Rye whiskey is bourbon's spicier cousin — at least 51% of the mash bill is rye grain instead of corn. Same American whiskey rules apply (new charred oak barrels), but rye brings a peppery, sometimes herbal bite that cuts through sweetness. It's the backbone of classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Sazerac.
Great for: Manhattan & Sazerac fans · guests who find bourbon "too sweet"
51%+ corn. Sweeter, rounder, more caramel and vanilla — corn brings natural sweetness to the front.
51%+ rye grain. Drier and spicier, with pepper and herbal notes — same process, different grain, different attitude.
| Rye | Flavor Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dickel RyeWell Tennessee | Spicy, smooth, balanced | $9 |
| Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond · Kentucky | Bold, peppery, classic | $10 |
| Sazerac Rye Kentucky | Spicy, citrus, herbal | $10 |
| High West Double Rye Blend · Utah | Bright, sharp, layered spice | $13 |
| Templeton Rye Indiana/Iowa | Sweet, smooth, light spice | $14 |
| Woodford Reserve Rye Kentucky | Rich, spicy, fruity | price TBD |
| Basil Hayden Dark Rye Blend · Kentucky | Smooth, dark fruit, spice | $19 |
| Balcones Texas Rye Texas | Bold, oily, intense spice | $21 |