Bourbon might be known as America’s native spirit, but before it was the booming industry we know today, rye was the preferred whiskey on U.S. soil. While the spirit may have fallen out of favor post-Prohibition, rye whiskey is back in full force, with volumes swelling in the past decade and a half. But having such a vast sea of options to choose from now can make nailing down the perfect bottle to give an overwhelming task.
With flavor profiles ranging from spicy and herbaceous to caramelly and dessert-like, there is a rye whiskey out there for every palate, and at every price point. From the best bottle to give to those just dipping their toes into the category to those ideal for the seasoned spirits pro, these are the seven best rye whiskies to gift this holiday season.
Best Budget Rye: Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Splurge Rye: Wild Turkey Master’s Keep Triumph
Best Rye for Beginners: Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Rye for Whiskey Geeks: Frey Ranch Straight Rye Whiskey
Best Rye for Cocktail Lovers: Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky
Best Rye to Impress: SirDavis Straight Rye Whisky
Best Rye for Spice Lovers: Green River Kentucky Straight Whiskey
Best Budget Rye Old Overholt Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey
This high-proof offering from one of America’s oldest whiskey brands deserves a spot on every spirits lover’s bar cart. In 2020, Old Overholt ditched chill filtration, significantly boosting the quality of the brand’s rye whiskeys,
