Rye whiskey has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, capturing the attention of spirit enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s a curated list of 20 rye whiskeys that you can buy for under $55, all of which have achieved gold or higher accolades in several international spirit competitions.

Notable Rye Whiskeys

1. Sagamore Spirit American Straight Rye Whiskey – $39
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
   Tasting Notes: Features winter spices, orange oil, candied walnuts, and vanilla cream with a warm finish of brown sugar.

2. Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey – $41
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
   Tasting Notes: Offers dark fruit, cinnamon, sourdough with floral honey and burnt orange; finishes herbal with spices and tobacco.

3. Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Straight Rye Whiskey – $48
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
   Tasting Notes: Exhibits dark pumpernickel rye bread, caraway, cinnamon, and oolong tea, resulting in a balanced palate.

4. New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – $47
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
   Tasting Notes: Notable for its black pepper, spice, mint, and caramel notes; warm finish with hints of oak.

5. Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey – $33
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
   Tasting Notes: Features dried apricot, clove, and honey with a hint of spice; smooth with a long finish.

6. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 100 Proof – $27
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
   Tasting Notes: Exhibits baked bread, vanilla, citrus, and floral notes with a bold spicy and sweet balance.

7. New York Distilling 3 YO Ragtime Rye – $44
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
   Tasting Notes: Offers toasted grain, caramel, and spice aromas; rich palate with pronounced vanilla.

8. Michter’s US*1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey – $48
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
   Tasting Notes: Displays black pepper, vanilla, and honey with a sweet and spicy finish.

9. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey – $28
   Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
   Tasting Notes: Fruity notes with cocoa, orange juice, and baking spices; hints of dried bananas and peaches.

10. Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey – $42
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, LAISC, ISC
    Tasting Notes: A sweet-spicy mix with cinnamon and nutmeg complemented by a creamy finish.

11. Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey – $30
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
    Tasting Notes: Features spicy cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and citrus zest with lingering pepper notes.

12. Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – $39
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, LAISC, ISC
    Tasting Notes: Aromas of cinnamon, dried cherries, and apple pie; rich palate with dark chocolate.

13. Woody Creek Distiller’s Straight Rye Whiskey – $52
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
    Tasting Notes: Oak, honey, and white pepper notes balanced with caramel and pine wood.

14. James E. Pepper, 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey – $33
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
    Tasting Notes: Sweet with floral notes and a high-proof finish.

15. Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey – $22
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, LAISC, ISC
    Tasting Notes: A classic style with flavors of cinnamon, leather, and vanilla.

16. George Dickel Rye Whiskey – $25
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
    Tasting Notes: Features vanilla, marshmallow, and spice along with a flavorful smoothness.

17. Bulleit 95 Small Batch American Straight Rye Mash Whiskey – $32
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
    Tasting Notes: Spicy and peppery, complemented by honey and vanilla notes.

18. Knob Creek Small Batch Patiently Aged Straight Rye Whiskey – $38
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, NYISC, ISC
    Tasting Notes: Offers vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts with a complex finish.

19. Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey – $32
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
    Tasting Notes: Notes of dark chocolate, dried chili, and honey finishing with oak.

20. Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – $53
    Awards: Gold at SFWSC, IWSC, WWA, ISC, NYISC
    Tasting Notes: Features spicy pork stew, fresh peaches, and creamy soda with a cedar finish.

These award-winning rye whiskeys present exceptional quality and value at a price point that makes them accessible to a wide range of whiskey lovers.