Sept
21
2012
By
of Valet.
 

American
Rye

Way back in the day, rye whiskey was the spirit of choice for American men. Though it all but disappeared after Prohibition. Bourbon became the brown liquor most likely to be found clinking in your rocks glass. What's the difference? A rye whiskey must contain a mashbill that is at least 51 percent rye (bourbon's mash is corn-based) and aged in charred new oak barrels. It's typically spicier, bolder and more potent than bourbon, which may be why bartenders are pouring more and more of it these days. Here are four small batch bottles worth trying for your own rye renaissance.

Four to Try
 
Sazerac Rye
90 Proof

Ideal for beginners, this easy-drinking rye has a cherry bourbon-like sweetness mixed with the smoky spice of charred wood.

$33 at Amazon

 
Templeton Small Batch Rye
80 Proof

Still made in small batches in Iowa, this Prohibition-era recipe is surprisingly smooth. Woody, with a touch of brown sugar.

$40 at BevMo

 
Hudson Manhattan Rye
92 Proof

Using local grain, this has a recognizable rye edge. But the initial heat is tempered with a cocoa and floral finish.

$48 at Cask

 
High West Double Rye
92 Proof

A spicy mix of two rye whiskeys (one young, one older) with a kick of cinnamon and clove and a soft underbelly of caramel.

$35 at Mel & Rose

 
  •  
    Al Capone regularly drank Templeton rye and according to legend, even had it smuggled into Alcatraz.
 

Comment

 

Share

 
Facebook
 
Twitter

Save