Premium Rye is the whiskey enjoyed around campfires and bar tops for generations. Still, with today’s modern touch of specialty blends and craft distilleries, it has become an incredibly smooth and delicious drink.
Premium Rye Dates Back To the 1700s
Rye whiskey has been around since the 1700s when European settlers brought rye grain to America and began distilling it into a spirit. By the 1800s, whiskey had become so popular that some states started taxing its production.
While rye whiskey declined in popularity due to Nationwide Prohibition (BOO!) and other modern trends, it’s now experiencing a surge in fame as craft distillers rediscover and refine forgotten recipes of this classic drink.
How Is Premium Rye Made?
Premium rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain and other grains like wheat and barley. The mix of grains helps create the unique flavor profile of rye whiskey.
After distilling the mixture, it’s aged in charred oak barrels for several years to develop its flavor and color. Once aging is complete, the whiskey is filtered and bottled before being sold.
Premium rye whiskey is typically made from more high-quality ingredients and is aged for longer. This combination helps create a smoother, fuller flavor far superior to lower-tiered ryes. Premium ryes often have a higher alcohol content than their counterparts, giving them a bolder and more complex flavor profile.
How to Choose a Premium Rye
When selecting a premium rye whiskey, there are a few things to consider.
A straight rye is the way to go if you’re looking for something smooth but full of flavor.
For something with a bit more kick, an aged rye will do the trick.
If you want to try something unique, buy an experimental batch that incorporates exciting and unusual ingredients.
Of course, if you don’t know where to start, read on or just ask the expert at your local distillery. They can help point you in the right direction for discovering your perfect premium rye experience.
Where Can I Buy Premium Rye?
You can find the best quality rye whiskey at your local bottle shop or online. Whether you’re looking for an aged classic or something completely unique, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for all occasions.
Top 5 Premium Rye Brands
To expand your whiskey repertoire, seeking high-quality premium rye is a great place to start. Each of these brands showcases the best that rye offers while providing a unique flavor profile sure to please any whiskey connoisseur.
Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Sazerac Rye Whiskey is made in Kentucky and is one of the most popular rye whiskeys on the market. The whiskey is made from a rye, corn, and barley blend and is aged for at least two years in oak barrels.
Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey is made in Pennsylvania and has been produced since 1780. The whiskey is made from a blend of rye, corn, and barley and is aged for at least four years in oak barrels.
Bulleit Rye Whiskey
Bulleit Rye Whiskey (pronounced like bullet) is made in Kentucky and is a relatively new addition to the rye whiskey market. The whiskey is made from a rye, wheat, and barley blend and is aged for a minimum of four years in oak barrels.
Knob Creek Rye Whiskey
Like Sazerac, Knob Creek Rye Whiskey is made in Kentucky and is a small-batch rye whiskey aged for nine years in oak barrels. (Wow, that’s a long time!) It’s made from a blend of rye, corn, and barley.
Thomas H Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Sound familiar? Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey is made in Kentucky (Kentucky knows how to party) and is a limited edition rye whiskey that is only released once per year. The whiskey is made from a blend of rye, corn, and barley and is aged for at least six years in oak barrels.
The Best Cannabis Strains to Pair with Premium Rye
Enjoying a few puffs of your favorite strain accompanied by a glass of premium rye whiskey is an indulgence that gives you a killer pick-me-up. Combining cannabis and rye whiskey is deliciously intense, so it’s important to choose the right weed to complement the bold flavors of a good rye.
Go Classic
Some classic strains, like Super Lemon Haze, OG Kush, and Granddaddy Purple, will bring out the spicy pungency in your rye and give you an unforgettable experience.
Chill Out
Check out Blue Dream, Sweet and Sour Widow, or White Widow if you’re looking for a mellow, relaxed evening. These strains pair well with the smooth notes of your favorite whiskey.
Relax and Indulge
Exploring premium rye whiskey will give your taste buds and brain a delightful adventure. Let your palate experience the flavors of this exceptional whiskey that has spanned centuries.
When paired with the right cannabis strain, rye whiskey will help you relax and savor the moment. Go fill up a tumbler, light up a spliff, and enjoy!
