Rye whiskey is the stuff of legend. Rye was once considered a staple ingredient in American whiskey (the first distilleries were built on rye) with many of our favorite pre-prohibition cocktails being crafted from the spirit. However, it fell out of fashion when corn became more popular as main ingredient. Nonetheless, Rye Whiskey’s popularity is making a comeback thanks to newer distilleries that are experimenting with this spicy grain. There are many great ryes out there and now’s your chance to try them too!

There’s no lack of quality Rye Whiskey on the shelves, but we think this pack consists of some of the best. They’re all easy to find and affordable (available in our bottle shop too), so you can try them all without breaking the bank or being forced to hunt down an elusive bottle of something expensive. If you’ve never tried rye before (or even if you have), these whiskies will introduce you to this fascinating category of spirit in an accessible way.

Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye Whiskey
You might be wondering, “What is rye whiskey?” And we would say that’s a fair question considering there are so many kinds of whiskey on the market today. Rye is basically made from fermented mash, which can include malted barley or other grains like corn, or wheat depending on region and tradition. The grain used to make rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye. When selecting your first bottle of rye whiskey, we recommend Michter’s US*1 Straight Rye Whiskey. It has been aged at least 4 years in new charred white oak barrels and comes in at 102 proof (50% ABV), making it perfect neat or on the rocks!

High West Double Rye Whiskey
It’s easy to understand why this one is a fan favorite. It’s a blend of two rye whiskies, one aged in new oak and the other in used oak, which gives it a unique flavor profile. Because it has so much depth to its flavor profile, High West Double Rye Whiskey is great for introducing new people to whiskey because they’ll experience so many different flavors that they’re sure not to get bored with it right away! At $37 per bottle, this whiskey is also great value for money; if you’re looking for something affordable but still complex enough that your friends won’t be able to guess what kind it is from across the room look no further than High West Double Rye Whiskey!

Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey
Rittenhouse Rye Whisky was first distilled in the mid-19th century by Charles Rittenhouse, a German immigrant who became a leading distiller and businessman. The brand is now owned by Heaven Hill Distilleries, which produces the whiskey at its Kentucky facility. At 100 proof, Rittenhouse is a staple amongst bartenders and offers a corn-heavy flavor profile that’s different from the higher-rye whiskeys produced in Indiana.