Does Anyone Drink Rye Whiskey?

[jamespowers]

Well, that's the magic. It's pretty much a given that different people taste things differently. Could be a little nature, could be a little nurture. There are several people (I'm guessing the two of you included) who find straight ethanol tastes slightly sweet. Others (like myself) would say bitter. The tongue is very mysterious.

I seem to fit the profile for a supertaster for bitter. It's only in the last few years that I've been able to work on slowly dealing better with bitter components in foods. Luckily alcohol is a very, very enjoyable medium for experimentation.

It is indeed!:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[tempus fugit]

I've found rye to have a spicier taste than bourbon - a little more complex, and with a subtle sweetness as opposed to the outright sweet profile of bourbon. If we wanted to talk about different taste profiles and notes found in the liquor, I would say rye has a greater focus on pepper, leather, and bitter orange peel; whereas bourbon focuses on vanilla, mint, and bubblegum. Obviously, each brand has its own unique taste, and you can really only know what you like by trying them (thats the best part). Also, don't forget that the difference between a bourbon and a rye is technically only 1% more of corn or rye used in the mash, so you could get a bourbon and rye that only have very subtle differences in taste. As for myself, Sazerac is my go to brand, but if I'm splurging I really like (ri)1; and its neat, rocks, or a manhattan depending on my mood.

 

[jamespowers]

I've found rye to have a spicier taste than bourbon - a little more complex, and with a subtle sweetness as opposed to the outright sweet profile of bourbon. If we wanted to talk about different taste profiles and notes found in the liquor, I would say rye has a greater focus on pepper, leather, and bitter orange peel; whereas bourbon focuses on vanilla, mint, and bubblegum. Obviously, each brand has its own unique taste, and you can really only know what you like by trying them (thats the best part). Also, don't forget that the difference between a bourbon and a rye is technically only 1% more of corn or rye used in the mash, so you could get a bourbon and rye that only have very subtle differences in taste. As for myself, Sazerac is my go to brand, but if I'm splurging I really like (ri)1; and its neat, rocks, or a manhattan depending on my mood.

A real rye should be at least 95% rye for my tastes. Anything less is Canadian Whiskey.

 

[Ethan Bentley]

you learn something new every day

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

I noticed that Bulleit has come out with a Rye Whiskey. Has anyone tried it yet? Jacob's Liquor in Wichita KS has it for between $20 and 30. I've slept since I found it. The reviews I've seen so far look good.

From Bourbonblog.com Bourbon

Whiskey: Bulleit Rye American Whiskey

Distillery: Produced by Lawrenceburg Distillers, Lawrenceburg, Indiana for Bulleit Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Age: Between 4 and 7 years

Proof: 90 Proof, 45% ABV

Color: Golden Straw

Notes: Mash bill is 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The grain division sources from high quality ryes around the world including Germany, Sweden, Canada and United States.

Nose: Cherry, tobacco, spice

Taste: Enters with soft mouthfeel. Mild tobacco and some cherry notes hit first. Mid-palate the rye becomes buttery smooth and well rounded between the sweet and spicey characteristics. This is an incredible sipper straight or on the rocks. Additionally, the balanced spice will make it an excellent mixer as we suggest enjoying it in a Manhattan or a Vieux Carré.

Finish: Some cinnamon red hot candy with a bit of kick and hints of candied fennel with medium dry finish.

Sounds good anyway.

Later

 

[Brad Bowers]

I'm working my way through a bottle. It's very good, reminds me of Sazerac, though it's been a few years since I've had Sazerac, so my memory may be off. It's wonderful for sipping. Surprisingly, considering it's high rye content, it doesn't taste as strong of rye as Rittenhouse. I have no idea what the rye content of Rittenhouse is. If you can find a bottle of Bulleit, I recommend trying it, and it's reasonably priced.

Brad

 

[Hawkcigar]

I love rye whiskey and am just finishing my second glass of Templeton Rye tonight. Very very smooth with a nice spice. They don't disclose a definite percentage of rye...only that it is "more than 90%". Highly recommended although it may be hard to find. Mainly an Iowa product with some distribution to Illinois, NYC, and San Francisco.

I've been meaning to try the Bulleit rye so I appreciate the recommendation from Brad Bowers.

 

[jamespowers]

Hi

I noticed that Bulleit has come out with a Rye Whiskey. Has anyone tried it yet? Jacob's Liquor in Wichita KS has it for between $20 and 30. I've slept since I found it. The reviews I've seen so far look good.

From Bourbonblog.com Bourbon

Whiskey: Bulleit Rye American Whiskey

Distillery: Produced by Lawrenceburg Distillers, Lawrenceburg, Indiana for Bulleit Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Age: Between 4 and 7 years

Proof: 90 Proof, 45% ABV

Color: Golden Straw

Notes: Mash bill is 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The grain division sources from high quality ryes around the world including Germany, Sweden, Canada and United States.

Nose: Cherry, tobacco, spice

Taste: Enters with soft mouthfeel. Mild tobacco and some cherry notes hit first. Mid-palate the rye becomes buttery smooth and well rounded between the sweet and spicey characteristics. This is an incredible sipper straight or on the rocks. Additionally, the balanced spice will make it an excellent mixer as we suggest enjoying it in a Manhattan or a Vieux Carré.

Finish: Some cinnamon red hot candy with a bit of kick and hints of candied fennel with medium dry finish.

Sounds good anyway.

Later

Well, it certainly meets my rye content requirement. I'll have to try it.

 

[panama red]

I enjoy copper fox. 45%, aged 12 months, 2/3 rye-1/3 hand malted barley( sure don't taste Canadian). light smoke, 60% applewood, 40% cherrywood.
double pot-stilled to between 150 and 160 proof,500 gal. mash still,104 gal. spirit still. aged with a progressive series of new and used apple wood and oak chips,inside used bourbon barrels, and finished ina second used bourbon barrel. non-chill filtered.

Nice label info for an inexpensive, delicious, sipping Rye.

 

[jamespowers]

I bought a bottle of Jefferson's Rye. Supposedly made to his recipe way back when. It was good but not as spicy as a Sazerac rye.

 

[panama red]

Wow. even the bottle looks delicious

 

[jamespowers]

Wow. even the bottle looks delicious

Honestly, it kind of reminds me of a nickel. It was worth trying that is for sure. I like 100% rye bottlings they deliver the goods of what rye should really taste like. In fact, before The Evil Prohibition, most cocktails that we use bourbon for were actually made with rye. Old Fashioneds, Manhattans and a host of other drinks were made with rye. Rye the drink of champions and presidents.

 

[1961MJS]

I'm working my way through a bottle. It's very good, reminds me of Sazerac, though it's been a few years since I've had Sazerac, so my memory may be off. It's wonderful for sipping. Surprisingly, considering it's high rye content, it doesn't taste as strong of rye as Rittenhouse. I have no idea what the rye content of Rittenhouse is. If you can find a bottle of Bulleit, I recommend trying it, and it's reasonably priced.

Brad

Hi

I broke down late last year and bought some of the Bulleit Rye. It's good, but not as good as the Sazerac (in my opinion). I will drink it, but will probably stick to Overholdt for mixing, Rittenhouse 100 proof for mixing for BAD DAYS, and Sazerac for drinking on the rocks.

Later Y'all

 

[Doublegun]

I love rye whiskey and am just finishing my second glass of Templeton Rye tonight. Very very smooth with a nice spice. They don't disclose a definite percentage of rye...only that it is "more than 90%". Highly recommended although it may be hard to find. Mainly an Iowa product with some distribution to Illinois, NYC, and San Francisco.

I've been meaning to try the Bulleit rye so I appreciate the recommendation from Brad Bowers.

I have been craving Templeton since first learning about it here in a very early post but it's limited in distribution. Guess I need to find a bootlegger to make a run to Iowa.

 

[Doublegun]

Hi

I noticed that Bulleit has come out with a Rye Whiskey. Has anyone tried it yet? Jacob's Liquor in Wichita KS has it for between $20 and 30. I've slept since I found it. The reviews I've seen so far look good.

From Bourbonblog.com Bourbon

Whiskey: Bulleit Rye American Whiskey

Distillery: Produced by Lawrenceburg Distillers, Lawrenceburg, Indiana for Bulleit Distilling Company, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky

Age: Between 4 and 7 years

Proof: 90 Proof, 45% ABV

Color: Golden Straw

Notes: Mash bill is 95% rye and 5% malted barley. The grain division sources from high quality ryes around the world including Germany, Sweden, Canada and United States.

Nose: Cherry, tobacco, spice

Taste: Enters with soft mouthfeel. Mild tobacco and some cherry notes hit first. Mid-palate the rye becomes buttery smooth and well rounded between the sweet and spicey characteristics. This is an incredible sipper straight or on the rocks. Additionally, the balanced spice will make it an excellent mixer as we suggest enjoying it in a Manhattan or a Vieux Carré.

Finish: Some cinnamon red hot candy with a bit of kick and hints of candied fennel with medium dry finish.

Sounds good anyway.

Later

Bulleit has become one of my favorites since discovering it last summer. I can't (and won't) even try to describe the taste but I do know it's a nice drink, right over ice.

 

[jamespowers]

Hi

I broke down late last year and bought some of the Bulleit Rye. It's good, but not as good as the Sazerac (in my opinion). I will drink it, but will probably stick to Overholdt for mixing, Rittenhouse 100 proof for mixing for BAD DAYS, and Sazerac for drinking on the rocks.

Later Y'all

Good to know. I like the spicyness of rye straight. Rittenhouse and Overholt are good for mixed drink---but I use Sazerac for the Sazerac.

 

[1961MJS]

Yep James, I really like the Overholt. It's $12.00 a bottle (750ml I think) and it tastes as good as most of the $20 to $30 a bottle stuff. It's just the best tasting Rye Whiskey for the money.

Sazerac is great by itself, I'll have to have some tonight. It reminded me of the Jewish Rye Bread when I drank it.

Later

 

[jamespowers]

Yep James, I really like the Overholt. It's $12.00 a bottle (750ml I think) and it tastes as good as most of the $20 to $30 a bottle stuff. It's just the best tasting Rye Whiskey for the money.

Sazerac is great by itself, I'll have to have some tonight. It reminded me of the Jewish Rye Bread when I drank it.

Later

If I remember right, Overholt has a kind of banana taste to it. Doesn't it?

Well, Jefferson's is good by itself as well but just not quite as good.

 

[Warlord of The Weejuns]

After reading this thread a few months ago I started drinking rye whiskey and now I won't go back to Jack Daniels. I started out with Bulliet which I thought was excellent for the money. I managed to get a bottle of Templeton via a friend visiting Iowa, it was well worth the effort. I save it for special occasions and usually drink it straight. Recently I switched from Bulliet to Russell's Reserve which I really like. I did not care for RI(1) which was too sweet for my taste. I drink rye neat, on the rocks, in Manhattans and I'm ashamed to say on rare occasions with ginger ale. If you like bourbon I think you will like rye.

 

[jamespowers]

After reading this thread a few months ago I started drinking rye whiskey and now I won't go back to Jack Daniels. I started out with Bulliet which I thought was excellent for the money. I managed to get a bottle of Templeton via a friend visiting Iowa, it was well worth the effort. I save it for special occasions and usually drink it straight. Recently I switched from Bulliet to Russell's Reserve which I really like. I did not care for RI(1) which was too sweet for my taste. I drink rye neat, on the rocks, in Manhattans and I'm ashamed to say on rare occasions with ginger ale. If you like bourbon I think you will like rye.

I am not so sure about that. I hate bourbon but I like rye.
After Evil Prohibition, bourbon and other similar whiskies replaced rye with the public---who had gotten used to nasty Canadain whiskey, which is only a small amount Rye---by law!