Here are tasting notes on 20 rye whiskeys that have consistently received gold or higher awards in at least five international spirit competitions. These selections are recognized as some of the finest rye whiskeys in the world!
A glass of rye whiskey against a backdrop of rye grain.
The resurgence of rye whiskey has entered its second decade, with no indication of waning interest. With an extensive range of rye whiskeys available in different styles, there are numerous expressions to explore. Below are tasting notes for 20 rye whiskeys that have achieved gold or higher awards or obtained scores exceeding 90 points in at least five international spirit competitions. They stand out as some of the best rye whiskeys globally!
WhistlePig 10 YO Straight Rye Whiskey, WhistlePig Farm Distillery, Vermont
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) awarded Double Gold; the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) rated it 96 points; the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) recognized it with Gold; the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) named it Best Rye Whiskey; and it also received Gold at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC).
This rye whiskey, acclaimed as the most awarded in the world, boasts a rich and intricate profile featuring flavors of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. It is completed by a long, peppery finish that offers subtle hints of oak and citrus.
Moreover, it attained additional accolades with SFWSC giving it Double Gold; USC scoring it 95 points; IWSC granting Gold; WWA again recognizing it as Best Rye Whiskey; and ISC awarding it Gold once more.
This notable rye whiskey is characterized by its bold and spicy nature, intertwining dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted oak notes. The finish is enduring, leaving behind lingering caramel nuances accompanied by a dash of cinnamon and pepper.
SFWSC, Double Gold; USC, 94 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; Whisky Advocate Awards (WAA), Top Rye.
Crafted at the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery operated by Sazerac, this rye whiskey masterpiece showcases a bold and spicy character, highlighted by notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and pepper. Its finish is prolonged and comforting, accented by a subtle hint of citrus.
SFWSC, Double Gold; USC, 95 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Gold.
This historic Maryland rye from the 19th century is currently made by Heaven Hill in Kentucky. It offers a rich and spicy profile, featuring flavors of caramel, vanilla, and warming baking spices. The finish is extended and velvety, with a faint touch of pepper.
SFWSC, Gold; USC, 93 points; IWSC, Silver Outstanding; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; International Spirits Challenge, Silver.
This rye whisky offers a smooth and balanced experience, showcasing flavors of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of rye spice. The finish is long and sweet, leaving behind lasting notes of caramel and seasoned oak.
High West Double Rye, High West Distillery, Utah
SFWSC, Gold; USC, 92 points; IWSC, Silver Outstanding; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Silver.
This whiskey showcases bold and spicy notes of mint, clove, and cinnamon, harmonized with a warm, peppery finish complemented by a hint of honey. It’s an exceptional choice for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate rye whiskey!
Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; USC, 94 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Gold.
Deep and full-bodied, this esteemed rye whiskey comes from one of the oldest distilleries in America, featuring flavors of caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. The prolonged and warming finish carries a subtle touch of oak.
Awards: SFWSC, Double Gold; Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 93 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; WAA, Top Rye.
This whiskey is bold and spicy, embodying a classic Pennsylvania-style with a high rye content. It presents flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and pepper, culminating in a lengthy and warm finish accompanied by a subtle hint of citrus to enhance its profile.
Awarded Gold by SFWSC, received 92 points from USC, also recognized with Gold at IWSC and noted as Best Rye Whiskey by WWA, alongside a Gold from ISC.
Exhibiting a smooth and balanced character, this whiskey showcases flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spicy cinnamon. It concludes with a long, warm finish accented by a touch of well-aged oak.
It has garnered Double Gold from SFWSC, 93 points from USC, Gold at IWSC, named Best Rye Whiskey with WWA, and acknowledged as Top Rye by WAA.
This historic rye brand offers a bold and spicy whiskey, characterized by layers of caramel, vanilla, and pepper notes. It delivers a long and warm finish accompanied by subtle lingering hints of citrus.
Awarded a Gold medal at SFWSC; it earned 92 points at USC, a Silver Outstanding at IWSC, and was recognized as the Best Rye Whiskey by WWA, along with a Silver from ISC.
The whiskey presents a blend of fruity and spicy elements, prominently featuring stone fruit flavors like nectarine, complemented by caramel, vanilla, and rye spice. Its finish is long and warm, leaving a delicate touch of oak.
Achievements include a Double Gold at SFWSC; 94 points at USC; a Gold at IWSC; being named Best Rye Whiskey by WWA; and also recognized as Top Rye by WWA.
This whiskey offers a smooth and sweet profile, enhanced by flavors of caramel, vanilla, and maple syrup. The finish is notably long and sweet, accompanied by a hint of lingering spiciness.
Acknowledged with numerous accolades, it has received the following: SFWSC, Gold; USC, 92 points; IWSC, Silver Outstanding; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Silver.
Considered a standout among new craft rye whiskeys, it is both robust and spicy, showcasing notes of caramel, vanilla, and pepper. The finish is prolonged and warm, with lingering hints of caramel and a touch of oak.
This expression has garnered impressive ratings as well: SFWSC, Double Gold; USC, 94 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Gold.
This rye whiskey boasts a wealth of accolades, showcasing its rich and intricate profile with notes of dark cherry, caramel, vanilla, and a hint of rye spice. The finish is prolonged, offering lasting cherry undertones complemented by a touch of oak.
Bulleit Rye, Bulleit Distilling Co., Kentucky
Awarded Gold at SFWSC; rated 93 points by USC; received Gold at IWSC; honored as Best Rye Whiskey by WWA; awarded Gold at ISC.
Regarded as one of the finest values in rye whiskey, it delivers a bold and spicy experience with flavors of dried citrus zest, caramel, vanilla, and pepper. The finish is warm and lengthy, leaving a persistent citrus hint.
SFWSC awarded a Gold medal; USC scored it 92 points; IWSC recognized it with a Silver Outstanding; WWA named it Best Rye Whiskey; ISC granted a Silver medal.
This whiskey, a classic high rye from Pennsylvania, offers a robust profile filled with rich flavors of caramel, rye spice, and dark fruit, all enhanced by a lingering, peppery finish that carries a hint of oak.
SFWSC awarded another Gold; USC gave it 93 points; IWSC presented it with a Gold medal; WWA designated it as Best Rye Whiskey; ISC also awarded a Gold.
This rye whisky is both smooth and spicy, featuring flavors of caramel, vanilla, and pepper, along with nuances of stone fruit. It serves as an excellent foundation for cocktails, boasting a long, warming finish that includes a touch of citrus.
SFWSC, Double Gold; USC, 95 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Gold.
This distinguished rye whiskey consistently excels in competitions, showcasing floral and herbal aromas, complemented by a rich and intricate palate. It offers a blend of brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and rye spice flavors, along with subtle hints of tropical fruits. The finish is long, sweet, and fruity, rounded out by a touch of oak.
SFWSC, Double Gold; USC, 94 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; WAA, Top Rye.
Renowned for its legacy, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye boasts bold and spicy characteristics, delivering a medley of orchard fruit, caramel, vanilla, pepper, and rye spice, with a slight herbal note. The finish is prolonged, sweet, and spicy, highlighted by a hint of citrus zest at the conclusion.
SFWSC, Gold; USC, 92 points; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Best Rye Whiskey; ISC, Gold.
This whiskey is crafted from a mash bill composed of 95% rye and employs the Lincoln County maple charcoal filtration method. It presents a delightful combination of sweetness and smoothness, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, and rye spice. The finish is notably long and sweet, leaving a subtle hint of oak. Priced at an average of $25, it offers excellent value.
These rye whiskey offerings stand out as some of the finest representations of the style, each carefully produced by their respective distilleries. Rye whiskey is celebrated for its bold, caramel and spicy attributes, often enhanced by hints of stone and tropical fruits, exemplifying the rich depth and complexity that this grain can produce.
For those new to rye whiskey as well as seasoned aficionados, these selections provide a wide array of flavor profiles to discover. Each whiskey has distinguished itself among the best in the world, recognized for its excellence and artistry in various esteemed competitions.
Additionally, check out the World’s Best Rye Whiskeys According to the International Wines & Spirits Competition.
One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to voice your opinions.
Our community aims to connect individuals through meaningful dialogue. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and exchange ideas in a respectful environment.
To maintain this, please adhere to the posting guidelines outlined in our site’s Terms of Service. Below are some of the essential rules summarized. Simply put, please remain respectful.
Your post will be declined if we detect any of the following issues:
User accounts may be suspended if we observe or suspect that individuals are participating in:
So, what does it take to become a power user?
We appreciate you taking the time to review our community guidelines. For a comprehensive overview of our posting regulations, please refer to our site’s Terms of Service.
Leave a Reply