Words by Colin Hampden-White
What is rye whiskey? Essentially, rye is a grain from which some whiskies are made. There are two main types of rye whisky: the first is American rye whiskey, which is similar to Bourbon but must be made with at least 51% rye. The second is Canadian whiskey, which, to make things complicated, can be labelled as rye for historical reasons but may not actually contain any rye in its creation.
Many other countries make rye whiskies, some of which are excellent and have recently won top medals in spirits competition. These, along with American rye whiskies, will state the fact that they are made from 100% rye whisky on the label.
American rye whiskey, as well as needing to be made from over 51% rye, is also made with corn, malted barley and wheat. It has to be distilled to no more than 80% ABV and can only be filled into barrels at no higher than 62.5% ABV. It must be aged for a minimum of two years and not blended with any other spirits in able to to be called straight ‘rye whiskey’.
In Canada, despite rye not actually having to be used, the whiskey must have a character that is historically associated with Canadian whiskey, and rye characteristics are included in that flavour profile. These days, most Canadian whiskies are blended to achieve this character trait. They blend corn and wheat in used barrels and even use a small amount of flavouring, which is created from a mash (the porridge created to make the liquid which is then fermented and distilled in whiskey making), using rye. Usually though, the blend can be as much as 90% corn or wheat.
Like elsewhere, there are whiskies that are 100% rye and Canadian whiskey has a few more rules: They cannot use barrels larger than 700 litres and the liquid must be aged for a minimum of three years, like Scotch. Unlike Bourbon (but again, like Scotch), the barrels can be new or used.
What is the taste profile of rye in whiskey?
Rye makes a big difference to how whiskies taste. Rye creates a spicy and a peppery flavour, especially on the back of the palate and finish. Bourbon distilled from at least 51% corn is sweeter and typically more full-bodied. Historically, rye was used more in the past and in fact, many bartenders are returning to rye in cocktails as it creates a dryer style, especially in a Whiskey Sours, Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.
With so many different rye whiskies on the market now it is difficult to navigate through the shelves or on-line stores to find something you might like. Here is a shortlist of ones to try and there should be a style to suit everyone, from the easy-going, Canadian rye to a full-bodied rye from Finland and a few countries in between….
Canadian Club
I’ll start in Canada with Canadian Club, which is a slightly easier going style of rye whiskey. The proportion of rye isn’t stated, but the flavours are there and are sweet and slightly spicy, but not as sweet as a Bourbon, and the whiskey is smooth for rye. I think this is a great start to trying rye and a brilliant price point at under £20.
ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £17.95
Jim Beam Rye
Crossing the border into the USA, there are plenty of options. The first I would try for a full-on rye experience is Jim Beam Rye; spicy right from the first sip and brilliant in cocktails. It has a caramel undercurrent keeping everything in balance. This is the best value rye whisky at under £30.
ABV: 40%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £24.90
Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof
Staying in the USA, but raising the bar a little, I would choose Rittenhouse Rye 100 proof. This is a very aromatic rye and packs a good punch at 50% ABV. The typical rye flavours come through on the palate rather than the nose, with lots of fruity chocolate and orange flavours. Complex and spicy, this rye gives a more rounded flavour, rather than being overly spicy.
ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £44.75
Balcones Rye 100 proof
My final choice in the USA is a big step up in the world of rye. It is more expensive, but gives you a full on rye experience as it is made from 100% rye. This was created for the tenth anniversary of the Balcones distillery. Made with several different varieties of rye this whisky is complex and spicy with plenty of power from a heightened ABV. It is chocolatey with orange zest and honey, cinnamon and baked apples on the nose. The palate is even more complex and full-bodied with chocolate and tobacco joining the flavours. The finish is dark brown burnt sugar and hints of char and dry oak. It’s one of my favourite rye whiskies.
ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £67.25
Millstone 100
Sailing across the pond, my first stop would be in the Netherlands with Millstone 100. This isn’t the cheapest rye in the world, but there is good reason for that. It is made from 100% rye, completely in small pot stills, matured for 100 months in new American oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). It is hugely aromatic with hints of thyme on a brown sugar base. There is lots of cardamom and lemon zest. A full, complex and delicious rye whisky.
ABV: 50%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £73.95
Adnams Rye Malt
Rye whiskey is even made in England so for my last suggestion I’m heading to the country in which I live. Adnams produce a brilliant example of rye whiskey made with English-grown rye from Reydon. It is said in old English that “rey” means rye and “don” means hill, and the rye has been grown in Reydon for centuries. This rye takes on the traditional style of rye with a large proportion of rye (75%), and a smaller proportion of barley. It is aged for at least five years in French oak and is not chill filtered, allowing all the flavour to reach the bottle.
ABV: 47%
Size: 700ml
Buy it now for £44.95
Having travelled all over the world in search of great rye whiskies these are the ones I would bring home. At the start of my rye journey I would try the inexpensive Jim Beam, and at the end of my journey I would drink the Balcones. From an old established distiller to a pretty new one, they are both from the USA. The rest of the world is catching up fast and there are some brilliant expressions that I would happily have in my cabinet. If you’ve enjoyed the journey and want to learn a little more about whiskies from the USA, then try these brilliant bourbon whiskies.