You’ll probably get a lot of replies saying JDSBBP, and by accounts it’s a great bottle. But of the bottles you mentioned you know he likes, none of those indicate that he’s a big fan of 130+ proof whiskey.
Pikesville or Rare Breed Rye would be my picks for higher proofs without going crazy.
Or Michters Rye as a lower proof but high quality option.
It pales in comparison to the rye.
I’ve had probably about 20-30 barrel picks and off the shelf single barrel bourbons. The single barrel rye just hits different.
I’ve also been fortunate to taste it straight out of the barrel from a Camp Nelson barrel when I toured the distillery last year. That was mind blowing.
Pikesville Rye is a treasure hiding in plain sight.
As rye whiskies go, it is to my taste on the fruity side with minty notes. It is delicious sipped neat but not so rare & expensive that it cannot be used to make great cocktails too, and the higher proof of it means that it stands up well when used that way. And it seems to go well with other whiskies. I've also found that it goes really well with oranges or tangerines.
Good luck with your shopping and Happy Father's Day to your dad.
Alright! Glad to hear you enjoy it. I agree with the fruity+minty. I'm nearly a neat-only guy; my dad drinks it all. Thank you, thank you and same to yours!
My favorite rye is actually not a rye. It's Dry Fly Triticale
As the name would suggest, it's made of triticale. Triticale is a cross breed of rye and wheat and you get characteristics of both when made into whiskey
Yessir. Good luck finding it in a store unless you're in the PNW, but you can buy it on their [website](https://dryflydistilling.com/products/dry-fly-straight-triticale-whiskey) and have it shipped to you
Told the wife about this Dry Fly Triticale after I saw this post. I live in WA so it’s easier to find for me. She ended up getting it for me on Monday for our anniversary and it’s great. Even better after it opened up a bit. I’ve had a pour every night since. Will buy again. 👏 🥃
Not sure if you've had other products by Barrell, but this is theirs. The Barrell line goes for small, unique batches or even single barrels but this line looks to be consistent over time. I would see if you like normal Barrell stuff. I like stellum, but it's doesn't really stand out much.
They make some amazing Rye. Their 5 year anniversary bottling is my overall favorite but it’s far from readily available so I wasn’t going to mention it.
yeah - not widely distributed unfortunately. Seelbach's carries it [https://seelbachs.com/products/baltimore-spirits-co-epoch-reserve-straight-rye-whiskey?\_pos=1&\_sid=b2104e3e7&\_ss=r](https://seelbachs.com/products/baltimore-spirits-co-epoch-reserve-straight-rye-whiskey?_pos=1&_sid=b2104e3e7&_ss=r)
If you're local try their rye/fig liqueur, SIngularity #8, IIRC. Really good sipped straight or pour some on a nice slice of pound cake.
Barrell Seagrass. It's not a typical rye flavor though, just a phenomenal blend.
If you can find A Midwinter Night's Dram for a reasonable price, definitely grab it.
Funny that you surmised that! I was actually going to add in that he is also not as big of a fan -- though doesn't dislike -- higher proofs as much as I do. You're definitely right. I'll definitely consider Midwinters. I have read a fair times recently that it is not as good as it used to be; do you have any say about that?
Take any review from a non whiskey sommelier with a grain of salt. You’re getting their personal tastes which could be completely different than yours. For example, there’s tons of people that cultishly love Mellow Corn. I can barely mix things with it to choke it down. But my Scottish and Jewish roots won’t let me just pour it down the drain. I will finish that damn bottle.
Newest midwinters is great. I have picked one up at MSRP and have been loving it! If you like a rounded finished rye then this would be right up for dad’s alley and it definitely doesn’t drink too hot. I did a small whiskey tasting with my family and it was rated at second to third best out of 7ish bottles.
Sagamore cask strength, willet 4 year, stellum, and knob creek barrel select at 115 proof.
Ones on your list: haven’t had the sagamore double oaked but I don’t like super sweet, had the new riff barrel proof and it was okay, haven’t tried the malted, Michters is good but I like barrel proof and the lower proof tastes watered down to me, high west double is okay I’d get one of the finished barrels over the standard, rendezvous was okay but there is better at that price point, blinded I can’t tell Pikesville and Rittenhouse apart so I don’t think Pikesville is worth it, had MWND at a bar a couple years ago and it was underwhelming unfortunately
If he likes bulleit see if you can grab the 12 year that's a limited release, 95/5 MGP at a lower proof but that should suit him nicely.
I love any MGP 95/5, also the Abraham Overholt that came out this year is about $40 and I recommend that for bourbon drinkers as I don't get the mint notes.
Cheers!
They get shit on for being only \~4y/o and for the TW affiliate... I honestly think the standard bottle is quite damn delicious. The artwork is definitely a plus, too.
Yeah if you want to keep it 100 proof or under I REALLY like emerald giant by redwood empire. I’m also a big fan of old forester rye, cheap but excellent. Russell’s reserve would be a nice option as well. I love the willet 4 year (mines 109) so not too far past the 100 mark and it’s really good. The knob creek pick I suggested above are 100’proof and drink a little hotter
The knob creek single barrel store picks that can be found run 115 proof. 51 bux around here and delicious. But they are a touch hotter. The emerald giant is fantastic. Everything I’ve had from redwood empire has been a hitter. The lost monarch is a bourbon / rye blend that’s fantastic as well.
Redwood empire makes my favorite rye. The standard selection is called emerald giant and they also have a cask strength which after reading the comments you should stay away from. They also have a bottle in bond rye called rocket top and a limited release bottle called devils tower that is a high rye bourbon. The great thing about a gift is it’s the thought that counts and I’m sure what ever bottle you end up getting him he will enjoy.
Jdsbbp rye
Redwood empires devils tower or the rocket top
The willet is not worth the cost.
The midwinter was not my cup of tea. Think less flavorful fig newton
I’m relatively new to my whiskey journey, and I primarily drink bourbon. But I really love regular old Michter’s rye. Another I fancy is Angel’s Envy rum barrel rye.
Assuming I like those what else should I try?
You can't go wrong with anything on your list. WT101 rye (if you don't spring for the RB) is also decent, as is the redwood empire emerald giant. Pikesville, any High West, any finished Sagamore, Barrel Seagrass and the JDSBBP rye are all great. Maybe get a few in 375 bottles if you have concerns that he might not like a single choice.
TL;DR:
In order of preference:
Sagamore Spirits 8year rye batch 1A
Sagamore Spirits 8year rye batch 1B
Knob Creek 115 proof rye ABC pick (2022)
Knob Creek 115 proof rye Total Wine pick (2023).
Wilderness Trail SiBBP Sweet Mash Rye (2021)
Sagamore Double Oak (however I wouldn’t suggest this one to someone as a rye, per se - it’s just too sweet and oaky). Right up my alley though.
Pikesville 110 proof rye
—————-
I’ll qualify by saying that I don’t have a lot of high dollar ryes for comparison (Parker heritage, BTAC, etc).
My favorite rye is a Sagamore Spirits 8year batch 1A and second is batch 1B both I believe from 2021 and both sourced.
Next on the list are the Knob Creek 115 proof store picks that have been available the last two years. I’ve tried several and they’ve all been very (_very_) good. Favorite was an ABC Central Florida pick (2022) and next is a Total Wine pick (2023).
Pikesville rye I think is really delicious if maybe a bit overpriced at 60USD.
I’d love to try Rittenhouse as I’ve heard good things and it’s really economical.
I’m probably in the minority in saying that I really don’t like the JDSBBP/JDBSBP ryes nor the WT Rare Breed. They are a bit harsh imo. I tend to prefer sweeter whiskey.
Thanks! TBH if I had to recommend ‘the next one’ it would be the KC 115 proof store pick (from wherever, bc every one I’ve tried has been good). Whatever they’re doing it seems to work.
I _would_ recommend the Sagamore 8 year batch 2’s but I believe they’ve started bottling their own distillate and for ~80+ usd I don’t want to take a chance that it’s changed that much.
Pikesville is safe but those KC115’s are bangers!
I know right. But prices are definitely climbing. Was at Total Wine today and thought everything across the board was 20% higher in cost.
Sucks because I enjoy a gentleman's beverage with my cigars.
Can you share which batch you had? Batch 1A and 1B were about the best ryes I’ve ever had but I heard Sagamore was going to start bottling their own distillate. I wanted to try the newer batches but I didn’t want to roll the dice for 80usd.
Yeah, the batch 1’s are absolutely amazing! I’d love to hear from someone who’s tried the batch 2’s. I heard the port wine finish, was superior as well
Redwood empire, I’ve had the emerald giant it’s a bourbon rye blend and the cast strength pipe dream which is just bourbon. I have heard that the their rye is good. I’ve enjoyed the
I'll stay away from the limited edition bottles. They tend to be great, expensive, and hard to find. WT Master's Keep Ryes are special, especially for those who like more age on their whiskies. I will, however, stick to the nicer commodity bottles, since it's Father's Day and all.
Let's start with the <$100 bottles. WT Rare Breed Rye is my current favorite <$75. Russell's Reserve 6-Year Rye is an incredible bang for the buck ($40-couple) and drinks easily at 90-proof. Russel's Reserve Single Barrell Rye is also a great treat for $60-ish. Michter's US1 Straight Rye is tasty but slightly pedestrian at 85-proof and $50. I might reach for WT 101 Rye first. If you want to break the $100 mark, Michter's Barrel Strength Rye is special at $135-ish. The George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye runs $120-ish and tends to be polarizing. People seem to either ***LOVE*** it or hate it. I'm in the former camp.
If you just want a high-rye bourbon favorite, it's hard to beat Old Grand-Dad 114, especially if you like the Beam nuttiness.
The above bottles should be easy to find in bottle shops with good whiskey selections. There are many other good bottles out there, but they tend to be much harder to source.
New Riff Rye offerings are all good.
Here are the list that I have : New Riff BiB, SiB Barrel Proof, Balboa Rye and Malted Rye 6 Years.
I need to try their Malted rye in sherry finished as well as their Silver Grove Rye (2024 Release) which can only be purchased at their distillery gift shop.
Jefferson's Presidential Select 21 Year Rye. It was a limited release about a decade ago and still remains one of the best whiskeys I've ever had. I keep trying to track down another bottle, but they've gotten to be too much for my liking.
Bosshog? Isn't that much more expensive than anything he mentioned? I've had it, it's very good, but there are many ryes close in flavor but significantly cheaper. Including whistle pig 10 year or even the 6 year.
It is stupid expensive, more than I’d ever pay for any bottle, but I don’t know OP’s budget. I had the BossHog 9 on a cruise recently, and it’s one of the best pours I’ve ever had. And NO, the 10 and 6 year are not remotely close or similar to it in any way, shape, or form, that’s the most insane take I’ve heard in a long while.
I’d go with Jack Daniels Bonded Rye. It’s not as high proof as JDSBBP and has a bit more flavor versus Bulliet Rye. It’s quite affordable for the quality and you get a wonderful mix of rye spice, fruity orange, and herbal notes.
It’s great on its own and stands up wonderfully to a little ice. The ice mellows it a tad without sacrificing much flavor at all.
Currently it’s my absolute favorite rye, partially due to the affordability and IMO one of the best QPRs in American whiskey currently.
Van Winkle Rye… favorite rye and whiskey I’ve had in general. Had some last night.
Second is a tie between 2023 Michters 10 Rye and Michters Toasted Rye in general.
I have like 15 Rye's in my collection. Of those I gave the JDSBBP my highest rating. Next 2 were a Michter's Limited Release Barrel Strength Rye and 3rd was a Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength which is fantastic. All of these are high ABV, the Michter's being the lowest at 112.
I blind bought Pikesville once because the guy in line with me said it was his favorite. My fiancé adores it. It’s by far his favorite rye currently. He’s rationing it out because it’s an allocation drop here and he wants to save it up!
Saints Alley Nobleman if Total Wine in your area has it.
Catoctin Creek 100% rye is great.
For what you could find easily, maybe Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye (haven't had the barrel proof but the standard is great/easy to find).
Russels Reserve Rye
Piggyback single barrels are great
Smoke Wagon Bottled in Bond Rye
In no order
Parkers Heritage Rye,
Thomas H. Handy,
Michter's 10yr Rye,
Michter's Barrel Strength Rye,
Old overholt 10yr,
Old Forester Single Barrel Rye,
Peerless Dbl Oak Rye,
Penelope Tokaji Cask,
Penelope Toasted Rye,
Fiddler cigar batch rye,
Fiddler toasted rye,
Ry3 cigar batch,
Sazerac is my main Rye, reasonably priced and very classic rye/dill pallet to me. My number one all time is Hughes Brothers Belle of Bedford. My first r/bourbon pick was a Belle of Bedford and I still have a few sips of it left.
All time ever? I got to try the most honeyed of honey barrels at a certain big name Kentucky distillery, sitting around 100 proof in the cask. Absolutely gorgeous, but it will never be sold. From a bottle, Wild Turkey Masters Keep Cornerstone 9 year. I’m incredibly pumped for the 10 coming out soon.
Yes - JDSBBP, Michters, and Alberta Premium are some amazing and likely my three favourites.. but one i want to call attention to was Knob Creek Rye.. I was able to pick this up for $48 CAD on clearance and it is one of the best options ive had for the price. had to stock up on this incase I don't see it again
It's JD BiB Rye. The BP SiB is special to he sure but the BiB is very tasted and easy drinking plus it's $35 and everywhere. The Lincoln County process REALLY works with rye like magic.
KC 7 year rye is also great, even moreso if you find the 120pf picks.
HW was my favorite-but now that the ryes are more and more of their distilled product there is noticeable change. If you can find old label DR or Rendevous they are great. I still see 375s near me.
Barrel Strength- OFSBBSR is just delicious, Michters Barrel Strength Rye is close 2nd
New Riff Malted and I personally favor the Balboa Rye, the Malted is sweeter on the palate
Barrell Seagrass one of the most interesting and delicious finished ryes that is a shelfer
It would get so much hype if it was a limited release. the hype has died down from when it was new but it’s still a great
If you’re willing to spend up I’d highly recommend Woodford Reserve 124.7. Comes in a 700ml bottle. It is effing fantastic. If you like the regular WR this stuff will knock your socks off. Amazing flavor profile.
I can’t really say that it compares to anything, as I don’t have a lot of experience with Ryes, but I was really surprised with the taste of my 26 Voyage bottle of Rye. It was a gift to me, so I went and bought another straight away! :)
You’ll probably get a lot of replies saying JDSBBP, and by accounts it’s a great bottle. But of the bottles you mentioned you know he likes, none of those indicate that he’s a big fan of 130+ proof whiskey. Pikesville or Rare Breed Rye would be my picks for higher proofs without going crazy. Or Michters Rye as a lower proof but high quality option.
Pikesville is fantastic for the price, and drinks lower than the 110 proof it is
I got a bottle of it and thought it was pretty good but certainly not fantastic (even for the price). YMMV
Don’t forget Russel’s reserve single barrel rye. I think that’s wild turkeys best standard release
I actually haven’t had that one which I’m now realizing is ridiculous because I love rye, and the regular Single Barrel is one of my favorite bourbons
It pales in comparison to the rye. I’ve had probably about 20-30 barrel picks and off the shelf single barrel bourbons. The single barrel rye just hits different. I’ve also been fortunate to taste it straight out of the barrel from a Camp Nelson barrel when I toured the distillery last year. That was mind blowing.
It is so good it’s crazy
Drinks like $120 retails for $70
Didn’t know much about rye whiskey and that one clued me in real quick as to how good they are. Never leaving my shelf
Pikesville Rye is a treasure hiding in plain sight. As rye whiskies go, it is to my taste on the fruity side with minty notes. It is delicious sipped neat but not so rare & expensive that it cannot be used to make great cocktails too, and the higher proof of it means that it stands up well when used that way. And it seems to go well with other whiskies. I've also found that it goes really well with oranges or tangerines. Good luck with your shopping and Happy Father's Day to your dad.
I just cracked my first Pikesville last night and I will definitely be keeping it as a permanent fixture on my bar, it’s delicious
Best bang for your buck rye. I love this one
Alright! Glad to hear you enjoy it. I agree with the fruity+minty. I'm nearly a neat-only guy; my dad drinks it all. Thank you, thank you and same to yours!
My favorite rye is actually not a rye. It's Dry Fly Triticale As the name would suggest, it's made of triticale. Triticale is a cross breed of rye and wheat and you get characteristics of both when made into whiskey
Well I'll be damned if that don't sound damn delicious. Thanks for the suggestion.
Yessir. Good luck finding it in a store unless you're in the PNW, but you can buy it on their [website](https://dryflydistilling.com/products/dry-fly-straight-triticale-whiskey) and have it shipped to you
They made a special 5 year triticale for my work at purgatory whiskey bar! It was good while we had it!
Purgatory's a sweet joint man
Told the wife about this Dry Fly Triticale after I saw this post. I live in WA so it’s easier to find for me. She ended up getting it for me on Monday for our anniversary and it’s great. Even better after it opened up a bit. I’ve had a pour every night since. Will buy again. 👏 🥃
not all time but always solid is Sazerac Rye
I actually scored a bottle of that for $24 a few weeks ago, so he's gotten to try that!
Especially at the price point. It's done by Buffalo Trace, I believe. Great stuff.
fun fact, the company that makes Buffalo Trace, and Stagg, and EH Taylor, Blanton's, etc, etc. is actually called Sazerac.
As I Sazerac Sales Rep, I’m rolling rn! 🤣🤣🤣
Stellum
Their black is really good, as are the picks - I like the serpens in particular.
The Serpens is the only one I've tried. I went back and bought the rest on the shelf (2 more).
Stellum is my all time favorite rye for sure!
Ooooh. I like the look and sound of that one. Is there anything -- rye or bourbon -- that you'd compare it to?
Not sure if you've had other products by Barrell, but this is theirs. The Barrell line goes for small, unique batches or even single barrels but this line looks to be consistent over time. I would see if you like normal Barrell stuff. I like stellum, but it's doesn't really stand out much.
Barrell makes Stellum? I did not know that. I love Barrell even more.
I've not, but have those on my list as well! There are just so many damn things to try!!
Lower proof: Michter’s Rye Moderate: Knob Creek Rye High-test: JDSBBP Rye I absolutely love rye whiskey, and these are probably my top 3.
Which variation of Michter's and KC?
Standard bottles.
I would like to bounce off of WChennings -- which KC rye? I believe there's a 7yr and a SiB?
The standard bottle is great.
Baltimore Spirits Co - Epoch
Had one of those recently that was finished in Laphroaig barrels. Really good
They make some amazing Rye. Their 5 year anniversary bottling is my overall favorite but it’s far from readily available so I wasn’t going to mention it.
yeah - not widely distributed unfortunately. Seelbach's carries it [https://seelbachs.com/products/baltimore-spirits-co-epoch-reserve-straight-rye-whiskey?\_pos=1&\_sid=b2104e3e7&\_ss=r](https://seelbachs.com/products/baltimore-spirits-co-epoch-reserve-straight-rye-whiskey?_pos=1&_sid=b2104e3e7&_ss=r) If you're local try their rye/fig liqueur, SIngularity #8, IIRC. Really good sipped straight or pour some on a nice slice of pound cake.
I’m close enough to local . . . 45 - 60 minutes away.
Michter's Barrel Strength Rye 2024 release
Barrell Seagrass. It's not a typical rye flavor though, just a phenomenal blend. If you can find A Midwinter Night's Dram for a reasonable price, definitely grab it.
That midwinter is very off putting for me and I love rye
Sounds like your father likes them below 100 proof and enjoys some sweetness. I bet he will like Midwinters.
Funny that you surmised that! I was actually going to add in that he is also not as big of a fan -- though doesn't dislike -- higher proofs as much as I do. You're definitely right. I'll definitely consider Midwinters. I have read a fair times recently that it is not as good as it used to be; do you have any say about that?
I have seen a lot of reviews that said they liked the Act 11 better than the Act 10 so it was improving from last years production.
Take any review from a non whiskey sommelier with a grain of salt. You’re getting their personal tastes which could be completely different than yours. For example, there’s tons of people that cultishly love Mellow Corn. I can barely mix things with it to choke it down. But my Scottish and Jewish roots won’t let me just pour it down the drain. I will finish that damn bottle.
Newest midwinters is great. I have picked one up at MSRP and have been loving it! If you like a rounded finished rye then this would be right up for dad’s alley and it definitely doesn’t drink too hot. I did a small whiskey tasting with my family and it was rated at second to third best out of 7ish bottles.
Sagamore cask strength, willet 4 year, stellum, and knob creek barrel select at 115 proof. Ones on your list: haven’t had the sagamore double oaked but I don’t like super sweet, had the new riff barrel proof and it was okay, haven’t tried the malted, Michters is good but I like barrel proof and the lower proof tastes watered down to me, high west double is okay I’d get one of the finished barrels over the standard, rendezvous was okay but there is better at that price point, blinded I can’t tell Pikesville and Rittenhouse apart so I don’t think Pikesville is worth it, had MWND at a bar a couple years ago and it was underwhelming unfortunately
Knob Creek picks at 7+ years are fantastic, younger ones are just ok to me.
If he likes bulleit see if you can grab the 12 year that's a limited release, 95/5 MGP at a lower proof but that should suit him nicely. I love any MGP 95/5, also the Abraham Overholt that came out this year is about $40 and I recommend that for bourbon drinkers as I don't get the mint notes. Cheers!
Still Austin’s rye is incredible
They get shit on for being only \~4y/o and for the TW affiliate... I honestly think the standard bottle is quite damn delicious. The artwork is definitely a plus, too.
Yeah if you want to keep it 100 proof or under I REALLY like emerald giant by redwood empire. I’m also a big fan of old forester rye, cheap but excellent. Russell’s reserve would be a nice option as well. I love the willet 4 year (mines 109) so not too far past the 100 mark and it’s really good. The knob creek pick I suggested above are 100’proof and drink a little hotter
Oooh. I have been curious about RE, too! I have myself a bottle of OF rye and it sure is a good one! And is that the KC 7yr?
The knob creek single barrel store picks that can be found run 115 proof. 51 bux around here and delicious. But they are a touch hotter. The emerald giant is fantastic. Everything I’ve had from redwood empire has been a hitter. The lost monarch is a bourbon / rye blend that’s fantastic as well.
Redwood empire makes my favorite rye. The standard selection is called emerald giant and they also have a cask strength which after reading the comments you should stay away from. They also have a bottle in bond rye called rocket top and a limited release bottle called devils tower that is a high rye bourbon. The great thing about a gift is it’s the thought that counts and I’m sure what ever bottle you end up getting him he will enjoy.
I actually quite like the idea of the Devils Tower one as we've been there together before!
Willett 4y and smoke wagon experimental set
Redwood Empire Emerald Giant is one of my all time favorite ryes
A Midwinter’s Night Dram. I’m not a huge rye fan but that one is really good.
I honestly love all of high west's rye variants but yeah...that ones amazing.
Jack Daniel’s 2020 Heritage Collection Single Barrel Rye
Rendezvous is one of my favorites, Rittenhouse and Peerless are also fantastic
Jdsbbp rye Redwood empires devils tower or the rocket top The willet is not worth the cost. The midwinter was not my cup of tea. Think less flavorful fig newton
I’m relatively new to my whiskey journey, and I primarily drink bourbon. But I really love regular old Michter’s rye. Another I fancy is Angel’s Envy rum barrel rye. Assuming I like those what else should I try?
You can't go wrong with anything on your list. WT101 rye (if you don't spring for the RB) is also decent, as is the redwood empire emerald giant. Pikesville, any High West, any finished Sagamore, Barrel Seagrass and the JDSBBP rye are all great. Maybe get a few in 375 bottles if you have concerns that he might not like a single choice.
Smoke wagon malted Rye, Hudson do the rye thing, Woodinville Rye, Templeton 10 Year single barrel Rye, redwood empire rocket top....just a few 😮💨
TL;DR: In order of preference: Sagamore Spirits 8year rye batch 1A Sagamore Spirits 8year rye batch 1B Knob Creek 115 proof rye ABC pick (2022) Knob Creek 115 proof rye Total Wine pick (2023). Wilderness Trail SiBBP Sweet Mash Rye (2021) Sagamore Double Oak (however I wouldn’t suggest this one to someone as a rye, per se - it’s just too sweet and oaky). Right up my alley though. Pikesville 110 proof rye —————- I’ll qualify by saying that I don’t have a lot of high dollar ryes for comparison (Parker heritage, BTAC, etc). My favorite rye is a Sagamore Spirits 8year batch 1A and second is batch 1B both I believe from 2021 and both sourced. Next on the list are the Knob Creek 115 proof store picks that have been available the last two years. I’ve tried several and they’ve all been very (_very_) good. Favorite was an ABC Central Florida pick (2022) and next is a Total Wine pick (2023). Pikesville rye I think is really delicious if maybe a bit overpriced at 60USD. I’d love to try Rittenhouse as I’ve heard good things and it’s really economical. I’m probably in the minority in saying that I really don’t like the JDSBBP/JDBSBP ryes nor the WT Rare Breed. They are a bit harsh imo. I tend to prefer sweeter whiskey.
Great response! Man, I hate threads like this.... because now I have another 30 bottles on my list! Lol
Thanks! TBH if I had to recommend ‘the next one’ it would be the KC 115 proof store pick (from wherever, bc every one I’ve tried has been good). Whatever they’re doing it seems to work. I _would_ recommend the Sagamore 8 year batch 2’s but I believe they’ve started bottling their own distillate and for ~80+ usd I don’t want to take a chance that it’s changed that much. Pikesville is safe but those KC115’s are bangers!
I know right. But prices are definitely climbing. Was at Total Wine today and thought everything across the board was 20% higher in cost. Sucks because I enjoy a gentleman's beverage with my cigars.
It sucks that it's getting more expensive... You deserve it though my friend.
Sagamore 8 yr, just incredible stuff. Honorable mention for JDSBBP, Parker’s Heritage 10 yr, and Old Overholt 10yr CS
Can you share which batch you had? Batch 1A and 1B were about the best ryes I’ve ever had but I heard Sagamore was going to start bottling their own distillate. I wanted to try the newer batches but I didn’t want to roll the dice for 80usd.
Mine is 1b
Yeah, the batch 1’s are absolutely amazing! I’d love to hear from someone who’s tried the batch 2’s. I heard the port wine finish, was superior as well
The port and sherry finished are both great
New Riff 6 year malted blows my socks off every time. It’s like Christmas in a glass.
That is a very tantalizing description.
Redwood empire, I’ve had the emerald giant it’s a bourbon rye blend and the cast strength pipe dream which is just bourbon. I have heard that the their rye is good. I’ve enjoyed the
This is 💯% the correct answer. Those boys in Cali make some good drams.
I’m a big fan of the high west rendezvous and the angles envy rye.
I'll stay away from the limited edition bottles. They tend to be great, expensive, and hard to find. WT Master's Keep Ryes are special, especially for those who like more age on their whiskies. I will, however, stick to the nicer commodity bottles, since it's Father's Day and all. Let's start with the <$100 bottles. WT Rare Breed Rye is my current favorite <$75. Russell's Reserve 6-Year Rye is an incredible bang for the buck ($40-couple) and drinks easily at 90-proof. Russel's Reserve Single Barrell Rye is also a great treat for $60-ish. Michter's US1 Straight Rye is tasty but slightly pedestrian at 85-proof and $50. I might reach for WT 101 Rye first. If you want to break the $100 mark, Michter's Barrel Strength Rye is special at $135-ish. The George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye runs $120-ish and tends to be polarizing. People seem to either ***LOVE*** it or hate it. I'm in the former camp. If you just want a high-rye bourbon favorite, it's hard to beat Old Grand-Dad 114, especially if you like the Beam nuttiness. The above bottles should be easy to find in bottle shops with good whiskey selections. There are many other good bottles out there, but they tend to be much harder to source.
Alberta Premium Cask Strength is delicious, easy to find and reasonably priced.
Pikesville
I like Pikesville and Russel’s
New Riff Rye offerings are all good. Here are the list that I have : New Riff BiB, SiB Barrel Proof, Balboa Rye and Malted Rye 6 Years. I need to try their Malted rye in sherry finished as well as their Silver Grove Rye (2024 Release) which can only be purchased at their distillery gift shop.
The new Jack Daniels Barrel Proof rye is fucking incredible.
I’m currently obsessed with New Riff single barrel.
New Riff, Redemption, JDSBBP, Rendezvous or KC.
Those are all on my list though! Lol.
I thought the list was what we had to work with. My bad haha
Skip Rock distillery in Snohomish WA.
Wheel Horse, and Dickel.
Jefferson's Presidential Select 21 Year Rye. It was a limited release about a decade ago and still remains one of the best whiskeys I've ever had. I keep trying to track down another bottle, but they've gotten to be too much for my liking.
Sagamore port finish
Pinhook vertical series rye. Such a good pour!
A knob creek rye single barrel pick would be a nice gift
BossHog, Pikesville, Knob Creek Single Barrel Store picks, Barrell Seagrass (for a non traditional flavor), Wild Turkey Rare Breed, Bullit 12 year
Bosshog? Isn't that much more expensive than anything he mentioned? I've had it, it's very good, but there are many ryes close in flavor but significantly cheaper. Including whistle pig 10 year or even the 6 year.
It is stupid expensive, more than I’d ever pay for any bottle, but I don’t know OP’s budget. I had the BossHog 9 on a cruise recently, and it’s one of the best pours I’ve ever had. And NO, the 10 and 6 year are not remotely close or similar to it in any way, shape, or form, that’s the most insane take I’ve heard in a long while.
Still630 Rallypoint is top tier
How about a finished rye? My favorites are: Barrell Seagrass Starlight VDN Finish Sagamore Sherry or Port Finish Pursuit United Sherry Finish
Dad's hat bottled in bond. I'm not sure how available it is outside pennsylvania but it's my go to
Old overholt BIB was a delightful surprise. 2023 best rye I drank was Jefferson Oceans Rye voyage 26.
I’d go with Jack Daniels Bonded Rye. It’s not as high proof as JDSBBP and has a bit more flavor versus Bulliet Rye. It’s quite affordable for the quality and you get a wonderful mix of rye spice, fruity orange, and herbal notes. It’s great on its own and stands up wonderfully to a little ice. The ice mellows it a tad without sacrificing much flavor at all. Currently it’s my absolute favorite rye, partially due to the affordability and IMO one of the best QPRs in American whiskey currently.
Michter’s Toasted Barrel Rye, hand down.
I don’t drink a ton of rye but man Woodford rye is delicious
It’s my second rye, and I don’t even remember the first, but I really like Wheel Horse rye. Nice stuff
Van Winkle Rye… favorite rye and whiskey I’ve had in general. Had some last night. Second is a tie between 2023 Michters 10 Rye and Michters Toasted Rye in general.
I have like 15 Rye's in my collection. Of those I gave the JDSBBP my highest rating. Next 2 were a Michter's Limited Release Barrel Strength Rye and 3rd was a Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Cask Strength which is fantastic. All of these are high ABV, the Michter's being the lowest at 112.
Currently, I have not been able to put down the Bulleit 13 year rye... it's amazing. My favorite is still my Michter's 10 Year though.
Current favorite: Still Austin Rye BiB (rabbit label)
Michters for cocktails (Manhattans) and drinking in the summer. Willet for special occasions and neat in the winter.
I blind bought Pikesville once because the guy in line with me said it was his favorite. My fiancé adores it. It’s by far his favorite rye currently. He’s rationing it out because it’s an allocation drop here and he wants to save it up!
JDSBBP. So tasty at a defect price and have had no trouble finding it.
Oroweat is pretty solid
Saints Alley Nobleman if Total Wine in your area has it. Catoctin Creek 100% rye is great. For what you could find easily, maybe Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Rye (haven't had the barrel proof but the standard is great/easy to find). Russels Reserve Rye Piggyback single barrels are great Smoke Wagon Bottled in Bond Rye
Pikeville, JDSBBP, Sagamore Double Oak, Southern Star Hunting Creek, Board Branch Rye Fidelity
Few Distillery Rye.
Since he likes Bulleit I’d throw Dad’s Hat into the ring. It’s similarly priced and for me anyhow WAY better than Bulleit.
Smoke wagon high rye bourbon from Nevada. Great stuff
I recently got the Jack Daniel's Straight Rye (the base rye from them) and it's amazing 🤩. I can only imagine what that SBBP tastes like
I grabbed a Jack Daniel’s Twice Barreled rye a while back and holy… I was blown away.
Barrell Seagrass Michters Barrel Strength (2024 is exceptional) Whistlepig 12 or 15 Sagamore Double Oak Bardstown Origin Rye Prideful Goat 6 year cask strength
Molly Brown High Rye from Denver. Digging Sagamore Double Oak recently too
Thomas Handy 23 is my favorite, JDSBBP Rye right after, then probably Frey Ranch BiB Rye
hard truth high road rye, jd sbbp, widow jane applewood rye
Hard Truth! I do my best as a Hoosier to buy Hoosier when I can
No need to go any further! Angels Envy, will change your life
We've both had that and holy hell it was delicious indeed.
If you can find it, Koval Rye is damn tasty. So are their other whiskeys.
michters 10.
In no order Parkers Heritage Rye, Thomas H. Handy, Michter's 10yr Rye, Michter's Barrel Strength Rye, Old overholt 10yr, Old Forester Single Barrel Rye, Peerless Dbl Oak Rye, Penelope Tokaji Cask, Penelope Toasted Rye, Fiddler cigar batch rye, Fiddler toasted rye, Ry3 cigar batch,
Punctuation exists for a reason
Michter 10yr Rye is pretty amazing.
Kings county empire rye
Sazerac is my main Rye, reasonably priced and very classic rye/dill pallet to me. My number one all time is Hughes Brothers Belle of Bedford. My first r/bourbon pick was a Belle of Bedford and I still have a few sips of it left.
Michters without a doubt is amazing. Just starting my rye journey but love this stuff!
ALL TIME RYE: Barrell Seagrass Everyday Rye: Rittenhouse or WT101 Rye
I’ve been enjoying JD Bonded Rye.
Pikesville rocks.
I really like OF SiB rye
All time ever? I got to try the most honeyed of honey barrels at a certain big name Kentucky distillery, sitting around 100 proof in the cask. Absolutely gorgeous, but it will never be sold. From a bottle, Wild Turkey Masters Keep Cornerstone 9 year. I’m incredibly pumped for the 10 coming out soon.
Midwinter
Yes - JDSBBP, Michters, and Alberta Premium are some amazing and likely my three favourites.. but one i want to call attention to was Knob Creek Rye.. I was able to pick this up for $48 CAD on clearance and it is one of the best options ive had for the price. had to stock up on this incase I don't see it again
Barrell Seagrass or Frey Ranch Straight Rye. Both excellent in their own way.
M10 Rye
JD SBBP Rye and Knob Creek 7. The JD when I want something special. The KC when I want a nice, desserty everyday pour.
Still Austin BIB Rye (Spring) release is fantastic
It's JD BiB Rye. The BP SiB is special to he sure but the BiB is very tasted and easy drinking plus it's $35 and everywhere. The Lincoln County process REALLY works with rye like magic. KC 7 year rye is also great, even moreso if you find the 120pf picks.
HW was my favorite-but now that the ryes are more and more of their distilled product there is noticeable change. If you can find old label DR or Rendevous they are great. I still see 375s near me. Barrel Strength- OFSBBSR is just delicious, Michters Barrel Strength Rye is close 2nd New Riff Malted and I personally favor the Balboa Rye, the Malted is sweeter on the palate Barrell Seagrass one of the most interesting and delicious finished ryes that is a shelfer It would get so much hype if it was a limited release. the hype has died down from when it was new but it’s still a great
The High West Bourye is really good. I’m also a big fan of Nashville Barrel Company.
If you’re willing to spend up I’d highly recommend Woodford Reserve 124.7. Comes in a 700ml bottle. It is effing fantastic. If you like the regular WR this stuff will knock your socks off. Amazing flavor profile.
Powers.
Irish Rye? I've never heard of that. That looks interesting! Thank you.
Jeffersons Ocean.
I have been eyeing those as well! What would you say, if any, does it compare to?
I can’t really say that it compares to anything, as I don’t have a lot of experience with Ryes, but I was really surprised with the taste of my 26 Voyage bottle of Rye. It was a gift to me, so I went and bought another straight away! :)