The 10 Best Rye Whiskey
[Expert Selections]

Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Published September 2025

1. Michter's 10 Year Kentucky Straight Rye

Here is Taster’s Club top pick. Michter's 10 Year represents the pinnacle of American rye whiskey, with every sip embodying decades of distilling expertise. This rye is crafted in small batches and aged for a full decade in charred American oak barrels. With carefully sourced grains and Michter's signature low-barrel entry proof to bring out extraordinary depth and character.

Tasting Notes: The nose opens with rich maple syrup, baking spices, and dried orange peel. On the palate, you’ll experience layers of cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. With a long and enjoyable finish.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 46.4% | 750ml

2. E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond Straight Rye

Colonel E.H. Taylor Bottled in Bond Straight Rye is a legacy of one of the most influential figures in American whiskey, Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. It begins with a mash bill of rye and malted barley to bring that classic rye profile. Finally, it’s aged in century-old brick warehouses to capture the tradition that defined Taylor's contributions to the whiskey world.

Tasting Notes: You’ll notice the nose present aromas of fresh mint, rye bread, and cherry cordial. The palate then goes on to deliver bold rye spice and sweet corn with honey. The finish is medium with a lasting warmth.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml

3. Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye

The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac is an amazing straight rye whiskey that packs a serious punch. This rare bottle is typically aged for around six years, and is an uncut and unfiltered whiskey that’s bottled at a very high proof. If you’re looking for a bottle that’s bold and deep in character, this is a great pick, especially among rye enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes: It presents a powerful nose of clove, allspice, and a hint of mint. The palate then opens with peppery rye spice, candied fruit, and toffee. With a long and intense finish.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 62.85% | 750ml

4. Pikesville Rye Whiskey

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey is an amazing and bold bottle perfect for any shelf. Its roots date back to Maryland in the 1890s as a regional favorite before Prohibition. It was then brought back decades later in Kentucky. This bottle is Distilled with a mash bill, then aged for six years in charred American oak barrels. A strong and deep sip for the true enthusiast.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you’ll find toffee, vanilla, and warm spices that emerge with hints oak. The palate opens with layers of caramel, cinnamon, and peppery rye grain. The finish is long and warm.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 55.0% | 750ml

5. WhistlePig 10 Year Rye

WhistlePig’s flagship whiskey is sourced from premium rye distillate. Where it then undergoes an extensive aging process in American oak barrels before being finished in custom Vermont oak casks. This dual-barrel aging brings a distinctive complexity. Making it a great choice for a cocktail with depth.

Tasting Notes: The nose is bright with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of fresh vanilla bean. On the palate, rye spice open with layers of butterscotch. The finish is long and warming.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml

6. Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey

Sagamore Small Batch Rye Whiskey is beautifully made using a unique blend of two distinct rye mash bills. Its development involves pure limestone-filtered spring water from the Sagamore Farm for its superior quality. This rye is amazing for both beginners and whiskey enthusiasts who want something approachable with the depths of rye.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you'll find notes of toasted vanilla and caramel. The palette then brings a vibrant burst of citrus with hints of rye. The finish is smooth and satisfying.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 41.50% | 750ml

7. Calumet Farm High Rye Kentucky 100th Anniversary Straight Rye Whiskey

This top whiskey is made using a high rye mash bill and is then distilled and aged with careful precision, it incorporates locally sourced grains and limestone-rich water, ensuring exceptional quality. Its unique aging in charred new oak barrels imparts depth and character, setting it apart in the world of rye whiskey. The focus on small-batch production makes it an amazing bottle to gift for that whiskey lover in your life.

Tasting Notes: On the nose, you’ll notice rich aromas of toasted oak and subtle rye spiciness, complemented by hints of dark chocolate. The palette will reveal layers of bold rye spice and soft caramel. The finish is long and warming.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml

8. New Riff 8 Year Rye Whiskey

New Riff 8 Year Rye Whiskey represents modern craft distilling at its finest. The Cincinnati-based distillery creates small batches and drive for a bold and unforgettable flavor. Which comes from the eight years of aging in charred new oak barrels. What sets it apart is their commitment to non-chill filtration, and presents a full and natural character. Highly sought-after by enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes: Bright notes of citrus peel, fresh herbs, and vanilla greet the nose. The palate then offers flavors of honey, cinnamon, and peppery rye grain. The finish is medium and full.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml

9. Angel's Envy Rye Cask Strength

Angel's Envy Rye Cask Strength pushes the boundaries of traditional rye whiskey as it undergoes an initial aging in new American oak. With additional maturation in Caribbean rum barrels. This develops a unique character that is a great conversation starter for any whiskey shelf. The cask strength bottling brings the whiskey's full intensity with an unfiltered taste experience.

Tasting Notes: Layers of tropical fruit, vanilla, and warm spices open on the nose. From there, the palate reveals layers of caramel, exotic fruit, and peppery rye spice. Finally, the finish is exceptional length and delightful.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.20% | 750ml

10. Lock Stock & Barrel Vatted Straight Rye

Finally, this top pick is a straight rye crafted by blending carefully selected straight rye whiskeys, each aged to perfection in charred American oak barrels. The vatted process results in a harmonized spirit that showcases the vibrant character of rye while offering a complex depth that is truly extraordinary. Its dedication to traditional distilling methods and innovative blending makes it a standout expression.

Tasting Notes: The nose offers rich vanilla, dried fruit, and baking spices with subtle oak undertones. On the palate, flavors of caramel, cinnamon, and black pepper. With the finish providing a long and lasting warmth.

Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml