Although distinguishing a high-rye bourbon from a rye whiskey might be tricky for even the keenest of brown liquor fans, there are key differences to note between the two. Both might appear quite alike and their aromas might deceive you into believing they are the same. Even their tastes can confusingly overlap if they contain equal proportions of rye. These two liquors might appear interchangeable at first glance, with both usually bearing the same alcohol content, yet crucial distinctions exist. These differences between high-rye bourbon and rye whiskey matter and significantly influence how you experience them.
Compared to regular bourbon, high-rye bourbon leans towards a less sweet profile. It must be produced in the United States, similar to other bourbon whiskeys. The augmented proportion of rye in these bourbons gives them a more zesty, peppery taste, while maintaining a touch of the typical bourbon sweetness. In contrast, production of rye whiskey can occur anywhere in the world and its taste leans towards the strictly spicy, recalling the flavors of baking spices such as clove and cinnamon. What sets these two liquors apart, however, is the main grain employed in their making. Both contain rye — as the names suggest — yet high-rye bourbon is primarily corn-based while rye whiskey is made primarily from at least 51% rye.
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In most bourbon making, corn serves as the main grain. The distinct factor in high-rye bourbon is the significant addition of rye. For any whiskey to be classified as bourbon, it must contain at least 51% corn. High-rye bourbons, however, include around 20% rye. Common bourbons generally have a sweeter taste due to the high percentage of corn present. The addition of rye in high-rye bourbon effectively offsets some of this sweetness. The flavor impact of high-rye bourbon is usually described as punchier than standard bourbon, indicating a stronger taste experienced on the initial sip.
High-rye bourbon, like traditional bourbons, is created in new charred oak barrels, with the incorporation of rye making a drier liquor. This inclusion leads to more dominant herbal, bitter notes that are generally absent in bourbons. Thus, if you are a bourbon enthusiast searching for a less sweet and more intricate flavor, high-rye bourbon might be to your liking.
For a liquor to be categorized as a rye whiskey, it must contain at least 51% rye. Rye whiskeys are recognized for their spicy and slightly burning sensation when consumed, owing to the spicier taste of rye compared to other distilling grains. Some rye whiskeys even go beyond the 51% rye requirement to amplify the spicy kick. These types of whiskeys offer a sharp and dry sensation in your mouth, providing a more dynamic mouthfeel than bourbon and even high-rye bourbon.
Rye whiskies, like bourbon and other whiskey varieties, are matured in charred oak barrels but are allowed to age in pre-used barrels. This aging process infuses the liquor with hints of vanilla sweetness and a touch of smoky wood flavor. Longer-aged rye whiskeys exhibit more pronounced sweet flavors, while younger ones are rich in spice. However, the sweetness is invariably minimal in rye whiskey.
High-rye bourbons contain more rye than traditional bourbon whiskeys, yet the primary ingredient remains corn. To be officially recognized as a bourbon in the United States, a spirit must contain 51% or more corn. As reported by New Riff Distilling, bourbon was first made in Kentucky in the 1700s when settlers used mostly corn in a mash to make the liquor. Due to the widespread availability of corn in the United States, bourbon soon became the preferred spirit for many Americans. Corn provides bourbon its unique sweet flavor and lends a smoother mouthfeel, making it an easy drink.
Rye whiskeys are distilled mostly from rye, which also became a popular choice for distilling in the 1700s and originated in Pennsylvania, according to Limestone Branch Distillery. Rye was easily grown in the climate and also provided a sharper flavor that was different from other whiskeys at the time, but its accessibility was a big selling point.
Compared to other whiskeys, bourbon whiskeys have some of the strictest rules when it comes to classification. Bourbon whiskeys may not have any other additives used besides water. By law, nothing else can be used to alter the color, sweeten the bourbon, or enhance the flavor in any way. This process is in place to keep bourbon pure and offer clarity on the ingredients. This law was part of President Taft’s Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, according to Jeptha Creed Distillery. Though these strict requirements may seem silly, it’s what has preserved authentic American bourbon for well over 100 years.
Rye whiskey, on the other hand, can feature additives if it is not labeled as “straight whiskey.” Straight whiskey simply refers to whiskey that has no other additives — different types of whiskeys can be straight, including rye whiskeys. If a rye whiskey is not labeled as straight, though, up to 2.5% of the liquor could be additives. These additives can be used to bring a more uniform color to the whiskey or to bring out the tasting notes more. With heavy regulations in place, these additives don’t alter the whiskey too much.
Part of the appeal of a high-rye bourbon is that extra kick from the spicy rye. If you are drinking a high-rye bourbon to experience that intense flavor of the spice, you are probably best off enjoying this liquor neat. You can chill your glass and bourbon before pouring to get a little crispness from the cold. If you are worried about the spice feeling too intense for a bourbon, you can opt to drink it on the rocks; the addition of ice will help water down the intensity. A high-rye bourbon can also be a fun way to spice up a mint julep cocktail.
The resurgence of rye whiskey has brought on a new age of rye whiskey cocktails. Many classic whiskey cocktails such as the Manhattan and old fashioned would have featured strong rye whiskey flavors back in the times of their creation, so using rye whiskey for them today will get you closer to how these drinks were originally imagined. Rye whiskey can cut through the mixers of cocktails for a subtle edge. You could also go for rye whiskey neat or on the rocks if you want to fully experience the spice.
Read the original article on Tasting Table.
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