5 High-Scoring New Ryes to Try

Whisky knows no season, but there's something about rye that seems extra fitting during the colder months, but any whisky is perfect for pumpkin spice season. Like every other category of whisky, a rye's flavors can run the gammot of peppery, spicy, herbal, oaky, fruity, and sweet. As distillers dabble with heirloom varieties and employing interesting finishing barrels, the flavors are becoming more unique and varied.

Less popular than bourbon, rye has seen a revival in the last 10 years. That's largely thanks to craft distillers who took interest in distilling's history and were inspired to innovate as they recreated the pre-Prohibition style. Distillers like Leopold Bros. have gone back to the roots of rye distillation with its Three Chamber rye, and Dad's Hat in Pennsylvania recreated the state's rye of its heyday with heirloom Rosen rye. New York distillers have harkened back to the state's pre-Prohibition rye whiskey heritage by creating Empire Rye. Frey Ranch, Whiskey Acres, Coppersea, New Riff, Woodinville, even Heaven Hill, and many others have taken the rye road, some working with local farmers to propegate heirloom grains, others grow the grains on family farms.

Today, whiskey lovers have more options than ever to explore. Here is just a sampling of ryes reviewed in our Fall issue's Buying Guide.

5 High-Scoring Ryes $100 or Under

93 points – Heaven Hill 2018 Grain to Glass (2025 Release), 52.6%, $100

This is made using a higher rye content (63%) than Heaven Hill’s traditional ryes, along with 20% corn and 13% malted barley. The result is a harmonious and smooth palate of dark cherry, red berry, subtle chocolate, and baking space.

93 points – Old Forester 117 Series Bottled in Bond (2025 Release), 50%, $65

Old Forester’s first bonded rye, this 10 year old serves up grape jelly, blueberry pancakes with syrup, and fiery spice.

93 points – Sagamore Spirit 9 year old Reserve Series (Batch 1A), 56.3%, $80

This Maryland rye has a rich nuttiness alongside its sweet side of pancakes drenched in syrup.

92 points – Middle West Dark Pumpernickel Cask Strength (Batch 001), 62.65%, $70

Made from a mash that includes 80% pumpernickel rye, this is a delightful sipper even at its proof, with flavors of chocolate eclair and French toast that evolve into glazed fruit tarts.

91 points – Jefferson’s Blend of Straights (2025 release), 44%, $35

Ryes from Jefferson’s are a rarity, but this blend of 9, 7, and 6 year olds is notable. A luscious palate packed with spice, dark chocolate, dried herbs, and cinnamon ice cream.