With its warming notes of baking spices, rich caramel, and herbs, it’s no wonder that rye whiskey is a popular choice for winter sipping. This spirit perfectly captures the cozy vibes of curling up by the fire with a good book, making the holiday season an ideal time to find a special bottle to gift — or keep for yourself.
Though bourbon continues to be the darling of the American whiskey category, rye has also boomed in popularity over the past several years. And with the ever-increasing number of impressive options on shelves, the spirit shouldn’t be overlooked as a gifting option. From classic expressions that can help build the perfect Manhattan to more experimental bottlings that tinker with unique aging regimens in exotic casks, there’s a bottle out there for every type of whiskey drinker.
In honor of the season, we rounded up some of our favorite ryes to help your friends and family achieve peak winter bliss. Here are the seven best rye whiskeys to gift this year.
Best Budget Rye: Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Splurge Rye: Hinterhaus Distilling Trapper’s Oath 18 Year Rye
Best Rye for Beginners: Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Rye for Geeks: Old Potrero 6 Years Old Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Rye for Cocktail Lovers: Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Rye to Impress: Angel’s Envy Finished Rye
Best Limited-Edition Rye: A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 11
Best Budget Rye Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
This bottle offers an
