You can enjoy spicy and bold rye whiskey in numerous ways because it is a versatile drink that fits easily on different moods and occasions.
Smooth rye whiskey is popularly consumed neat for a reason. Good thing we curated the best straight rye whiskeys to drink straight. Read on.
Top 15 Best Rye Whiskey To Drink Straight
15. Lock Stock & Barrel Rye 16 Year
Average Price: Roughly $159.99
Alcohol Content: 53.5%
Why We Like It:
Lock Stock and Barrel Rye is a 16-year-old rye whiskey made from a mash bill of 100% rye grain.
We like the rich notes of sour grass, stewed blackberry, rye, dried pear, and roasted acorns. It is unfiltered, bold, and spicy, and you will appreciate its aroma and flavor profile more when you drink it straight.
14. Willet Family Estate Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $116.49
Alcohol Content: 58.3%
Why We Like It:
Willett Family Estate Rye Whiskey is a non-chill filtered rye whiskey made from 95% rye and 5% malted barley.
It is aged in new charred oak barrels for eight years before bottling in Kentucky. The earthy rye grain shines with its classic caramel and maple syrup notes.
13. Old Forester Rye
Average Price: Roughly $26.99
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Old Forester Rye features a mash bill of 15% corn, 20% malted barley, and 65% rye. The high proportion of rye gives a brisk spice along with the sharp black pepper, baked apple, cinnamon stick, and dried dill.
12. New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $49.26
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
New Riff Kentucky Straight Rye whiskey follows the strict regulation of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 [1]. The rye whiskey features a unique mash bill of 5% malted rye and 95% rye.
It has a bold, heavy, and spicy flavor profile with rich caramel, vanilla, and sweet toffee undertones.
11. Knob Creek Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $37.99
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Knob Creek Rye whiskey is an award-winning rye whiskey you will appreciate more when you drink straight. It pairs the traditional rye spice with the trademark sweetness of Knob Creek. On the palate, it has bold rye spiciness with lots of oak and vanilla undertones.
10. High West Double Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $37.99
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It:
High West Double Rye whiskey embodies a harmonious balance of botanical notes and bold rye spice. It is fresh, complex, and curated to highlight the bold spice character. We like the balanced flavor profile of juniper, mint sprigs, cinnamon, and fresh wildflower honey.
You can also check out our recommended High West whiskeys here.
9. Redemption Straight Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $29.99
Alcohol Content: 46%
Why We Like It:
Redemption Straight Rye whiskey is well-accepted because of its beautiful, complex flavors. It has exceeded the 51% rye content requirement of rye whiskeys [2] by using 95% rye on its mash bill. It is bolder, peppery, and spicier tasting notes and aroma.
8. Old Overholt Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $19.99
Alcohol Content: 43%
Why We Like It:
Old Overholt Rye Whiskey is the oldest enduring American Rye in the US. It is non-chill filtered to ensure robust flavor; Old Overholt has a nice aroma of light spices and pepper. It is full-bodied and has a nicely balanced spice.
7. Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $33.99
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Sazerac Rye is well-loved as a cocktail base, but it has nice tasting notes that will be experienced when you consume it neat. It has a nice fragrance of vanilla and anise, a subtle citrus flavor, and bold rye spice.
6. Bulleit Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $32.99
Alcohol Content: 45%
Why We Like It:
Bulleit Rye is a crowd favorite because of its complexity and unparalleled spice.
It is made from 95% rye and 5% malted barley, and the result is exceptionally smooth with a nice, crisp, and clean finish.
Read: Bulleit Rye vs Bulleit Bourbon
5. Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $34.99
Alcohol Content: 47%
Why We Like It:
Elijah Craig Straight Rye whiskey is a unique combination of sweet corn and spicy rye grains.
It is perfectly balanced and features amazing smoothness that is hard to pass up. On the palate, it’s like butter hitting the tongue with cinnamon and black pepper.
4. Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $47.99
Alcohol Content: 40%
Why We Like It:
Basil Hayden Dark Rye combines two flavorful whiskies and port for a one-of-a-kind Dark Rye. It has a complex blend of caramel, lingering dried fruit, and rye spice with a hint of sweetness.
3. WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $54.99
Alcohol Content: 48.28%
Why We Like It:
WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Whiskey is made from 100% rye for a bold, spice flavor profile.
While most bartenders love to use it as a cocktail base, it is versatile enough to be consumed neat and on the rocks.
2. Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Roughly $28.99
Alcohol Content: 50%
Why We Like It:
Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky is Bottled-in-Bond and carries a distinct, spicy flavor that many appreciate.
It is aged for four years in a government-bonded warehouse and is a whisky choice for whisky lovers and mixologists.
1. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye
Average Price: Roughly $65.99
Alcohol Content: 52%
Why We Like It:
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye won’t disappoint you because it is a bold whiskey that strikes a balance of vanilla, tobacco, and spicy pepper flavors. It is non-chill filtered with a great flavor profile that will make you want another glass.
*Average prices are based on Drizly. Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
FAQs
Is rye whiskey good to drink straight?
Yes, rye whiskey is good to drink straight. It has rich, flavorful, and spicy notes that you will appreciate more when you consume it neat.
Is rye whiskey good in cocktails?
Yes, rye whiskey is good in cocktails. While it is great sipped neat, it packs a punch that can elevate classic cocktails.
Is rye whiskey smoother than bourbon?
No, rye whiskey is not smoother than bourbon. Bourbon is smoother and lighter, while rye has a spicier and bolder flavor profile. More on rye whiskey vs bourbon here.
What makes rye whiskey ideal for drinking straight?
Rye whiskey’s bold and spicy flavor profile, along with its smoothness and complexity, makes it an excellent choice for sipping neat or on the rocks.
What factors should I consider when choosing the best rye whiskey to drink straight?
Look for rye whiskies with a high rye content, typically above 51%, and aged in charred oak barrels for added depth and character.
Which rye whiskey brands are recommended for drinking straight?
Brands like WhistlePig, Pikesville, and High West consistently receive praise for their quality rye whiskies that are enjoyable to sip straight.
What flavors can I expect from rye whiskey when drinking it straight?
Rye whiskey often boasts spicy notes of cinnamon, cloves, and pepper, balanced with sweet undertones of caramel, vanilla, and oak, creating a flavorful and satisfying drinking experience. Rye whiskey from a top distillery offers a delicious array of flavors, with hints of nutmeg, chocolate, and floral notes on the nose. The mouthfeel is rich and complex, featuring subtle undertones of berries, making these spirits a delightful choice for discerning ryes enthusiasts.
Should I add water or ice to my rye whiskey when drinking it straight?
It’s entirely up to personal preference! Some enthusiasts prefer to drink rye whiskey neat to fully appreciate its flavors, while others may enjoy adding a splash of water or a single ice cube to slightly dilute and chill the spirit. Adding a good dose of ice to rye whiskey, such as Wild Turkey or Buffalo Trace, can enhance the tasting experience by mellowing the intensity of cask strength spirits. In blind tastings, even distilled rye whiskey reveals subtle flavors that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Final Say
There you have it, the best rye whiskeys to drink straight. While most people enjoy drinking rye whiskey in cocktails, there are rye whiskeys that are pleasing to the taste buds and enjoyable to drink neat.
What’s your favorite rye whiskey to drink straight? Let us know by commenting down below.
References:
- The Term “Bottled-in-Bond” Whiskey Might Not Mean What You Think It Does
- The Serious Eats Guide to Rye Whiskey
