Rye Whisky

Rye whiskey is a North American type of whiskey and usually one of two distinctions. There is the American one that is similar to bourbon and the Canadian whisky. The Canadian variety is often labelled as rye whiskey for historical reasons regardless of whether manufacturers included rye in their production or not. While rye whiskey and Canadian whisky were synonymous for a long time due to their high rye percentage, Canadian producers replaced the rye with corn and wheat.

In the 19th century, rye whiskey was the predominant whiskey in North America. The first whiskey distilleries emerged in the States of Maryland and Pennsylvania. However, the prohibition in the United States banned the production, importation, transportation, and sales of alcoholic beverages and rye whiskey entirely disappeared. Over that period, consumers looked for other spirits such as gin, rum, or blended whiskeys that were smuggled.

Nevertheless, rye whiskey is increasingly returning in the 21st century. This comeback is possible because big brands such as Jack Daniels and Campari as well as small and micro-distilleries regained interest in the whiskey variety. The country’s leading producers are now the large bourbon distilleries in Kentucky and Tennessee using old and historic brand names from Maryland and Pennsylvania that were the then-leading producers.

Have a look around our website and find your favourite rye whiskey from a wide range of different producers. Our whiskey selection further includes Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, single malts, blended whiskeys, and Australian whiskey. Also make sure to check out our Bourbon, Brandy, and Rum sections to find a similar product that fit your taste.

What is rye whiskey?

Rye whiskey is a whiskey mainly produced from a mash containing mostly rye, corn, wheat, and malted barley. The central production region for rye whiskey is North America, with most of the main ingredients coming from the United States and Canada. Rye whiskey is very similar to bourbon, another American whiskey, although less sweet and often used instead of it.

In the United States, whiskey makers are required by law to mix in at least 51 per cent rye grain into the underlying grain mash to designate their whiskey as rye whiskey. Manufacturers can’t go below 51 per cent but can go as high as they like. Some whiskey producers even go as high as 100 per cent, making their rye whiskey from rye only without adding any other grains. Once the mash is ready, the mixture is distilled while the initial alcohol content can’t exceed 80 per cent due to regulations.

After that, the producers fill the whiskey liquid into new, charred oak barrels once the ABV percentage is below 62.5 per cent. From there, the liquid ages untouched for at least two years matures before being bottled, and will not be blended with other spirits to craft a bottle straight rye whiskey. To create a creamier texture, producers sometimes let the whiskey sit a bit longer.

Modern producers further experiment with cask finishing. Cask finishing means that the finished straight rye is transferred into barrels which housed other liquors such as cognac or wine before, to soak up the remains. That way, it is still a certified rye whiskey but has a different though delicious flavour profile.

What to mix with rye whiskey?

The great thing about whiskeys is that they are incredibly versatile. There are various options for you to mix and enjoy a rye whiskey with other liquids. For that reason, there are a lot of different cocktails that many people love and cherish.

But before mixing, let’s start with drinking a glass of rye whiskey neat without anything else. Leave the ice cubes in the ice compartment and taste the pure and hearty grain base of a rye whiskey. Once you know how that rye whiskey tastes, add the cubes to it and have it on the rocks to give it a more relaxed touch.

For cocktail lovers, there is a long list of popular cocktails that contain rye whiskey. Think of classic drinks such as a Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, a Sazeracs, or a Boulevardier. The latter is like a Negroni but uses rye whiskey instead of gin. That way, you don’t have to choose between a fruity Negroni or a Manhattan at the beginning of the night. Also, mixing it with Italian bitters such as Aperol, Fernet Branca, and Averna might add some flavour.

The range of flavours to mix rye whiskey with is endless due to its dry style and savoury flavour. No matter if you choose citrus flavours, vermouth, or other spirits, you can’t go wrong with a rye whiskey drink. However, keep in mind that the flavour profile of a rye whiskey is rather spicy and peppery. For that reason, the whiskey doesn’t mix well with sweet sodas or coke.

Is rye whiskey smoother than bourbon?

Rye whiskey is typically drier, more bitter, and has less of a body than a bourbon. The reason for that is the ingredients. By law, rye whiskey must contain at least 51 per cent rye whereas bourbon must contain at least 51 per cent corn. This difference in composition makes the rye whiskey fruiter but also spicier at the same time. This is also the reason why rye whiskey is more intense and less easy to tolerate.

In contrast, bourbon offers a sweeter taste and a full body to the palette. You might prefer a bourbon’s flavour over a rye whiskey because the corn mash gives the drink a sweeter and smoother consistency. The peppery bite, which is kind of a signature for rye whiskey, doesn’t exist with bourbon.

Where to buy rye whiskey near me?

If you enjoy drinking American rye whiskey or whiskey in general, our extensive online selection is perfect for you. We have a great variety to choose from. Bottle Stop is your local liquor store specialising in the best and most popular beer, wine, and spirits available to order online including domestic and international boutique brands and big-name producers everybody loves. Search by region to find your favourite whiskey that suits your taste best.

If you have found the perfect drink but don’t want to leave the house, order from our online store. We deliver to your door anywhere in Australia, so that you can stay in the comfort of your home. Our alcohol delivery services are spread across Australia, including Perth at the West Coast, as well as the Southern regions around Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and the smaller cities in between, and up the East Coast via the Gold Coast to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

If you need a pack of beers and wine, or spirits due to a spontaneous get together with your friends and want to offer only the best drinks, we are being open 24/7.

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