Rye’s mainstream values
Rye is less sweet than bourbon and often more complex.
Small-batch ryes can be wonderful, but the quality doesn’t drop off much if you choose “bigger, familiar brands” instead, said Jason Wilson in The Washington Post. Interest in rye is growing. Less sweet than bourbon, it’s also often more complex, “with unusual peppery and bitter undertones.”
Russell’s Reserve 6 Year ($25). This is my “go-to” rye—“followed closely” by Bulleit. Both are great values and are easily found in most liquor stores.
Wild Turkey 81 Rye ($23). Whiskey snobs may “scoff at its proof,” but this is a “good introduction for the newbie whiskey drinker who hasn’t worked his or her way up to Wild Turkey’s 101-proof offering.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Knob Creek Rye ($40). This new whiskey “offers big, complex flavor at 100 proof,” making it great for sipping neat or mixing in
a cocktail.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Trump orders NFL team to change name, or else
Speed Read The president wants the Washington Commanders to change its name back to the 'Redskins'
-
Are referees and 'physicality' hurting the WNBA?
Today's Big Question The league is growing, but Caitlin Clark's absence raises questions
-
Israeli gunfire kills dozens at Gaza aid site
Speed Read The U.N. estimates that at least 875 Palestinians have died while trying to access food in recent months