Experience the true taste of the 50 states with delicious rye whiskey from our collection at The Whisky World. Perfect for those with an experienced palate looking for something with a kick, rye whiskey provides the perfect strength for a room-temperature evening spirit. Enjoy after a meal and add a few drops of water to find your ideal taste and enhance the aroma of your drink.

What is rye whiskey?

If you’re looking for spice, a strong flavour and a complex structure, the distinctive finish of American rye whiskey could be for you. So, what constitutes a rye whiskey? The rules and regulations for rye whiskey are similar to those of bourbon or Tennessee whiskey: they must contain at least 51% rye, and they must be distilled at less than 80% ABV before being matured in white oak casks for at least two years. By following this process to the letter, distilleries across America are creating bold, daring, and dynamic rye whiskies that are beloved worldwide.

How does rye whiskey taste compared to bourbon?

You’ll often find that American rye whiskies typically carry spicier character profiles than bourbon, wheat or corn whiskey, with seasoned notes of cinnamon, clove and caraway, as well as sweet flavours of toffee and vanilla, and an undercurrent of oak. For bourbon drinkers looking to explore rye, we recommend Knob Creek for familiar profiles and Wild Turkey for traditional spice and a rich body.

Why bartenders like rye whiskey for Manhattans

Many bartenders tend to opt for rye rather than bourbon when making a Manhattan. There are various reasons for this, the primary being to balance the cocktail's flavours. Rye is dry and spicy, which provides a delicate balance with sweet vermouth. The drink isn’t overly sugary, which makes it authentic to the pre-Prohibition recipe.

Knob Creek American Whiskey