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Six rye whiskeys stood out in the 2026 BevTest Whiskey Judging, showcasing the diversity and richness of American rye. These whiskeys range in characteristics from a 15-year Vermont estate oak to a six-year blend, exemplifying the category’s maturity and variety.

WhistlePig 15-Year-Old Estate Oak Straight Rye Whiskey

• Score: 96 Points
• Notes: This exemplary whiskey is finished in sustainably harvested Vermont estate oak, resulting in a rich flavor profile with notes of caramel, vanilla, allspice, and roasted almonds. The palate reveals butterscotch and baking spices with an exceptionally long finish. It’s a contemplative whiskey best enjoyed neat.

Boone County 8-Year-Old Founder’s Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

• Score: 95 Points
• Notes: This whiskey offers aromas of caramelized sugar and stone fruit, with a palate showcasing brown sugar and toasted grain. The finish is smooth with lingering notes of cinnamon and baked sweets, making it versatile for cocktails or sipping.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (Batch No. B526)

• Score: 94 Points
• Notes: This full-bodied whiskey is characterized by molasses and gingerbread aromas. The dense palate is rich with flavors of toffee, dark honey, and fruit. It finishes exceptionally long with notes of butterscotch and rye spices, perfect for those who enjoy barrel-proof expressions.

Sagamore Reserve Series Aged 10 Years Straight Rye Whiskey

• Score: 94 Points
• Notes: Showcasing a blend of two unique rye recipes, it offers dessert-like aromas of peach cobbler and roasted nuts. The palate is creamy and full-bodied, with a long finish highlighted by spices and seasoned oak.

WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Small Batch Blended Straight Rye Whiskey

• Score: 94 Points
• Notes: As WhistlePig’s flagship whiskey, it features allspice and orange zest aromas, leading to a palate of caramel, vanilla, and spices. The finish is long and warming, ideal for both sipping and cocktails.

WhistlePig PiggyBack 6-Year-Old Rye Whiskey

• Score: 94 Points
• Notes: Targeted towards cocktails, this rye provides a spicy palate with cocoa and leather notes, finishing with lingering baking spices and sweetness.

These six spirits exemplify how rye whiskey can embody a wide range of flavors and profiles, from rich and dessert-like to bright and mixing-friendly, signifying rye’s evolution as a staple in American whiskey.