery store that flourished from his three best-selling products: coffee, meat, and whiskey. This eventually led to his focusing only on his whiskey business, the demand for which was far exceeding the supply. He bought the distillery that was making his whiskey in Greenbrier, TN, and a patent for improved distillation. Throughout this success, he began to make a name for Tennessee whiskey and a household name for himself, as well. Belle Meade Bourbon was one of about 30 different labels that Charles Nelson produced in the late 1800's. Unlike most of his other products, it was produced in conjunction with a third party, Nashville's Sperry Wade & Company, who had contracted Nelson's Green Brier Distillery to sell bourbon, rye, corn, and Tennessee whiskies bearing the Belle Meade brand.

Belle Meade Bourbon was the toast of the town when it hit the market in 1878 and became known as a great value and top-quality product. Long after prohibition's end, Charlie and Andy Nelson dedicated their lives to bringing back the family business and resurrecting the once-great Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. This was no small feat for two recent college grads who spent years being told "no" by potential investors, but that didn't stop the tenacious Nelsons.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Try neat, over ice or in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. For food, consider aged cheese, roasted nuts or a slice of apple tart to complement the whiskey's fruit and spice notes.

Details

• Brand: Nelson Brothers / Nelson Bros.
• Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region Listed: Tennessee
• Grain Category: Rye
• Strength: 92.5 Proof
• Tasting Notes: Nutmeg, dried apricot, mint, leather, cinnamon and cedar

Producer Description 

The team at Michter's conducts their distilling by the tried and true Kentucky practices, while experimenting for the purpose of making the greatest American whiskeys. The Michter's team conducted years of research on different barrel finishes for their rye whiskey, and have proudly produced the Michter's US-1 Limited Release Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Whiskey.

To produce this Toasted Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey, they took their US-1 Kentucky Straight Rye at barrel strength and aged it longer in a second custom barrel. The second barrel is assembled from 24 month air dried wood, and toasted to Michter's specification.

The deep reddish brown color leads to scents of spicy rye and cooking brown sugar. The initial flavors of rye and dark brown sugar gives way to the subtle hints of oak and dark baking spices. There is a silky finish that ends with more rye and orange peels. Producer Notes.

Wild Turkey · Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey · 101 Proof · 750ml

Wild Turkey 101 Rye brings Kentucky rye character to the glass with lively spice, rounded caramel sweetness and the presence of a 101-proof bottling. It is a versatile choice for a home bar, especially when you want the whiskey to remain at the heart of a classic cocktail.

Producer & Barrel Character

Made in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Wild Turkey 101 Rye balances rye with corn and malted barley for a rounded take on the style. Aging in deeply charred No. 4 “alligator” barrels complements its spicy edge and caramel richness.

Tasting Notes

Rye spice meets rounded caramel sweetness, creating a balance of richness and intensity. Its assertive proof gives the whiskey enough backbone to hold its own alongside vermouth, bitters and other cocktail ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Try it in a Manhattan, where its spice provides a counterpoint to sweet vermouth, or in an Old Fashioned that keeps the whiskey’s character front and center. For a simpler serve, enjoy over ice or with a little water to suit your taste.

Details

• Producer: Wild Turkey
• Style: Kentucky straight rye whiskey
• Origin: Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, United States
• Alcohol: 50.5% ABV / 101 proof
• Barrels: No. 4 “alligator” char
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Character: Rye spice and caramel sweetness
• Cocktail suggestions: Manhattan and Old Fashioned

A bold, rounded rye for classic whiskey cocktails.

Sazerac · Straight Rye Whiskey · 1.75L Magnum

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey balances warm spice and sweet aromatics with bright citrus and a smooth, licorice-accented finish. This generous 1.75-liter format is a practical addition to a home cocktail bar, especially for those who enjoy exploring classic rye drinks.

Tasting Notes

Clove, vanilla, anise and pepper lead the aromas, followed by candied spice and citrus. Sweetness softens the spicy edge, while hints of licorice linger on the smooth finish. The expert reviews below offer complementary impressions of caramel, fruit and baking spice.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points, Kara Newman, March 1, 2020: Vanilla and caramel aromas invite. The palate echoes those flavors up front, evolving into lemon and grapefruit peel midpalate. The finish is drying and brisk, with a flurry of baking spice plus a mild herbaceous note. Versatile workhorse for cocktails, including its namesake.

Whisky Advocate, 91 Points: Fresh orange, raspberry, caramel candy corn, cotton candy, and lemon aromas, with a hint of fresh banana. On the palate, smooth, spiced, and fruity, with notes of candied watermelon, cherry hard candy, and overall candied sweetness, with a dash of pepper spice. The finish is smooth, with muted sweetness and fruit notes of raspberry sorbet—spicy but well-textured and of medium length, with a great veneer of softness and emerging spice.

Serving Suggestions

Try it in its namesake Sazerac cocktail, or use its vanilla, citrus and spice character in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. For a simpler serve, enjoy over ice or with a little water to suit your taste.

Details

• Brand: Sazerac
• Style: Straight rye whiskey
• Country: United States
• Bottle size: 1.75 liters
• Format: Magnum
• Availability: Pickup only

A versatile rye for a well-stocked cocktail bar, available in a pickup-only large format.

Expert Review 

The Whiskey Advocate 91 Points | Rademon Estate Distillery’s superb core whiskey has a nose of rye crackers, fresh oak, vanilla sponge, honey, bread crust, sultana, and golden syrup. It’s light to medium-bodied, with honey, cinnamon, and a big hit of rye spice, sweetening with vanilla, spun sugar, and golden syrup, setting up a push and pull between the rye and the sweet notes, before a finish of toffee, cinnamon, cinder toffee, and walnuts in syrup.

Producer Description 

This carefully crafted Rye and Malt edition of Shortcross Irish Whiskey has been proudly distilled, matured and bottled at Rademon Estate Distillery.  This is our second release of whiskey, following our first release Inaugural single malt whiskey. Created with a unique mash bill of 100% Irish malted rye and malted barley.

This whiskey is highly regarded because it's part of a new wave of innovative Irish whiskeys, blending the traditional Irish style with the bold character of American rye.

This whiskey has been double distilled on our copper pot stills, including one of the smallest whiskey stills on the island of Ireland. Aged in a combination of virgin chinkapin oak and ex-bourbon barrels. Non-chill filtered all natural colour. 

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Soft spice, orange peel and creamy caramel fudge. 
Palate: Sweet stem ginger, fresh apricot and green apple followed by dark honey.
Finish: Sweet Marmalade and rich fudge, bringing with it light spice.  Velvety and rich finish.

Dark blackberry and dried cherry fruitiness, warm toasted oak tones, rich dark chocolate caramel, fresh cracked black pepper, rye spice, and brioche bread.

Dorothy Arzner Straight Rye Whiskey 3 Year

Dorothy Arzner made history when she became the first woman to direct a sound film, Manhattan Cocktail in 1928. Her directing career spanned the 1920s to the early 1940s. She launched the careers of many actresses including Katharine Hepburn and Lucille Ball. Later, in her teaching years at UCLA, she taught a young Francis Ford Coppola and gave him the confidence to become a film director. In honor of this free-spirited and independent woman were releasing a 3-year-old straight rye whiskey. 

Producer Description 

The 2024 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery continues the legacy of unfiltered, barrel-proof rye whiskey. Aged over six years and bottled at a bold 127.2 proof, this release builds on the historic recipe inspired by Thomas H. Handy, the bartender credited with popularizing rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail.

Hand-bottled without dilution, it captures the raw essence of the rye, honoring traditional methods dating back over a century. Last year’s expression earned a prestigious Double Gold at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class rye.

Knob Creek · Rye Whiskey · 7 Years · 100 Proof

Patiently aged for seven years in deeply charred barrels and bottled at 100 proof, this Kentucky rye balances sweet barrel notes with rye spice. Its higher-corn mashbill makes it an approachable bridge for bourbon drinkers curious about rye.

Tasting Notes

Full-bodied, with black pepper, sweet vanilla, caramel and lingering oak. Apple and floral notes layer over deep rye spice, with a hint of leather.

At a Glance

• Producer: Knob Creek
• Style: Rye whiskey
• Age: 7 years
• Proof: 100
• Origin: Clermont, Kentucky
• Size: 1.0 liter

Sweet barrel notes, bold rye spice and lingering oak make this a flavorful Kentucky pour.

Producer Description 

Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye, presented in a 750ml bottle, is a premium and meticulously crafted whiskey. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this rye is finished in Caribbean rum casks, adding unique depth and complexity to its profile. The process creates a distinctive blend of traditional rye spiciness with sweet, exotic undertones.

The nose of Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye is rich and inviting, offering an intriguing mix of rye spiciness and sweet rum. Notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak are beautifully intertwined with hints of tropical fruit and molasses, creating a complex and alluring aroma.

On the palate, this rye whiskey displays an extraordinary balance of flavors. The initial spicy rye character is perfectly complemented by the sweetness imparted from the rum cask finish. Flavors of dark chocolate, candied fruit, and a hint of honey are harmoniously blended with the traditional rye notes of pepper and cinnamon.

The finish is long and satisfying, with a delightful interplay of sweet and spicy elements. The lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of tropical fruit leave a memorable impression, making Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye a truly remarkable and enjoyable whiskey. Its luxurious character and unique rum cask finish set it apart, making it a coveted choice for whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Produced Description

Butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries on the nose; warming, rich, toasty vanilla and caramel up front with a dry oaky spice on the finish.

The May 2015 inaugural release of Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye marked yet another milestone in that quest. For maturation, the Rye distillate is entered into the barrel at 103 proof, rather than a more industry standard higher proof. Barrel entry at a lower proof of 103 rather than a higher proof costs Michter's more money in terms of barrels and warehousing, but they believe it yields a richer, smoother, more full-bodied whiskey after proper maturation. A single barrel product, each barrel of Michter's US1 Barrel Strength Rye is bottled at its particular alcohol level at the time of bottling. The majority of barrels in the releases range from 107 to 112 proof. To savor it is a unique experience for anyone who enjoys rye whiskey. 

Expert Reviews 

99 Points Tasting Panel | Bottled at barrel strength (108 proof), this Kentucky straight rye exudes Michter’s always complex aromas—full of orange peel, burnt sugar, choco- late leather—with an extra stirring of the senses i ncluding cherrywood and peach. On the tongue, the alcohol sets a tone, then dissipates, leaving a warmth of peppered cherries, orange zest, toffee nibs and cocoa.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | This limited-release rye offers a rich aroma of vanilla and caramel. Bottled at barrel strength, it's initially drying and hot on the palate. Complex and echoing with rounded vanilla and allspice, it stands up to plenty of dilution, and finishes on a hint of almond.

A playful yet powerful limited edition from WhistlePig, PiggyBank is aged 10 years and bottled at a bold 100 proof. Housed in a collectible pig-shaped decanter, this straight rye whiskey delivers rich, spicy complexity with smooth oak character — making it a standout gift or centerpiece for any whiskey aficionado.

Producer Description 

WhistlePig PiggyBank is the latest release from WhistlePig Distillery. Aged for 10 Years, WhistlePig PiggyBank is a limited edition blend of straight rye whiskey bottled at 100 proof. 

Producer Description 

The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 2023 release is a continuation of a revered tradition in the world of fine spirits. As a part of the esteemed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this whiskey pays homage to Thomas H. Handy, an influential figure in New Orleans' cocktail history, known for popularizing the Sazerac cocktail. 

About High West Rendezvous Rye

High West Distillery’s flagship whiskey. Rendezvous Rye is a masterful blend of straight rye whiskeys aged 4 to 7 years in charred American white oak barrels — crafted at High West’s home in Park City, Utah with the pioneering spirit of the American West. The high rye mash bill delivers uncompromising flavor: rich, full-bodied, and deeply complex, with a character that shines equally neat or in classic cocktails.

Tasting Notes

A very spicy nose with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, caramel, molasses, and candied fruit. The palate is rich and full with a balanced body and layers of fragrant rye spice, dried fruit, and warm baking spices. The finish is long and lingering, laced with cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of sweetness — deeply satisfying from first sip to last.

Serve & Enjoy

Exceptional neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its complexity. The high rye mash bill also makes Rendezvous Rye the definitive choice for a classic Manhattan or Old Fashioned — bold enough to stand up to vermouth and bitters with ease.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Style: Blended Straight Rye Whiskey
Region: Park City, Utah, USA
Distillery: High West Distillery
Aging: 4–7 years in charred American white oak barrels
Mash Bill: High Rye Content

Producer Description 

Each year as part of the Parker's Heritage Collection, we select a special whiskey to be released in the name of our late Master Distiller Parker Beam. The barrels selected for this series include Bourbon, Rye, and Wheat Whiskeys, among others, and are some of the finest and most diverse American Whiskeys ever produced. They are a fitting tribute to the expertise of Parker Beam.

The 17^th edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection consists of 10-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey pulled from 142 barrels. For this release, we used our traditional rye mashbill of 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. It was barreled in August, October or December of 2012 and aged on the first floor of Rickhouse H1 and H2, the fifth floor of Rickhouse FF, the third and seventh floors of Rickhouse BB, and the second floor of Rickhouse DD.

At bottling, the liquid was non-chill filtered. This is only the second Rye in the collection and is the longest-aged Rye Whiskey in the Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio, making this a truly special edition. 

Woodford Reserve · Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey · 90.4 Proof

Woodford Reserve Rye takes its cue from pre-Prohibition rye whiskeys, with a mash bill containing 53% rye. Spice and tobacco lead a layered mix of fruit, floral and sweet aromatics, bringing sweetness and balance to this Kentucky straight rye whiskey.

Rye spice, black pepper, cedar and cassia bark meet a dusting of marzipan, with pear, apple and almond underneath. The palate brings clove, rye, mint, molasses, sorghum and honey, accented by apple and malt. The finish is long and sweetly spiced.

Producer Description

Woodford Reserve Rye uses a pre-prohibition style ratio of 53% rye in its mash bill to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys, making spice and tobacco the dominant note among a sea of fruit, floral, and sweet aromatics, which yields a nice sweetness and overall balance. Our rye whiskey can deliver complex flavors – neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. A balanced rye makes a more balanced cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy neat, on ice or in a cocktail to explore its balance of rye spice, fruit and sweetness.

Details

• Producer: Woodford Reserve
• Country: United States
• Region: Kentucky
• Location: Versailles
• Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Grain: Rye, 53% of the mash bill
• Proof: 90.4
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Producer Description 

100% malted rye. Full rye body. The roughness of most ryes is here tamed by the small cognac potstill. Fabulous. 

Producer Description 

Bottled Summer 2019 at 112.1 proof. Aged at least 6 years in new, charred oak barrels.

• Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey distilled in Indiana (MGP) and bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Proof and Wood
• Mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barlels
• Small batch, blended from approximately 10–20 barrels
• Lemon meringue on the nose with a lively palate of Red Hots and lemon zest with light tobacco and citrus on the finish. 

Distilled in Indiana from the same mash bill as Proof and Wood’s Roulette Rye, this barrel proof expression shows a compelling new side to the distillate’s personality

Producer Description 

One of our most limited production items, Michter’s 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Rye continues the legacy of America’s first whiskey variety (rye) from America’s first whiskey company (Michter’s, originally known as Shenk’s).

The 10-Year Rye, 10-Year Bourbon reflects the exceptional results of uncompromising craftsmanship and Kentucky’s unrivaled climate for aging outstanding whiskey. Often significantly older than the age statement on the label, only a select few barrels age with the elegance required for inclusion in these highly limited releases.

Expert Review

F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal rating: 5 Stars/Highest Recommendation - "Extraordinary whiskey by any measure." - F. Paul Pacult

Sweet baby Jesus what is this? An extraordinary aromatic nose. The alcohol will sear your taste buds so add some ice. Spicy. Wild at heart – David Broom

Producer Description 

Our small batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys are offered as a Small Batch, up to 12 barrels per batch, which was the result of one fermenter. The goal of the Small Batch is to capture the total essence of more complex notes from multiple barrels from distillate of the same fermenter. Weve decided to release the Small Batch Bourbon as a Bottled in Bond so fans of our Wheated Single Barrel Bourbon can do a side-by-side comparison.

Our Small Batch release mash bill is 64 percent corn, 24 percent rye and 12 percent malted barley using our yeast strains. We entered the cooper select, toasted and #4 char barrel at 110 proof after coming off the still around 137 proof. All of our whiskeys are aged and matured on our 168-acre campus inside any one of our six rickhouses. We have more than 100,000 barrels aging onsite.

Producer Description 

Straight Rye Whiskey has experienced a strong resurgence in the American whiskey landscape, yet Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was making this style more than 100 years ago. This small batch, Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof straight rye whiskey pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a unique rye whiskey reminiscent of days long past.

Producer Description 

Whistle Pig The Boss Hog IX Sirens Song Straight Rye Whiskey is finished in Greek fig nectar and scratch Ventura barrels. Hand bottled on the WhistlePig Farm. Brand new and extremely limited.