8 Best Rye Whiskeys For Beginners
Rye whiskey is in the midst of a renaissance. This once-overlooked spirit was once the “other whiskey” compared to bourbon, the darling of the brown spirits world.
This is partially because rye whiskey has a reputation for being a bold, brashly herbaceous and spicy monster that’s not everybody’s vibe — yet this simply isn’t true. You can find those super-spicy beasts, but plenty of rye whiskeys have delicate, sweeter profiles more aligned with the tastes of bourbon fans.
There are plenty of ryes that are friendly, and there’s a rye for just about every whiskey lover. The following eight best rye whiskeys are perfect for exploring rye on any budget.
The 8 Best Rye Whiskeys For Beginners at Every Budget
Value Buys
Wild Turkey 101 ($25)
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As far as gateway rye whiskeys go, Wild Turkey 101 is a must-have classic that belongs on every whiskey fan’s bar. This punchy rye clocks in at 101 proof and possesses a friendly nose with brown sugar aromas, freshly baked bread, pepper and Wild Turkey’s signature orange peel.
On the palate, it’s approachable with decent viscosity and a modest level of heat. The spotlight shines on brown sugar in this whiskey, and that flavor profile segues through the finish, coupled with flavors of warm baked bread. Wild Turkey 101 Rye is also incredibly versatile and can be sipped neat, on the rocks or put into your cocktail.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Wild Turkey 101 Rye Whiskey is that you can find it within the $20-$30 dollar range.
Green River Rye ($35)
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Fledgling whiskey brand Green River has been knocking it out of the park with its releases, and the brand’s rye whiskey is no exception. Initially released in January, this beautiful Kentucky rye is a blend of ryes sourced from 4- to 6-year-old barrels.
With a soft nose that is a heady concoction of apples dusted with cinnamon brown sugar and a palate that bursts forth with toffee apples and spice, this rye whiskey is complicated and lovely. The finish goes on and on, with orange peel, apple butter and clove. If you’re looking to pick up a bottle of this killer release, you can find one within the $30-$60 dollar range. Dollar for dollar, we’d say this one drinks well above the price.
Green River’s 95-proof rye is perfect as we transition from summer to fall, and you’ll want to sip this one as the days grow shorter and chillier.
Mid-Shelf Bottles
Michter’s US1 Rye ($45)
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Cult-favorite Kentucky whiskey brand Michter’s has a great rye for those looking to understand the category a bit more. The whiskeys within the brand’s core US1 series are a bit more easy to find than its Toasted Barrel or 10 Year releases (which are exquisite but expensive). Michter’s was named The World’s Most Admired Whiskey in 2023 — the first American brand to earn the distinction — and the juice inside these bottles definitely lives up to the hype.
On the nose, this rye whiskey is a vanilla bomb in the best possible way. There’s plenty of spice, leather and pepper that add a bit of a kick, giving it a multidimensional introduction that promises plenty on the pour. As far as flavor profiles go, picture nougat, more vanilla and caramel. The finish lingers on and on, with vanilla and rye spice.
Michter’s US1 Rye hosts an ABV of 42.4%, making it light and approachable compared to some of the other options on this list.
Frey Ranch Straight Rye Whiskey ($63)
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Grain-to-glass distillery Frey Ranch spent five years aging this 50%-ABV rye whiskey to perfection. The Nevada brand’s straight rye whiskey is composed exclusively of the brand’s very own Winter Cereal Rye.
The nose on this rye channels major Kentucky-style rye vibes with a little more oomph. Picture big candied ginger, popping brown sugar and freshly cracked pepper. On the viscous palate, there’s bold rye spice with cola and caramel. This rye whiskey definitely makes a statement.
Frey Ranch’s rye whiskey finishes with ginger, caramel and sweet oak. It lingers for eons, making this whiskey a big bruiser of a rye, but we love it for that very reason.
Top Shelf
High West Rendezvous Rye ($80)
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High West Rendezvous Rye is a classic from the Park City Distillery. Back in the day, High West used only a small amount of its own distillate — if any— and would source whiskey from MGP and Barton 1792 to round out the blend. As the brand has grown throughout the years, it’s increased the percentages of its own rye.
This year’s Rendezvous Rye contains the brand’s own distillate — made from a mashbill of 80% rye and 20% malted rye — and MGP’s standard mashbill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley.
With a nose full of brown sugar, molasses and vanilla, this rye whiskey is comforting and warm. The palate is beautifully blended, with a reasonably thick mouthfeel. Picture loads of molasses and maple syrup coupled with leather. Rendezvous finishes with a medium and sweet finish.
Barrell Rye Batch 004 ($90)
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Barrell Rye Batch 004 is a monstrous, herbal and potent rye that’s definitely no shrinking violet. If you like bold, powerful and punchy flavors — don’t sleep on Barrell Rye Batch 004.
At 5 years old, this spicy beast features a blend of 5-, 6- and 10-year Indiana rye whiskey; 5-year-old Tennessee rye whiskey; 6-year-old Kentucky rye whiskey; and 14-year-old Canadian rye whiskeys. The final mashbill is 89% rye, 7% corn and 4% malted barley.
An herbal, spicy and honey-imbued nose leaps out of the glass, with just a kiss of mint. The palate is thick and viscous, with orange peel, ginger and some herbs. This bruiser of a rye finishes with plenty of herbaceous qualities and intensity. Not for the meek!
Splurges
Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Thomas H. Handy Rye ($937)
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We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Buffalo Trace Antique Collection Thomas H. Handy Rye in this list, as it’s easily one of the best rye whiskeys on the market.
Admittedly, it is difficult to find and it could potentially set you back as much as $1,000 — it’s in our “Splurge” category for a good reason — this rye whiskey is legendary.
The MSRP of this whiskey is $125, but like all BTAC whiskeys, it’s incredibly rare and hard to find for anywhere near that price.
A monster of a nose with brown butter, nutmeg, buttercream and nougat jumps out at first whiff. The palate is loaded with a thick, chewy viscosity. With caramel, candied ginger and baking spice, this decadent rye is opulent with a capital “O.”
The finish lasts forever, and the memory of this rye will linger long after it’s done. An incredible release.
WhistlePig Boss Hog Rye ($500)
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If there’s one thing WhistlePig is known for, it’s wonderfully wild and wacky rye whiskeys that leave an impression. WhistlePig Boss Hog X: The Commandments is 2023’s annual Boss Hog release.
Commandments is Canadian rye that clocks in at 53.9% ABV. It was finished in two distinctive barrels: one of which previously housed a spirit WhistlePig distilled from rye and whey that was infused with resin from Boswellia and Commiphora trees. The whiskey was finished in American new oak, as well, then spent some time in craft mead casks. Wild, indeed.
The nose of this whiskey has a pleasant acidity and cider from those mead casks, with black tea, pine and maple. The taste has lemon, lime, slate and pine, giving it an almost alpine vibe. The finish lingers on forever, with punches of lemon and honey.
WhistlePig’s latest Boss Hog expression is ethereal, complicated and demands your attention.
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