What are the best rye whiskeys to drink in 2022? Well, that depends on how much you want to spend. So, I have compiled a list of some of the best rye whiskeys by price and value. What is the best rye under $30? What are the best ryes under $60? What are the best ryes under $100? Let's see the best rye whiskey brands to drink right now.
Rye Whiskeys Under $30
With a retail price of around $24.99, Old Forester Rye Whisky might be the best rye whiskey value on the market. Brown-Forman says that with this rye whiskey, spice awakens immediately, leading with sharp black pepper and cinnamon stick, rounding out with notes of dried dill and baked apple. It is almost embarrassing that Old Forester produces a rye at this price point that is better than most ryes double this price.
At an MSRP of $24.99, Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey has a wonderfully tasty combination of baking spices and sweet cocoa. The palate features rich cocoa, citrus, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, while the nose features some sweeter elements like toffee, honey, rye, and dried fruits.
$30 to $60 Rye Whiskeys
Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye comes in just below the $60 threshold at an MSRP of $59.99. It has taken the rye whiskey world by storm in 2023. It has an aroma of oak, dried fruits, rye, and peppercorn. Its palate features a balance of caramel, butterscotch, peppercorn, and rye. The finish is smooth and balances the palate with baking spices and butterscotch. An argument can be made that this is the best readily available rye on the market.
Wildernesses Trail Rye is one of the best pure rye whiskey on this list, and it comes in at a retail price of $54.99. "Pure rye whiskey" means that it is a rye drinker's rye. It probably has the most robust rye taste of any whiskey on this list while being superbly drinkable neat. We find this strong rye taste interesting since Wilderness Trail states that their rye mash bill is one they created for a broader balance of flavor to offset the typical high ryes commonly found.
Coming in at a modest price of $45.99, Few Rye Time drinks well above its price point. Crisp grain, caramel, and honey on the nose, with a luscious sweetness on the palate. The spiciness is accented by notes of pepper, ginger, and vanilla. The long, satisfying finish emphasizes toasted oak, cherry, plum, and pear flavors.
$60 to $100 Rye Whiskeys
Coming in at a retail price of $69.99, Old Ezra 7-Year Rye is one of my favorite ryes at this price point. On the nose is a very pleasant blend of oak, fig, and honey. While the palate features those same elements, it adds a little punch with black pepper, tobacco, and rye spice. This is a beautiful rye that is easy to drink and a favorite of mine under $70.
Retailing at $89.99, Stellum Black Rye Fibonacci Blend #1 is a delectable rye and one of my favorites at this price point. The nose is citrus forward with a delicate spice on the back and lasting earthy notes of tobacco and oak. On the palate honey and lemon hit the tongue with a slight earthiness reminiscent of black tea. It is oily with brown sugar and molasses notes.
Retailing at around $79.99, if you can find it, each barrel of Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Strength Rye will have its unique tasting notes and various proofs. However, the Old Forester Distillery describes the tastes as full-bodied with a base of ripe orchard fruit, subtle cinnamon stick, dried dill, and hazelnut. This description does not do it justice. The batch and proof I have may be the best rye I've experienced in recent memory.
It has been fun following the Pinhook vertical series rye, and the 7-year is the cream of the crop thus far. The nose begins with light fruit notes and settles in with citrus, cola, mint, oak, and clove. The palate features powdered chocolate, minty brown sugar, and a dusty soft caramel. Interestingly, rye is almost an afterthought with this exceptional whiskey.
Conclusion
Of course, I have not tasted every rye whiskey under $100. However, of those I have tried, these are the cream of the crop at each price point. As I experience more rye whiskeys, I will update this list as needed.