Updated August 2026.
A neat sip is bar method, not a rye class. US rye whiskey has to be at least 51% rye in the mash, distilled at or under 160 proof, new charred oak at or under 125 in, bottled at 40% or more. Typical US 40% 100 proof is not bottled-in-bond by itself.
Related: whiskey types, how to drink bourbon, bourbon vs rye.
Class vs pour
| Language | 1.5 oz drinks |
|---|---|
| Rye whiskey | 1.00 at 40% |
| Neat / rocks | — |
| Typical US bottle | 1.00 |
| 100 proof | 1.25 |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.143 rye whiskey; 5.88 bottled in bond. Typical US 40%.
- NIAAA December 2025.
- 27 CFR 5.143; ≥51% rye; ≥40%
- is 27 CFR 5.143