A Rundown on Rye

Rye Whiskey

Rye is a type of whiskey that carries a long history in North America. In the early years of the United States, rye was a prevalent grain crop, making rye whiskey a popular choice. Particularly popular in both the United States and Canada, rye whiskey continues to be enjoyed by whiskey lovers worldwide hundreds of years after its conception. 

Flavor profile
Rye whiskey is known for its spicy and robust flavor. The rye grain creates a peppery and sometimes fruity flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Rye whiskey tends to have a sharper taste compared to bourbon, which is sweeter and smoother. 

What makes it a straight rye?
When browsing rye at any liquor store you will undoubtedly come across those labeled "straight rye whiskey." To be considered a "straight rye whiskey" in the United States, it must contain a minimum of 51% rye and be aged in new charred oak barrels. 

American vs. Canadian
Rye whiskey is produced in both the United States and Canada, but there are key differences between the two in both mash bill and flavor profile. For American rye whiskey, it must be aged in new charred oak barrels and have a rye content of at least 51%. Canadian rye whisky is much less defined and can contain other grains with no specific aging requirements. Often times Canadian rye is blended with other whiskies giving it a milder flavor profile than American rye whiskey.  However, this should not scare anyone off of Canadian rye whisky. There has been an explosion of quality Canadian rye coming to markets in recent years that could be well worth a try for any rye whiskey lover.