Top 10 Best Rye Whiskey From The USA To Buy Online

1. Whistlepig 12 Year Old World Cask Rye

WhistlePig is a relatively young brand that has embraced the New England heritage of rye whiskey. It first operated in 2007 when its founders converted an old dairy farm into a dedicated rye distillery after blending 10-year old Canadian whiskey to fund its launch.

Rather than primarily a bourbon distiller that dabbles in rye, WhistlePig is dedicated to the spicy grain. It has resulted in exciting expressions such as its 12-year bottling that’s first aged in new oak before being finished in Madeira, Sauternes, and Port casks.

The result is a remarkably complex whiskey that first started as a limited run and thanks to continued success, has become the flagship entry of its classic line. If you’re looking for a premium rye experience, it’s our first choice.

2. High West Double Rye

Although a traditionally northeastern beverage, High West has proven that even frontier distilleries will excel in quality rye whiskey. Double Rye is a remarkably affordable expression that offers an experience that provides veritable value.

It’s the fruit of blending two-year-old and seven-year-old straight rye whiskey, which both feature very high rye content. One is arguably 100% rye since 20% of it is rye malt.

The process results in a herbaceous profile with notes of pine, hay, and delicate spices, which themselves consist of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey.

3. Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey

The Tuthilltown Gristmill represents the first active New York distillery since Prohibition. Built in 1788, it overlooks the New York metropolitan area yet is cosily tucked away in the quiet countryside.

Although a young spirit, the Manhattan rye is cleverly aged in small oak barrels that allow for greater contact between the wood and distillate. The 100% white dog is aged in small casks of different sizes and then blended back together to produce a distinctive flavour.

4. Highspire Rye Whiskey

Another young 100% rye grain whiskey, Highspire displays the flavours that you can expect from a very short ageing period. Interestingly, it uses American oak wine barrels from California rather than new oak casks.

Even after just four months, you will encounter a somewhat vinous flavour profile. The ageing process is also accelerated through a proprietary technique of adding oak staves into the barrels. While still youthful, it’s surprisingly complex!

5. Bulleit Rye Frontier Whiskey

Revived by his great-great-grandson in 1987 who continues to use the same recipes, this whiskey brand was first created by Augustus Bulleit. Since he was a tavern keeper at the time, Bulleit has opted for a “frontier” whiskey image.

Bulleit is a great specimen of spicy rye whiskey. It features a candied citrus opening reminiscent of marmalade that’s extended by additional notes of ginger. Meanwhile, the overall experience can be defined by caramel and vanilla with a long leather finish.

6. Old Forester Rye Whiskey

Old Forester is the first brand featured in this list that is best known for its bourbon. Indeed, that was created in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, a pharmacist who went on to found the Brown-Forman Corporation.

However, its rye is a particularly new release that was first launched in 2019. It is produced from a mash bill that consists of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn.

Not only does it use quite a high rye percentage but the expression features an impressive dose of malted barley, too. As a result, it’s a softer and slightly more savoury whiskey with a rounded and balanced flavour.

7. Russell’s Reserve 6-Year Small Batch Rye

A project by Wild Turkey, Russell’s Reserve pays homage to the father-son master distiller team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell. Together, they have dedicated over 100 years to the distillery.

Although featuring a heavy rye mash bill, its spicy profile is quite subtle and features flavours more reminiscent of caramel and vanilla with just a touch of leather.

Since it won’t be as overt as the other options in this list, it’s a great rye whiskey for beginners to try so that they may become familiar with what it offers.

8. Saint Liberty Josephine’s Flat Head River Rye Whiskey

Spearheaded by Dia Simms, former president of Combs Enterprises who is known for brands like Ciroc, Aquahydrate, Sean John, and Bad Boy Entertainment, Saint Liberty pays homage to the women of whiskey.

This exciting brand embraces artisanal craftsmanship and heritage while simultaneously ensuring a forward-thinking vision. Indeed, Mark SoRelle, its founder and chief historian, has painstakingly created a meaningful new whiskey brand.

Saint Liberty partners with relevant distillers for its of its expressions. In this case, Flat Head River Rye honours Josephine Doody, the “Bootleg Lady of Glacier Park” who was pursued by Federal Agents after killing a man in a dance hall.

Although the brand is based in Texas, the expression itself a 5-year old Tennessee rye whiskey that was blended in Montana. It features sweet vanilla notes with hints of charred wood and grilled stone fruits.

9. Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye

Although it’s now made in Kentucky by Heaven Hill, Rittenhouse continues to honour the classic Pennsylvania roots. It’s a true bottled-in-bond whiskey, which means that it was made by a single distiller in one season and has been aged under US government supervision.

Consequently, it’s also bottled at precisely 50% ABV. It’s one of only two bottled-in-bond rye whiskeys on the market and offers a fruity flavour profile that consists of peaches, dried banana as well as the rye’s characteristic spice.

10. Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey

Although its Pennsylvania distillery shut down in 1958, Old Overholt may take the credit for being the oldest continuously maintained whiskey brand in the USA.

While it’s not the finest whiskey on this list, it’s certainly the cheapest and given its heritage, it deserves all the respect that it receives.