Rye January – What is it?
“Rye January” is a fun play on “Dry January,” where instead of abstaining from alcohol, people explore and appreciate rye whiskies throughout the month!
Rye whiskey is known for its spicier and more robust flavor compared to bourbon, thanks to its mash bill containing at least 51% rye grain. Rye January might involve:
Tasting different rye whiskies: From classic American rye to Canadian versions, there’s a lot of variety in flavor profiles to explore.
Making rye-based cocktails: Think Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, or Sazeracs—all fantastic with rye’s bold character.
Learning about rye whiskey production: Diving into how different distilleries approach rye, from grain sourcing to aging.
It’s a great way for whiskey enthusiasts to deepen their appreciation of rye’s unique qualities while staying warm in January!
Craft Rye Whiskies to Try
Classic & Approachable Craft Ryes
· New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Rye (KY) – 100% rye mash bill, bottled-in-bond for purity, with bold pepper and herbal notes.
· Redwood Empire Emerald Giant (CA) – A California craft rye that’s smooth, slightly sweet, and full of herbal complexity.
· Wigle Pennsylvania Rye (PA) – A true Pennsylvania-style rye with a dry, spicy profile and historic roots.
Unique Mash Bills & Experimental Ryes
· Journeyman Last Feather Rye (MI) – A wheated rye, meaning softer spice and more sweetness than traditional rye.
· Corsair Ryemageddon (TN) – Made with malted rye and chocolate rye for deep, rich flavors and smoky undertones.
· 291 Colorado Whiskey Small Batch Rye (CO) – Finished with aspen staves, adding a smoky, woody twist to classic rye spice.
· Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye (PA) – Made in the Monongahela rye tradition with a heavier spice and earthy depth.
Barrel-Finished & High-Proof Ryes
· Sagamore Spirit Rye (Barrel Select or Cask Strength) (MD) – A Maryland-style rye with a more balanced, round profile.
· Stellum Rye (IN) – A high-proof, high-rye blend from Barrell Craft Spirits, with intense spice and complexity.
· Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Rye (KY) – A high-malt rye with a creamy texture and hints of toasted nuts.
· Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof (TX) – Uses Texas-grown rye for a bold, slightly smoky profile with dark fruit notes.
Ultra-Premium & Small Batch Craft Ryes
· Willett Family Estate Rye (4-Year or Older) (KY) – Hard to find but worth it, this is a rich, high-proof rye with deep spice and caramel.
· Peerless Rye (KY) – Non-chill filtered, full-bodied, and uniquely aged for added complexity.
· Michter’s Barrel Strength Rye (KY) – A powerhouse rye with an ultra-smooth yet intense spicy-sweet balance.
· WhistlePig FarmStock Rye (VT) – A farm-to-bottle rye featuring WhistlePig’s own estate-grown grains.