What is Rye Whisky?

Rye Whisky 🥃 Predominantly associated with American whiskey, but in recent times there has been an exciting resurgence of this old time classic within Scotch whisky.

What is rye whisky?

It’s whisky made predominantly from rye.

Predominantly?

Yes, American rye whisky has to be made from a mashbill of at least 51% rye, with the remainder being made up of barley or wheat.

What about as a Scotch whisky?

In Scotland, there are no hard and fast rules, but rye whiskies similarly are made from a mashbill of around 51% rye, and they fall under the category of Single Grain Scotch whisky if produced at one single distillery.

What is its background?

Originating in the north-eastern states of the U.S.A. in the early 1800s, rye spirit was once the foremost choice of pre-prohibition drinkers but fell out of favour after the end of Prohibition when its corn-based cousin, bourbon, began to gain popularity.

How is it made?

Scotch rye whisky is produced in the largely the same way as malt whisky but is a little more challenging as it requires a delicate balance of ingredients which can be tricky to get right. It is matured in either first-fill or refill bourbon casks or VIRGIN CHARRED OAK casks. However, American rye must only be matured in virgin charred oak.

Why is it gaining popularity?

Rye whisky today is much more refined than rye whisky of the past. It is the perfect component for whisky-based cocktails and its rise in popularity is in parallel to the rise of the new ‘cocktail’ culture.

Additionally, rye is a very ‘earth friendly’ crop, supporting soil health by actually putting nutrients into the soil as opposed to barley, that only removes it.

What does it taste like?

It’s bold and spicy and surprisingly fruit rich.

Who makes it?

In terms of Scotch whisky, Fife-based InchDairnie Distillery produces RyeLaw, a limited-edition rye whisky. Arbikie and Bruichladdich also produce rye whisky.

In terms of American Rye, WhistlePig is perhaps the best known and most awarded. It’s also produced by Heaven Hill Distillery and Sazerac.

Is it worth trying?

Yes, if you’re a curious whisky drinker, and you’re used to drinking only malt whisky, why not give it a go?

Have you ever tried a rye whisky? Would you consider it? Let me know in the comments.

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