The Best Rye Whiskey To Try If You Like Scotch
As a Scotch lover, it can be hard to venture into the world of American whiskey, but rye whiskey is a great place to start. With its spicy and robust flavour profile, rye whiskey has some similarities to Scotch, making it a great choice for Scotch drinkers looking to explore other whiskey varieties.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best rye whiskeys to try if you like Scotch. These rye whiskeys were chosen for their easy availability, diverse finishes, and affordability, making them accessible to anyone looking to try something new.
At Summerton Whisky Club, we believe that whiskey is best enjoyed when shared with others. That’s why we offer a subscription service that delivers premium whiskey straight to your door, allowing you to taste and explore the world of whiskey from the comfort of your own home.
So whether you’re a Scotch aficionado or just looking to broaden your whiskey horizons, give these rye whiskeys a try and see how they compare to your favourite Scotches.
Rittenhouse Straight Rye
Rittenhouse Rye is a classic American rye whiskey that is distilled in Kentucky and bottled at 100 proof. Its high rye content gives it a spicy kick that makes it perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
Fact about the distillery: The Rittenhouse brand is owned by Heaven Hill Brands, which has been producing whiskey since 1935.
Nosing notes: Cinnamon, vanilla, and a hint of citrus
Tasting notes: Spicy, with notes of caramel and oak
Try it if you like: Glenlivet 12 Year Old. Both whiskies have a similar spicy and fruity flavour profile, with notes of caramel, toffee, and vanilla.
Redemption Straight Rye Whiskey
Redemption’s rye whiskey is made with a high-rye mash bill, giving it a spicy kick and a smooth finish. It’s aged for a minimum of two years in new charred oak barrels, resulting in a rich, complex flavour profile.
Fact about the distillery: Redemption was founded in 2010 with the goal of creating quality American whiskeys using traditional techniques.
Nosing notes: Spicy and bold, with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Tasting notes: Smooth and balanced, with a spicy finish.
Try it if you like: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera scotch. This scotch has a similar fruity and spicy flavour profile, with notes of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and it also has a smooth finish similar to Redemption Rye.
Bulleit Rye
Bulleit Rye is a popular rye whiskey that has a high rye content of 95%. Its unique flavour profile, with notes of cherry and oak, makes it a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts.
Fact about the distillery: Bulleit is owned by the Diageo beverage company, which also produces popular brands like Johnnie Walker and Crown Royal.
Nosing notes: Spicy with hints of vanilla and toffee
Tasting notes: Smooth and warm, with notes of oak and cherries
Try it if you like: Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban. Both whiskies have a similar spicy and fruity flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit.
Knob Creek Rye
Knob Creek Rye is a small-batch rye whiskey that is aged for at least four years in charred oak barrels. Its high rye content of 51% gives it a bold and spicy flavour that whiskey enthusiasts love.
Fact about the distillery: Knob Creek is owned by Beam Suntory, which also produces popular brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.
Nosing notes: Cinnamon, caramel, and a hint of mint
Tasting notes: Bold and spicy, with notes of rye, oak, and a hint of sweetness
Try it if you like: Glen Grant 10 Year Old. Both whiskies have a similar spicy and fruity flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, toffee, and cinnamon.
Sazerac Rye
Sazerac Rye is a well-known rye whiskey that is distilled at the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Its high rye content of 51% gives it a spicy kick that is perfect for cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
Fact about the distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery has been producing whiskey for over 200 years and is one of the oldest distilleries in the United States.
Nosing notes: Spicy with hints of honey and mint
Tasting notes: Bold and peppery, with notes of rye, vanilla, and a hint of sweetness
Try it if you like: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Scotch. Both whiskies have a similar spicy and sweet flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla.
High West Double Rye
High West Distillery is located in Park City, Utah and was founded in 2006. Their Double Rye expression is a blend of two rye whiskies, one with a high rye content and the other with a lower rye content but aged longer. The combination results in a spicy yet smooth flavour with notes of cinnamon and caramel.
Fact about the distillery: High West Distillery was the first distillery in Utah since the end of Prohibition and is the only ski-in gastro-distillery in the world.
Nosing notes: Spicy with notes of cinnamon and nutmeg
Tasting notes: Sweet with caramel and honey, with a hint of smoke
Try it if you like: Monkey Shoulder. Both whiskies have a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, honey, and cinnamon.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye
Woodford Reserve is a well-known Kentucky distillery that produces a range of excellent whiskies, including this rye expression. It is made using a combination of traditional rye grains and malted barley, and is aged in new charred oak barrels to give it a rich, smooth flavour with notes of caramel and vanilla.
Fact about the distillery: Woodford Reserve is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Kentucky, and is famous for its small-batch approach to whisky-making.
Nosing notes: Spicy, with hints of rye and cinnamon
Tasting notes: Smooth, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak
Try it if you like: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old. If you’re a fan of single malt Scotch, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye is an excellent choice for exploring the world of American rye whiskies. The combination of spicy rye notes and smooth, sweet flavours makes it an ideal crossover whisky.
If you’re a fan of Scotch whisky, exploring the world of rye whiskey can be a great way to expand your palate and discover new flavours. From spicy and bold to smooth and mellow, rye whiskey offers a diverse range of expressions that are sure to please any whisky lover. Whether you’re just starting to explore rye or you’re a seasoned enthusiast, there’s a rye whiskey out there for every taste and budget.
So if you’re ready to discover the best rye whiskeys to try if you like Scotch, be sure to check out our list of top picks.
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