High Rye Bourbons: Whisky Advocate’s Recent Favorites
August 28, 2023 –––––– Julia Higgins
Bourbon must be made with a mashbill of at least 51% corn, and the remainder generally comes from some combination of rye, malted barley, and/or wheat, though some distillers who use oat, millet, amaranth, and other esoteric grains. This gives whiskey makers plenty of creative room when it comes to the mashbill, but the ones with a comparatively high share of rye in the mashbill tend to attract a devoted following.
Though there’s no set rule on what constitutes a high-rye bourbon, they typically contain anywhere from 20% to 35% rye, giving them that extra dose of spice, heat, and bite. Those seeking to look at rye in a different light—or who find bourbon too sweet—should consider a high-rye bourbon for their next dram; below, we’ve rounded up some recent favorites.
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TOP RATED HIGH RYE BOURBON
Peerless High Rye Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 55.3%
Percentage of rye in the mashbill: undisclosed, but it’s more than twice that of their flagship bourbon.
Tasting notes: Somewhat of a breakfast spread, with notes of egg bagel, orange slices, and grape jelly, though chocolate eventually becomes the star of the show, with chocolate-covered cherries and hot fudge lingering on and on.