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.

Mount Gay Rum, recognized as the world’s oldest running rum distillery, has unveiled the second release in its Single Estate Series—24_02_Vt18d2. This rum is crafted entirely from sugar cane cultivated on its estate in St. Lucy, Barbados. The distillery has limited this release to just 5,418 bottles.

The Single Estate Series emphasizes the concept of terroir, featuring molasses derived exclusively from sugar cane grown on the estate. Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay’s Master Blender, highlights the unique characteristics that arise from the island’s limestone foundation. "Our terroir is deeply connected to the land of Barbados," she explains, adding that the region’s naturally filtered water significantly contributes to the rum’s distinctive character.

The 24_02_Vt18d2 marks a shift from its predecessor by being produced from a single year’s harvest—2018—whereas the first edition blended crops from 2016 and 2017. The rum undergoes fermentation lasting an average of nine days, yielding a complex flavor profile with hints of pineapple and guava.

Branker describes each sip as unlocking new layers of flavor, featuring citrus and sweet fruit aromas complemented by brown sugar and subtle smokiness. The production process, she notes, is meticulous; the rum is kept completely separate from general production to maintain its integrity, ensuring careful handling from the cutting of the cane to the fermentation of the molasses.

While Mount Gay stays true to traditional rum-making methods, Branker embraces innovation, experimenting with various cask types while maintaining a no-sugar-added policy to let natural flavors shine. She acknowledges the industry’s current challenges, mentioning a decline in overall spirits sales globally, yet notes a promising future for rum, with market forecasts projecting steady growth.

As the demand for premium spirits rises, consumers are increasingly focused on the origins and production methods of their beverages. Branker sees this trend aligning with Mount Gay’s philosophy. "Consumers today want transparency and authenticity," she states, emphasizing the distillery’s dedication to telling a story from its land to the final product. Mount Gay is committed to sustainability, utilizing organic fertilizers, practicing crop rotation, and incorporating solar energy into its operations, alongside using packaging made from 70% recycled glass.

With a strong connection to its roots, Mount Gay continues to innovate, exploring new boundaries while honoring its heritage in rum production.

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is set to unveil its limited batch #27 this weekend, coinciding with the popular Snowflake Village Festival. This celebration attracts whiskey enthusiasts eager to savor the special release, showcasing the craft and uniqueness of Colorado distilling. The festival offers a festive atmosphere, marking an exciting occasion for both local residents and visitors looking to indulge in the rich flavors of Stranahan’s renowned whiskey.

For more information about Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey, visit their official site.

Before leaving his post, President Joe Biden enacted a law known as the No Stolen Trademarks Honored in America Act, a measure that has significantly intensified the ongoing political and commercial tensions between the United States and Cuba. This new legislation specifically prohibits the use of trademarks that were confiscated from thousands of Cuban citizens by Fidel Castro during the early 1960s. It also empowers companies, such as Bacardi—the current U.S. distributor of Havana Club rum—to pursue long-standing legal actions against the Cuban government regarding the Havana Club brand.

The battle over Havana Club rum showcases a historical conflict intertwined with Cold War remnants, featuring two owners who lay claim to the same brand, each with contrasting narratives. On social media, there are accounts that declare one brand as "official," utilizing folkloric imagery and promoting it as authentic Cuban rum, while another claims to be the "real" Havana Club. One version is produced in Cuba, and the other in Puerto Rico, with the former represented by the state-owned Cubaexport and the latter endorsed by Bacardi.

Central to the controversy are the issues of authenticity and rightful ownership: which rum embodies the true spirit of Cuba? In an assertive move, the Biden administration has essentially barred Havana from asserting rights over certain trademarks within the U.S. market. The newly passed Law H.R. 1505 explicitly forbids U.S. courts from recognizing trademark claims unless consent is obtained from the original owner.

The Backstory of the Rum Battle

Between 1959 and 1968, the Cuban government under Fidel Castro nationalized numerous properties, affecting thousands, including prominent families like the Arechabalas, who were behind the creation of Havana Club rum. This rum was originally crafted in 1934 at the La Vizcaya distillery by José Arechabala, a Spanish immigrant. Following the revolution, the Castro regime seized the Arechabala family’s assets, leading José to start anew as a car salesman in the United States.

Despite the upheaval, Havana Club continued production in Cuba. In 1993, Cubaexport forged a partnership with the French firm Pernod Ricard to market the brand internationally, excluding the U.S. where the trade embargo hindered sales.

Conversely, the American market embraced a rum named Havana Club, with Bacardi acquiring the brand and the original recipe in 1994. The saga of two competing rums emerged, coupled with political entanglements and narratives of exile. The Arechabala family has consistently claimed that their recipe was stolen, while Cuban authorities advocate for the rum produced on the island as the authentic version.

Legal clashes over the brand’s rights in the U.S. have spanned decades. In 1976, Cubaexport registered the Havana Club trademark, but facing restrictions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) complicated its renewal. By 2016, however, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reinstated the rights of Cubaexport. Concurrently, Bacardi had initiated legal action against Cubaexport after the PTO declined to cancel its trademark in 2004, leading to a counter-lawsuit for trademark infringement by Cubaexport.

In a significant ruling in 2023, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Bacardi, further strengthening its position in the U.S. market.

Legislative Responses and Reactions

The recently passed law, introduced by Representatives Darrell Issa and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, has garnered support from various political figures, including former Senator Bob Menendez and Senator Marco Rubio. They framed the bill as a necessary step to protect individuals whose properties were expropriated during the early years of the Cuban Revolution. Representative Wasserman Schultz articulated the sentiments of Cuban-American voters, emphasizing the law as a restoration of dignity for families stripped of their wealth.

In response to the legislation, Pernod Ricard expressed concern, deeming the political decision as a violation of its longstanding rights to the Havana Club trademark, which they believe has been legitimately held since 1976. Cuban officials reacted strongly as well, characterizing the law as an aggressive move undermining one of their prized exports. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla rallied against the law, asserting it not only violated international law but also aimed to obstruct Cubaexport’s trademark rights ahead of a crucial renewal scheduled for 2026.

Josie Gibson recently shared a humorous incident from Christmas 2022, revealing how she nearly derailed the festive dinner after overindulging in vodka. While celebrating with close friend and fellow This Morning presenter Alison Hammond, Josie admitted to getting a bit too carried away with excitement and drinks before the cooking commenced.

Reflecting on the day, Josie recounted how she lost track of her dinner preparations due to her early drinking. "My biggest tip is to not get too excited and have too much of a tipple before you start cooking," she advised. She acknowledged that it was Alison who ultimately saved the dinner, stepping in to put things back on track when things went awry.

Josie humorously detailed that her brother had gifted her a special vodka, which led her to believe a few drinks would be fine. Given that she rarely drinks, especially outside of significant events like Christmas, she found that it hit her harder than expected.

The two share a strong friendship since 2013, often spending holidays together. Josie expressed her fondness for Alison, emphasizing her warm and easy-going nature that makes everyone want to be around her. This friendship has only deepened as both have become prominent figures on This Morning, taking on significant hosting roles in recent years.