The 30 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2026

Every year, with every new list of the best rye whiskeys, every booze writer out there tries to convince you that this (this!) is finally rye’s time to shine again.

By now the story is well-told without much new to add:

Rye used to be cool! Rye used to be what Americans drank in the 18th century and early 19th when East Coast-based farmer/distillers mainly only had rye grains to work with.

Then Prohibition! Suddenly the thousands of tiny rye distillers in the country were whittled down to less than a dozen, and bourbon became the ubiquitous whiskey in America.

A lifeline! The craft cocktail renaissance of the 21st century had bartenders discovering that many classics were once made with rye, not bourbon. This led to distilleries both old and new to once again begin distilling rye.

And yet, here we are in 2026 and rye whiskey has mostly remained the domain of the cognoscenti, never fully breaking into the mainstream.

We aren’t here to tell you that this (this!) is the year that is finally going to change. No, but today rye has, at the least, firmly reclaimed a place in the country — a tasty little niche for those in the know. It’s never going to be omnipresent like bourbon, never going to be glorified like Scotch, certainly never obsessed over like Japanese whisky, but…if you’re willing to explore it, you’ll find a category with an incredible breadth of flavors, spicy and bold, grainy and herbal, fruity and oaky.

Below, there are ryes from upstart bottlers, farm producers, and even a now shuttered distillery, ones finished in rum and peach whiskey barrels and with Tiger Nut added (?), plenty made with 95/5s mash bills, and tons of high-scorers from the biggest names still delivering on their legacies.

Here are the 30 best rye whiskeys to buy and drink right now.

Why You Should Trust VinePair

Throughout the year, VinePair conducts dozens of tastings for our Buy This Booze product roundups, highlighting the best bottles across the world’s most popular wine and spirits categories.

As part of this work, VinePair’s tasting and editorial staff samples thousands of bottles every year. This helps us keep a finger on the pulse of what’s new and exciting. Crucially, it also provides us with the context needed to distinguish the simply good from the truly great — whether from a quality or value-for-money perspective, or both.

Ultimately, our mission is to offer a clear, reliable source of information for drinkers, providing an overview applicable to day-to-day buying and drinking. Learn more about VinePair’s tastings and reviews department here.

How We Taste

We believe in tasting all products as our readers typically would: with full knowledge of the producer and — importantly — price. Our tastings are therefore not conducted blind.

For this rye whiskey roundup, all expressions were sampled in Glencairn glasses and allowed to rest for a few minutes prior to tasting. We then evaluated the aromas, flavors, texture, and finish of each whiskey. Unless there was something notably off or worrying about a whiskey’s appearance — and on this occasion we encountered no such examples — we did not evaluate the products from a visual perspective.

How We Compiled the List

In order to provide our readers with the most comprehensive and thoroughly tested list of the best rye whiskeys to buy, VinePair invited producers, distributors, and PR firms working on their behalf to send samples for consideration. These bottles were submitted free of charge — producers didn’t pay to submit nor did VinePair pay for the products. All were requested with the clear understanding that submission does not guarantee inclusion in the final list.

Not only would such an agreement contradict our editorial ethics and samples policy, it simply wouldn’t be possible to include everything we received. For this rye whiskey roundup, we tasted over 70 new submissions and also retasted several bottles that were either sent to VinePair throughout the year for consideration or that had ranked highly in prior iterations of this list.

During tasting, we assigned a score to each product on a 100-point scale based on the quality and intensity of its aromas, flavors, texture, and finish. Then we reviewed all scores and compiled an editorially driven list that meets our criteria of 30 best rye whiskeys to buy right now. It’s important to note that these are not the 30 highest-scoring ryes we tasted this year. Instead, this list showcases the best bottles across every price and for every scenario — because while price is completely objective, “affordability” is not.

The 30 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2026

The Best All-Rounder Rye Whiskey

Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11 Year Rye (2026 Edition)

The most famous brand name in American rye was overhauled in 2020 and a series of squat bottle limited editions have been released over the last several years. Beginning with 2023’s Old Overholt Cask Strength 10 Year Rye, the brand has released a new cask strength edition each year, with varying age statements (usually between 10 and 12 years) and proof (of course). This year’s edition was put into barrels in the fall of 2014 and bottled this summer at 125.6 proof. There is the classic Jim Beam peanut note on the nose backed by charred oak and spice. The palate is a well-balanced mix of spicy and sweet, coffee cake, cinnamon candy, stone fruit, leather, and an intense oaky finish. Incredibly drinkable at such a high proof, there are few flaws to be found here and much to love, whether you’re a longtime rye drinker or new to the category. Though three digits in price, it’s worth every penny.

Average price: $110
Rating: 96

The Best Rye Whiskey for Cocktails

NULU Hazelbaker Reserve Rye

This Louisville company uses 95/5 rye contract distilled by Green River Distilling Co. With that iconic mash bill it’s easy to think you’re tasting archetypal MGP whiskey — it’s herbal and dill-y, there’s a candied ginger zip of spice, but there are also sweet notes of crème brûlée and tropical fruits. At 100 proof and a friendly price, it’s ideal for classic cocktails, though perfectly fine for neat-sippin’.

Average price: $35
Rating: 93

The Best Rye Whiskey to Seek Out and Splurge On

Preservation Distillery Very Olde St. Nick Ancient Cask Rye Whiskey: Faith + Conviction

Very Olde St. Nick probably deserves a quick thumbnail history: originally created in 1986 by Marci Palatella as luxury releases of sourced, well-aged whiskey for the Japanese marketplace, by the 2010s the brand had gone dormant. In 2020, Palatella would revive the label with a series of limited edition, small batch special releases that have become cult favorites among the American whiskey intelligentsia. This eight year old Indiana rye (from undisclosed distilleries) is oddly not labeled “straight,” and the lofty nomenclature doesn’t exactly have a story to match. “What is an ‘ancient cask’?” “Why is it ‘Faith + Conviction?” Who cares? This is quite good and unique in profile. The nose is packed with berries and dark fruits while the palate leans more towards dried fruits — raisins, prunes, apricots — and just a hint of baking spices. There’s a strong Nutella note in the mid-palate with this robust whiskey moving toward a leathery, woody finish.

Average price: $210
Rating: 93

The Spiciest Rye Whiskey

Brucato Spirits Crane Cove Rye

This is the first whiskey from a California producer that has long focused strictly on amaro. Perhaps that’s why they made a rye that is so incredibly herbal and spicy. This is a blend of just two barrels of 100 percent straight malted rye whiskey distilled in 2017 at Anchor Distilling (home of our #1 rye whiskey of 2025…then later shuttered earlier this year). This 110 proof rye has bite! It’s bursting with a nose of pine, allspice, and ginger leading to a palate that has a distinct Dr. Pepper note that is incredibly delicious.

Average price: $99
Rating: 93

The Best of the Rest

The Best Rye Whiskeys Under $50

Rye & Sons Straight Rye Whiskey (2024 Vintage)

Typically, when a whiskey is priced this reasonably, the offering is packaged with a minimal proof and flavor profile. Not here with this rye from celebrated sommelier, winemaker, and restaurateur André Mack’s brand. Distilled at Castle & Key and bottled by Pinhook Bourbon (more on both, in a sec), this 97.5 proof, high-rye offering gives notes of stone fruit, peppermint, anise seed, allspice, with a peppery finish.

Average price: $29
Rating: 92

Pinhook 2026 Straight Rye

This year’s vintage from the growing brand is, yet again, distilled at Castle & Key Distillery based on the brand’s custom mash bill. It’s a bold yet drinkable rye, with mint and dill notes backed by caramel, brown sugar, and a lingering oaky finish. Great in cocktails like a Sazerac or Vieux Carré.

Average price: $38
Rating: 92

Basil Hayden Golden Rye

A rye whiskey for those folks who think Tabasco is “too spicy.” All kidding aside, this low-proof, 100 percent malted rye Jim Beam product is indeed mild and delicate, but there’s a lot to like. Floral with vanilla notes, the palate is coffee cake with a pleasantly sweet finish. Like most Basil Hayden releases, this is a great place for beginners to dip their toes into the category.

Average price: $37
Rating: 91

1792 Straight Rye

Coming out of Sazerac’s “other” distillery — Barton 1792 — this is every bit as good as the more ballyhooed ryes from Buffalo Trace. There’s no age statement (though it’s at least four years old) but there’s plenty of maturity here. There’s baking spices and some herbal dill notes, caramel and vanilla, some malty hints, and toasted oak — it’s archetypal Kentucky rye and, at 100 proof, punchy enough for cocktails.

Average price: $40
Rating: 93

New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Rye

It’s always a treat (and a challenge) when we get to the New Riff portion of our rye tastings as this Northern Kentucky brand might be making the best, and certainly most varied rye releases in the country. And yet, despite the company entering everything from 8 year old ryes to malted ryes to even sherry-finished ryes (among others), we found their most basic (and most affordable) rye the best this year. Also made with that iconic 95/5 mash bill, aged for four years in toasted and charred oak barrels, and bottled non-chill filtered, there tons of toffee and vanilla notes on the palate backed by cinnamon, black pepper, citrus zest, and wood.

Average price: $40
Rating: 93

Michter’s US★1 Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey

Michter’s always delivers and this year’s single barrel rye release proves that. There’s a bright, citrusy nose with plenty of baking spice; the palate leans toward butterscotch, barrel spice, and black pepper. Though a mere 84.8 proof, it still has enough oomph for cocktails but likewise works as an economical, easy-drinking neat pour.

Average price: $45
Rating: 94

Sazerac Full Proof Rye Whiskey

Though most whiskey fans like Sazerac Rye, the biggest gripe has long been that it doesn’t have a high enough proof and disappears in cocktails. No longer. This 125 “full proof” heater came out earlier in the year and it completely brings it. Though 51 percent “barely rye,” it has an incredible intensity, with baking spice, dill, and herbal notes with a sweet, caramel balance leading to a peppery, oaky finish.

Average price: $45
Rating: 94

The Best Rye Whiskeys Under $100

Chattanooga Whiskey Straight Rye Malt Whiskey

At 99 proof, this malt-forward rye (featuring three different maltings: pale, caramel, and chocolate) is surprisingly bready and a bit savory, with notes of Italian roast espresso, Starburst candies, focaccia, and a spicy, green pepper finish.

Average price: $52
Rating: 92

Second Impression Spirits NW Rye

This debut release for Second Impression Spirits takes a high-corn Maryland-style rye that was distilled in Wisconsin and ages it for its final five years of maturity in Seattle. Like Brucato, this comes courtesy of amaro makers and damn if it, too, isn’t a very herbal, medicinal-like rye that is well-rounded in mouthfeel, rich on the palate, and quite appealing.

Average price: $57
Rating: 92

Ampersand Vinea

While not exactly a rye according to the U.S. government, we’re going to let it slide because we like what master distiller Chip Tate is doing too much. Coming out of Nevada, this is a unique blend of 75 percent 8-year-old rye and 25 percent Cognac-finished 9-year-old grain neutral spirit. It sounds odd, but it somehow works. It is not surprisingly fruity, with lots of grape and orchard fruit notes. But there’s a ton of spice as well, both from the rye and French oak finishing casks.

Average price: $59
Rating: 92

Sagamore Spirit Bottled in Bond 8-Year-Old Straight Rye

This Maryland-style straight rye is produced from two mash bills distilled, aged, and bottled in the state. The age statement and higher proof are quite welcome compared to their (still very good) Small Batch Rye. There’s a spicy, medicinal aroma — Benadryl perhaps? — with a palate of stone fruit, cherry cola, and Werther’s Originals. The bonded proof and flavor profile would work wonders in a Manhattan.

Average price: $59
Rating: 92

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength

This blend of four to seven year old ryes checks in with a mash bill of 92 percent rye and a bottling proof of 115.4, making for a quite spicy, though hardly one-note whiskey. The nose is citrusy with a touch of cinnamon, while the palate offers a certain hot toddy note — you can really taste the rye grains. Adding a touch of water calms down the heat, though true spice lovers will want this neat.

Average price: $60
Rating: 93

Oaklore North Carolina Straight Rye Whiskey

Produced solely from rye distilled and aged in North Carolina and at least seven years old, this is an almost rustic rye, with grainy, vegetal notes, some dirt and minerality, all balanced by a sweet, peppery finish.

Average price: $60
Rating: 92

Cedar Ridge Nine and Three Quarters

The interesting name is actually just an age statement — this Iowa distilled rye was aged for nine years and nine months. A high rye (85 percent) high-malted mash bill gives this an almost Scotch-like flavor profile, biscuity and bready with some unexpected sherry notes.

Average price: $60
Rating: 90

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye

With Rare Breed you’re essentially getting special edition quality whiskey that’s easy-to-find and at a great price. Another example of “barely rye” (51 percent), the barrel proof strength still keeps it hot and spicy. It’s woody on the palate, caramel and vanilla with some Honey Nut Cheerios, and a long lingering baking spice note.

Average price: $69
Rating: 92

Still Austin Single Barrel Cask Strength Rye (“Nancy’s Pick” – July 2026)

Each month, famed master blender Nancy Fraley selects a top cask-strength barrel for release only at the Austin distillery. This July “pick” is tropical and extremely spicy. The nose offers toasted coconut and salted caramel, while the palate moves toward pineapple, mangoes, and cinnamon spice. Extraordinary stuff and there’s a reason certain bottles have soared on the secondary market.

Average price: $75
Rating: 94

Joseph Magnus 10 Year Cask Strength Rye Whiskey

This new release from the venerable Michigan brand is their first ever rye. Another 95 percent rye, bottled at a smoking 113.4 proof, this whiskey has a spicy, citrusy, almost perfume-y nose. The palate is Heath bar backed by notes of cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, and a warming, tannic presence on the finish.

Average price: $75
Rating: 91

Starlight Distillery Orchard Blossom

This is an example where so much ridiculousness is promised on the label that you know the distillery must have figured something out. In this case, the well-regarded Indiana farm distillery finishes two of their different rye mash bills in barrels previously filled with Hampden Jamaican rum; honey; and peach flavored whiskey. Well OK! Designed to taste like the family’s “orchard in bloom,” this has an insane, estery rum funk on the nose and a palate that is fruity and bright. The most sui generis rye in our entire tasting and one of the better, more interesting spirits we’ve had this year.

Average price: $78
Rating: 95

Lost Lantern Wild Woodland George Dickel

While independent bottler Lost Lantern usually only deals in off-the-beaten-path craft distilleries, their newest collection is exclusively devoted to this Diageo-owned Tennessee whiskey brand. This release is a marriage of five Tennessee straight rye casks aged for seven years — in fact, it’s the first time George Dickel’s Tennessee-distilled rye has been offered as a stand-alone release. It’s an herbal and spicy rye, with hints of Andes chocolate mints, dill, allspice, cloves, with an oaky finish. Interesting, delicious stuff at a fair price in limited quantities (just 664 bottles).

Average price: $80
Rating: 94

Pursuit United Barrel Proof Rye

You can find another career after content creation! This growing brand created by hosts of the popular “Bourbon Pursuit” podcast Ryan Cecil and Kenny Coleman shows their ability to identify quality whiskey. An uncut and unfiltered blend of three different mash bills from two distilleries (Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Maryland’s Sagamore Spirit), there’s a distinct s’mores note on the nose. The palate is likewise dessert, with notes of meringue, lemon bars, and caramelized sugar, all balanced by wintry spices like nutmeg and cloves.

Average price: $80
Rating: 92

Hvenus Rye Whisky

Rye whiskey need not be strictly American and this Swedish distillate shows where other countries can take the spirit. An exacting mash bill of 78.6 percent rye, 11.9 percent wheat, 4.8 percent corn and 4.8 percent barley is aged in American oak for three to six years. It’s creamy and nutty on the palate, but there is an underlying rye graininess that is not quite as punishing and spicy as its U.S. counterparts. A fun international entrant to shake up the category.

Average price: $86
Rating: 91

Tamworth Distilling Chocorua Straight Rye Whiskey Aged 8 Years

Coming from New Hampshire’s avant-garde “wilderness-to-glass” distillery, Chocorua is a 100 percent rye made from a single crop of organic Maine-grown rye. This is distinctly a rye-forward whiskey — you can really taste the grains and the land and there’s a ton of peppery and gingery zip to it. Unlike their more standard no-age statement release, this 8-year-old has better barrel balance, with notes of chocolate-dipped cherries and caramel syrup.

Average price: $95
Rating: 90

The Best Rye Whiskeys Over $100

High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 14

Once one of the more coveted yearly “LEs” in American rye — back at about Act 3 or so — this Utah distillery’s annual port barrel-finished rye release may have lost some of the online buzz, but it remains every bit as good as it always was. Act 14 celebrates the distillery’s 20th anniversary and adds Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez sherry cask finishing to the signature Ruby and Tawny port finishing. The nose offers fresh strawberries and blackberries, while the palate leans more toward dark fruit preserves, coffee and mint, and a certain nuttiness. A complex after-dinner dram.

Average price: $125
Rating: 93

Booker’s The Reserves 2026

If the initial 2016 edition of Booker’s Rye is one of the most acclaimed American whiskey releases of the 21st century (with a secondary market price now to match!), this second ever rye release from the Jim Beam high proof label won’t quite reach that stratosphere. But it’s still worth your time. This is six year old straight rye finished in apple brandy barrels and infused with cinnamon. “Why?!!!!!!” yells the taters and, yes, you may presume the finishes were done to elevate whiskey that wasn’t turning out so well. Whatever the case, this Booker’s “Fireball” as some are derisively calling it is just what it claims to be: cinnamon spicy, apple pie with vanilla ice cream and a caramel drizzle, and a deep, oaky finish.

Average price: $130
Rating: 92

Lasso Motel Whiskey X James Dean 13-Year Rye Whiskey

Though it sure sounded like a gimmick — dead celebrity whiskey?! — this high-end release ended up being one of the better ryes of the entire year. I suppose it shouldn’t have been a surprise: this is classic 95/5 Indiana rye aged for 13 years, a level of maturity we rarely get to taste from MGP any more. With burnt sugar and cinnamon spice on the nose, the palate is packed with rich dark fruits, cherrywood, milk chocolate, and soft finish despite the 112 proof.

Average price: $150
Rating: 95

WhistlePig The Boss Hog XIII: The Golden Pharaoh

Another goofy concept, another stellar release, the 13th (!) from this Vermont’s distillery’s highest-echelon series. Like always, this is well-aged rye bottled at proof and finished in thematic casks — this time, as the name suggests, barrels seasoned with Egyptian black honey and Tiger Nut. Syrupy, with notes of dark molasses, cinnamon, almonds, and a peppery zing on the finish, this is world class rye accented — not overwhelmed — by finishing. Yes, the price is quite high, but don’t you want a bottle with a King Tut-as-pig cork stopper on it?

Average price: $600
Rating: 93

FAQs

Is rye whiskey smoother than bourbon?

Since rye is best known for its so-called spice notes (think: cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, clove, and pepper), it’s often perceived as less “smooth” than bourbon, which uses a higher proportion of corn (and often wheat) in its mash bill, typically rendering it sweeter tasting.

What is the highest-rated rye whiskey?

While it won’t be the easiest to find, despite coming from a huge producer, Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength 11 Year Rye (2026 Edition) is our highest-rated rye whiskey.