Rye whiskey has seen a resurgence in popularity, with enthusiasts praising its distinct spicy flavor profile and versatility in cocktails. From the United States to Canada, numerous brands have mastered the delicate art of crafting this unique spirit. Among the top contenders for the best rye whiskey are fan favorites like WhistlePig, known for their dedication to premium aging and bold flavors, and Sazerac, which offers a storied history and a classic touch. For those interested in discovering more about the top brands that expertly encapsulate the essence of rye whiskey, explore the comprehensive list below.
Illustration of rye whiskey
Best brands of rye whiskey in 2025
WhistlePig
WhistlePig is renowned as the world's most-awarded rye whiskey brand, having revolutionized the rye category with its innovative and highly acclaimed products. Founded by Raj Bhakta, the brand transformed a broken-down dairy farm in Vermont into a billion-dollar spirits enterprise, significantly boosting the rye segment's value from $15 million to over $300 million. WhistlePig's offerings include the 10-year-old Straight Rye Whiskey, which has scored 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the Old World Rye Aged 12 Years, finished in Madeira, Sauternes, and Port barrels. The brand's commitment to quality and experimentation is evident in products like The Boss Hog X, featuring a double finish in craft-mead casks. WhistlePig's Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years is another standout, finished in Vermont Estate Oak barrels.
Rittenhouse
Rittenhouse Rye, produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, is renowned for its rich and full-bodied profile, making it one of the best rye whiskeys available. Introduced in 1934 after the end of Prohibition, Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky is made from a mashbill of at least 51% rye, with the rest typically consisting of corn and malted barley. It is aged for a minimum of two years and bottled at 100 proof, earning it a Bottled-in-Bond designation. Rittenhouse Rye has won several accolades, including a "Best of Category" trophy and a "Double Gold" medal at the 2006 SF World Spirits Competition. Its balance of spice and sweetness makes it a popular choice for craft cocktail programs.
Sazerac
Sazerac, a renowned brand under the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is celebrated for its exceptional rye whiskey productions. Notably, the Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, with its undisclosed but assumed mash bill of around 51% rye, offers a rich flavor profile with herbal notes of corn and rye, along with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, is bottled uncut and unfiltered, showcasing a robust and spicy flavor profile with a proof of 124.9 and an age of 6 years and 2 months. Sazerac's commitment to quality and tradition is evident in its historical significance, dating back to Thomas H. Handy's alteration of the Sazerac Cocktail recipe in 1873. The brand's continuous expansion and innovation, such as the $1.2 billion expansion at Buffalo Trace Distillery, ensure a consistent supply of high-quality whiskey to meet growing consumer demand.
Bulleit
Bulleit is renowned as one of the best producers of rye whiskey, particularly with its award-winning Bulleit Rye, which boasts a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Released in 2011, this straight rye whiskey has garnered numerous accolades, including Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Chairman's Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. The whiskey is aged for four to seven years and is known for its rich oaky aromas, smooth taste with hints of vanilla and honey, and a crisp, clean finish. Bulleit has also introduced a 10-Year-Old Rye, which maintains the iconic mash bill and is aged for a minimum of 10 years, enhancing its balance of smoothness and spice. This commitment to quality has solidified Bulleit's position at the forefront of the rye whiskey revival.
Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is renowned for its exceptional rye whiskey, crafted with a pre-prohibition style mash bill of 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley, which balances spice and tobacco notes with fruity and sweet aromatics. First released in 2012, this Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 90.4 proof and has garnered numerous awards, including a Gold Medal at the 2016 Whiskies of the World Awards and the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Master Distiller Chris Morris based the recipe on historical archives, resulting in a smooth and balanced pour. The whiskey features a rich honey appearance, a spicy nose with notes of rye and black pepper, and a long, sweetly spiced finish. Its balanced flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for both neat sipping and cocktail mixing. For more information, visit the Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey page.
High West
High West is renowned as one of the best producers of rye whiskey, particularly noted for its diverse and highly-regarded offerings. Their Rendezvous Rye, for example, is a blend of rye whiskeys aged for various periods, often featuring a 46% ABV and receiving high ratings such as 86.00 for the 2021 batch. The brand's first-ever bottled-in-bond rye whiskey, released in 2024, is made from a 100% rye mash (80% unmalted, 20% malted) and aged for almost 5 years, earning a rating of 92. High West's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous blending and aging processes, resulting in complex and savory flavor profiles. Their products are highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts for their unique and compelling taste experiences.
Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey is renowned as one of the best producers of rye whiskey, particularly with its Master's Keep Triumph, released in June 2024, which is the oldest age-stated rye whiskey in Wild Turkey's history, featuring a 10-year statement and bottled at 52% ABV. This whiskey, crafted by master distiller Eddie Russell, showcases a unique profile with baking and cooking spices, black pepper, and notes of dried dark fruits, vanilla, and pralines. The distillery uses a distinct mash bill for its rye whiskey, consisting of 37% corn, 51% rye, and 12% barley. Known for its careful and traditional distillation process, Wild Turkey does not distill to high alcoholic volumes, instead aiming for a 125 proof (62.5% ABV) spirit. The brand's commitment to quality and tradition has earned it a high rating, with the Master's Keep Triumph receiving a 95 rating. For more details, visit the Wild Turkey distillery page.
Michter's
Michter's is renowned as one of the best producers of rye whiskey, with a legacy spanning over 250 years and a resurgence in the 1990s under President Joseph Magliocco. The brand is celebrated for its unique production methods, including a low barrel-entry proof of 103, toasting and charring barrels to concentrate wood sugars, and bottling only when the whiskey is ready. Michter's rye whiskies are all single-barrel offerings, known for their rich and sweet flavor profiles with less burn. The brand has garnered significant accolades, including being named the World's Most Admired Whiskey in 2023, and its Barrel Strength Rye has been praised for its complex nose and palate notes of sugar, molasses, and rye spice. For an in-depth analysis, check out the Michter's Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey review.
Templeton Rye
Templeton Rye is renowned as one of the best producers of rye whiskey, with a rich history tracing back to Prohibition-era recipes and a strong community spirit in Templeton, Iowa. The brand achieved top honors at the 2024 MLSA Global Spirits Competition, with Templeton Midnight Rye scoring 95 points and a TRIPLE GOLD® Medal, and Templeton FORTITUDE Bourbon earning a 93-point score and a Gold Medal. Templeton Rye is known for its classic 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill, and its whiskeys are aged in charred oak and sometimes finished in used bourbon barrels. The brand offers various age statements, including 4, 6, and 10-year options, showcasing its commitment to quality and excellence. With a devoted following and consistent accolades, Templeton Rye stands out in the spirits industry. For more information, visit their official website.
Knob Creek
Knob Creek is renowned as one of the best producers of rye whiskey, with its expressions garnering numerous accolades. The Knob Creek 10-Year-Old Rye, part of their permanent lineup, is aged for a minimum of 10 years and features a Kentucky-style mash bill believed to contain 55% rye, resulting in a complex profile with prominent oak and balanced rye flavors. In 2015, Knob Creek Rye Whiskey was awarded "Rye of the Year" and a Gold Medal at the Berlin International Spirits Competition. More recently, the brand added a seven-year age statement to its Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, enhancing the whiskey's depth of character. This dedication to quality and craftsmanship has solidified Knob Creek's position as a leader in the whiskey industry. Knob Creek's medal-winning streak underscores their ongoing commitment to producing exceptional spirits.
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