American rye whiskey is experiencing a remarkable renaissance, capturing the attention of both enthusiasts and judges with its bold spice and rich complexity. At the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute’s judging event, a notable 12 rye whiskeys earned gold medals, reflecting the depth and diversity within the category. Leading this impressive lineup was Heaven Hill’s “Grain To Glass” Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, which secured the title of Best American Rye Whiskey, setting a benchmark in this resurgent whiskey style.

Heaven Hill ‘Grain To Glass’ Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 52.6% ABV, 750 ml.
95 Points, Gold Medal. $99
Heaven Hill, the largest family-owned distillery in the U.S., showcases its heritage dating back to 1935 with this whiskey. The “Grain to Glass” series emphasizes traceability, utilizing estate-grown grains for its unique 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malted barley mash bill. It presents aromas of freshly baked rye bread, honeycomb, dill, and dried cherry, with a palate that features cracked black pepper, toffee, green apple, and roasted walnut. The medium-long finish offers herbal notes combined with mint, oak spice, and cocoa powder.

Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml.
94 Points, Gold Medal. $33
Another quality offering from Heaven Hill, this rye combines rye spice and bourbon sweetness, featuring a mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley. Expect vanilla, orange zest, seasoned oak, and cracked pepper aromas, along with flavors of caramel and cinnamon, culminating in a long finish with lingering wood spices and cold smoke.

Knob Creek 10-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml.
94 Points, Gold Medal. $69.99
Produced at the Jim Beam Distillery, this 10-year-aged rye whiskey offers a robust flavor profile supported by an undisclosed mash bill believed to be 55% rye. Aromas encompass seasoned oak, burnt caramel, and eucalyptus. Its palate features intense rye flavors alongside molasses, roasted peanuts, and tobacco, ending with a dry, tannic finish.

A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Straight Rye Whiskey, 47.5% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $40
Reviving an iconic Pennsylvania style, this expression is made with a mash bill of 80% rye and 20% malted barley. It boasts aromas of spice, black tea, and dark honey, with a spicy, rich palate featuring rye spices and cooked cereal, culminating in a bold finish.

Elijah Craig Toasted Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, 47% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $54
This limited release is finished in custom-toasted oak barrels, enhancing its sweetness and depth. With aromas of baking spices and caramelized sugar, the whiskey delivers a creamy palate filled with honey and cooked rye, leading to a smooth finish.

Sagamore Spirit Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey Batch 2G, 46.5% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $39
Produced in Baltimore, this whiskey blends high and low rye mash bills (95% rye and 51% rye with corn) reflecting Maryland’s pre-Prohibition style. It has citrus-forward characteristics with aromas of lemon peel and clove, finishing with a long, spicy warmth.

Jefferson’s Blend of Straight Rye Whiskey, 44% ABV, 750 ml.
93 Points, Gold Medal. $34
This blended whiskey harmonizes sourced rye whiskeys for a balanced expression. With aromas reminiscent of freshly baked rye bread and flavors of honey and mint, its finish is silky and medium-long.

Additionally, other rye whiskeys scoring 92 points included Widow Jane Paradigm Rye, Few Bottled-In-Bond Rye, and Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye. The results from the 2025 BevTest reaffirm that American rye whiskey is not just surviving but thriving, catering to diverse palates, whether enjoyed straight, in cocktails, or alongside a fine cigar.