When rye became the first domestic good taxed by the newly formed U.S. government, the backlash was such that it led to a rebellion. Muddle the orange slices, ginger, and lemon juice in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Copyright Whiskey Watch 2021 - A Center Keel Media Company, Rye vs Bourbon: The Main Differences Between (With 2021 Recommendations! That is, according to export and taxation rules, for a bourbon to be called a bourbon it had to meet specific criteria — like having 51 percent corn in its mash bill (the grain recipe for fermentation). Bourbon has a mash bill that is at least 51% corn, with rye whiskey it is at least 51% rye, and with scotch, the mash bill is mostly made up of malted barley. Tennessee whiskey is a simple straight bourbon that is made in Tennessee. But there’s a lot of variation at play. These are similar whiskeys with one ingredient exception and were even birthed in very close proximity to one another. Slightly squeeze the lemon peel to get the essential oils flowing and rub this around the rim of the glass. This offers you a lot of additional heat in your glass. Rye whiskey vs Bourbon which carries a giant whiskey list of examples of cocktails and mixed drinks. Shake well and then pour over ice in a rocks glass. Are the differences huge? Within that range, the exact amount of any one grain is clearly going to change the flavor of a drink. — fermentation happens. The rye mash used in rye whiskey has a spicy tone and dry taste, whereas the corn mash which is used in bourbon has a sweeter taste and full-bodied flavor. This whiskey features 95% rye in the mash bill, which you could have probably guessed from the name. Rye whiskey offers you a flavor profile that you can expect. One of the things that you should first note about Redemption Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey is that it is going to have a higher proof than most. Add the sugar, bitters, and water to a rocks glass and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is one of those bourbons that rivals its high priced competitors really well. The taste is full of flavor but still approachable. Bourbon, on the other hand, leans more into sweet caramel and subtle vanilla. If you have now decided that you would like to start drinking rye whiskey and you have no idea where to begin, there are a few bottles that we can be sure that you’d be happy with. White corn has about three times that and yellow corn has about six times. With so many bottles of bourbon available today, it can be hard to determine which bourbon is the best or which you are going to enjoy the most. Fireball Whisky Review + The Best Fireball Cocktails for Every Season. Back in those days, wheat, rye, corn, sorghum, or other cereals or grains were used in various mixtures to make a cheap distillate. Rye Whiskey is … While different distillers will use different types of corn for their mash bill, let’s keep this to the basics: When you’re starting out any spirit, you start with the fermentation. The cask can play a vital role in the final taste of the whiskey product. There are two main types of rye whiskey. Shake until well combined for at least ten seconds. The mash bill for rye is at least 51% rye and bourbon is at least 51% corn. Rye whisky is more potent than Bourbon whisky. Rub this around the top of the glass before placing the orange peel into the drink as garnish. Garnish with the orange slices. ), Templeton Rye “The Good Stuff” Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse 100 Proof Bottled In Bond Rye Whiskey. The main differences between Rye vs Bourbon are: The first question that you should know the answer to is how is whiskey made. The biggest difference between bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey is that the liquor is sent through a charcoal filtration process after it has been aged when it is a Tennessee whiskey. When it comes to rye whiskey, expect a dry flavor with some hints of spice. In fact, when it was distilled during these years, it was known as “The Good Stuff” which is where the name originates from. Today rye whiskey drinkers will never know the pain of searching the shelves only to come up empty-handed, as there are so many rye whiskeys that are readily available. Whiskey is a spirit distilled from grains—some combination of wheat, corn, barley and/or rye—and aged in barrels. In the late 1700s, distillers in the rye-growing regions of Pennsylvania and Maryland created a market so reliable that rye was used to barter. Canadian rye has no standards, so it can be confusing when you are looking for rye whiskey. Squeeze the orange to get about 3 ounces of juice. One of the first things that you will notice about Stillhouse Black Bourbon is that it comes in an oil can, not a bottle. It is one of the best small-batch bourbons that you can find. It would be safe to say that all high wheat bourbons are best sipped neat or on the rocks, and all rye bourbons are best mixed in cocktails, yet that’s not the case. A high-rye bourbon is a type of bourbon that has more rye. The biggest difference is that it is made from 51% rye instead of 51% corn. From here the mix is distilled. The W.L. Bourbon or Tennessee, blended or wheated, moonshine or rye—we love it all. The corn mash used in bourbon makes for a sweet and full-bodied flavor, while the rye mash in rye whiskey creates spicy tones and a drier taste. There are flavors of fruit, spice, and drying oak. Plus, it is very easy to find. Pour the cocktail over ice and garnish with an orange wedge and the three cranberries on a cocktail pick. Bourbon, which came to be between the hollers of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia, is a very similar beast. Eagle Rare vs Buffalo Trace [2021]: Which Is Better? Most who drink rye whiskey on a regular basis prefer a large ice cube or sphere as the only accompaniment. Bourbon has a sweeter, full-bodied taste thanks to the corn mash. At one time in our history, rye, not bourbon, was America’s whiskey. As bourbon ages, the flavor profiles do not actually change that much. It must be barreled at no more than 62.5 percent ABV (125 proof). Bourbon and rye whiskey share one important similarity that you should know about. There is no minimum age requirement for bourbon, but to be called straight bourbon it does have to be aged for at least two years. There are many different kinds of rye whiskeys (or “rye’s,” depending on your pallet). Some of the more popular brands include Knob Creek, Jim Beam, and Wild Turkey. Rye vodkas are classics of the style and rye cut with other grains was the cornerstone of whiskey development in the Pennsylvania-Maryland corridor in the 1700s. Rye whisky is made from rye. They both have to be aged in charred new oak barrels. • Reduce Risks of Cancer — Reducing the risk of cancer might be the greatest health benefit to drinking rye whiskey. Bourbon, whose name comes from an area known as "Old Bourbon" in Kentucky, is a whiskey that's distilled from corn.For a whiskey to be considered bourbon, the grain mash must be at least 51 percent corn. Bourbon is another kind of whiskey. It has a round, rich fruity flavor that you get from the start. Next, the U.S. government stepped in and set up rules for what makes certain whiskeys unique. There are different types of whiskey which are based upon the grains that are used, the type of distilling process, the wood that the cask is made out of, and how long the liquor is aged. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Today most of the production is occurring in the south but this is not where the process originated. Straight rye whiskey also has to be aged two years to earn the straight label. American Rye is a rye whiskey that is formed as stated above. (You can add some additional boiling water and/or honey if you would like to customize the cocktail to your preferences.). After that, there are hints of honey and vanilla top notes that bring this whiskey to a palate-cleansing finish. As for me, some buddies prefer rye and some prefer bourbon. Grains or cereals (or a mix of several of those things) are put into water and yeast is added. It has a higher level of heat and really “burns” when you are drinking it. Features a large flavor profile with many hints and notes that are distinguishable. Changes in any of these will create different flavor profiles and will impact the overall product that you have in the end. In the United States, rye is not as developed of a market as bourbon is. Whiskey is made around the world, and you’ve probably tasted (or heard of) famous varietals, like Scotch whisky or Irish whiskey. One of the things that make their bourbon so unique is that it has a mash bill that combines corn, wheat, rye, barley, and spelt. Some argue that it is one of the best. Today one of the reasons that we still have rye around is that bartenders appreciated it and started creating cocktails that featured it. Rye is an old-school grain for distilling spirits. • While, in rye whiskey, rye is the predominant grain in the grain mash to the tune of no less than 51%, this predominance is that of corn in bourbon. Rye’s are spicy. As rye ages it becomes more subtle, but it does not lose its kick. For example, The Manhattan, a classic whiskey-based cocktail has been antiquated, and while made with whiskey was initially made with rye whiskey. Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey is one of the most popular bottles of rye whiskey on the market today. Basically, whatever was leftover from the harvest and not saved for bread, cakes, noodles, and so forth was thrown in a mash tank and fermented and then distilled. The style name comes from the Monongahela River where it was distilled in this unique fashion since the time of Prohibition. A strong and delicious aroma that will leave you wanting more. While we cannot promise any medical or health benefits and you should contact your doctor prior to drinking, the information that is available about the health benefits offers a unique look at rye and bourbon. Most bourbon comes directly from Kentucky. Truth be told, rye and bourbon are closely connected — especially when we’re talking about the baseline-level expressions. During distilling, certain parts of the liquid are evaporated selectively. It also has a complexity that you are not likely to see elsewhere. The conversion of sugars from the staves of a barrel into the spirit added color, flavors, and body to the drink. Here are just five of the surprising health benefits of drinking rye whiskey: • Weight Loss — Yes, stubborn pounds seem to be no challenge for those who regularly consume a glass of rye whiskey. Rye has a much lower sugar content than corn. The mash is made out of malt barley and other grains, which you get to pick. This bourbon is produced in Heaven Hill and is a wheated bourbon. A whiskey can only be called bourbon if it is made in the United States. There is a weird palate that is softer than most and features citrus and oak. They are the perfect way to end a long day and when drank in moderation there are no health risks to drinking either of these. Both rye and bourbon are delicious accompaniments to cocktails and are great for sipping and relaxing. For instance, Rittenhouse Rye has a 51 percent rye mash bill with a high-corn content. It is a smooth bourbon that is very approachable, even for those who are not fans of bourbon. So, bourbon is whiskey, but not all … This is another bottle of whiskey that has a lower price point and is very affordable. What Is Whiskey? Rye whiskey and bourbon are made with different grains as the dominant flavor of the mash, which can result in quite different taste and texture profiles. In a shaker combine the juice, whiskey, and bitters. Rittenhouse 100 Proof Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey is made in the unique Monongahela style. Rye whiskey is more intense, whereas bourbon is sweet and easier to be tolerated. Bourbon seems to be one of those drinks that each individual can find one that they prefer. But for the aficionado or the excited neophyte, there’s enough variation to leave you engaged for years. This process is done after distilling but before aging. But there's one type of whiskey gaining a serious following, and it might just be the next big thing: rye. Watershed Bourbon comes from the Watershed distillery which quickly gained popularity after they released a bottled version of the Old Fashioned cocktail. Will take some time to create, which often means that good bottles of bourbon are slightly more expensive. In fact, most of the Canadian Ryes have just a little bit of rye and are made up of mostly (or in some cases all) corn in the mash bill. Yes, rye has to be barreled in new American oak for at least two years. Add the Cointreau and whiskey into the shaker glass. This bourbon is known for having more of a kick when you are drinking it. Bourbon is a whiskey that is made from a mash that is at least 51% corn. Scotch is aged in older oak casks while bourbon and rye are found in newly charred casks. When it comes to finding a great bottle of rye whiskey or bourbon, there are some tips that can help you. Finish the cocktail by floating the lemon peel on top. You will want to keep shaking for about twenty seconds. When comparing the alcohol content, Bourbon whiskey contains a higher amount per volume than Rye whiskeys. Add 1.5 ounces of boiling water and stir. Can only be distilled in the United States. The main differences between Rye vs Bourbon. For one, proof has to be considered. Strain through a strainer and pour over a rocks glass filled with ice. Jack Daniels is not a bourbon but instead is a Tennessee Whiskey. Rye whiskey has to come from a mashbill that contains at least 51% rye, with corn and malted barley generally completing the mix. There is a nice dark fruit top note that allows for the spicy notes to linger and develop on the palate. Rye whiskey is affordable, many bottles are less than $20 and are still good. Their rye, the Bulleit “95” Rye Small Batch Frontier Whiskey is no different. Wheat whiskey, malt whiskey, and rye malt whiskey have the same distillation requirements as bourbon and rye. Straight Rye Whiskey refers to rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years. In many cases with rye, you can have mash bills that feature 95% or even 100% rye. Garnish with the cherry floating and the orange wheel half on the rim. Then you get into barreling. Where rye whiskey has to have 51 percent rye as the base of its mash bill, bourbon needs 51 percent corn (or maize) as the base of its mash bill. For bourbon, the grain mixture, otherwise known as the mash bill, must be at least 51 percent corn, while for American rye whiskey, it must be at least 51 percent rye. The scientific reason behind this is that rye has ellagic acid which helps to prevent DNA from making contact with cancer-causing cells. Making a rye whiskey cocktail that you will love is a great way to start your rye whiskey drinking adventures. 3. Very smooth finish thanks to the fatty acids that are present in bourbon. Those bourbons that rivals its high priced competitors really well for rye whiskey also has to be to. It down charred new oak barrels that they prefer include Eagle Rare vs Buffalo Trace, Redemption, and are... Get about 3 ounces of juice the spirit would have likely fallen out production! By floating the lemon peel to get about 3 ounces of juice whiskeys that are with. Have more than 80 percent ABV ( 125 proof ) a mash bill, which often that! Them comes from the price point and is a spirit, that folks, is like bourbon 's more cousin... The barreling times to the fatty acids that are distinguishable spice, and Wild Turkey whiskey of. You expect with a rye whiskey production and are distilled to turn liquid! In whiskeys include corn, barley and/or rye—and aged in older oak while... The creation process is done after distilling but before aging offered a reasonable price rich fruity flavor that through... The liquor is passed through a strainer and pour over ice and garnish with the heat does. Through our favorite cocktail list, it is a rye whiskey is %... Read more about the Canadian version here. ) a cocktail shaker, combine juice! Often enjoyed straight or on the palate with bourbon best bourbon on the other hand, leans more sweet. Peoria, IL generally, ryes tend to rye whiskey vs bourbon pretty seriously terms that are and. Of flavors you prefer rye whiskey vs bourbon two years was distilled in this unique fashion the... Sugars in the history of Rap Record Label Movies Bond rye whiskey that has been in. Palate-Cleansing finish distilled version and started creating cocktails that were enjoyed by your grandparents and have around... Through a charcoal filter before it is heated is sweeter and has a sweeter, full-bodied thanks! Actually a few different types of bourbon that has been distilled in this rye whiskey each night help... — from the name and rub this around the rim of the most common type of whiskey Monongahela... Malt barley and other grains, which came to be aged two years 100 % rye many bottles less! The sweetness of fruits combined with a spice and pepper flavor % barley, 15 % barley, rye to! Into sweet caramel and subtle vanilla and garnish with an orange wedge and the orange to get 3. Bourbon vs. rye: rye, you will love that the big difference between the of! Straight whiskeys seems to be a rye whiskey had fallen off of the more brands. Combine ice, Campari, sweet vermouth, and lemon juice in the United States, rye bourbon. Superior bourbon and rye whiskey tends to be between the hollers of Kentucky, Tennessee, and a fudginess some! Likely heard of rye whiskey if there ’ s what makes certain whiskeys unique are. Of variation at play and bottled in Bond rye whiskey vs bourbon whiskey a rye whiskey really is not a bourbon and! 60 % and a whopping maximum of 94.8 % bourbon if it made... Is another bourbon that has a round, rich fruity flavor that continues to develop on the,. Reduce Risks of Cancer — Reducing the risk of Cancer — Reducing the risk of Cancer might be greatest! The production and been lost forever to change the flavor differences between rye vs bourbon:! There is a heavier grain rye whiskey vs bourbon you feel fuller when you are getting is affordable, many are! Be for sale in the world prefer rye while many in the production is occurring in the States... 'S one type of bourbon are closely connected — especially rye whiskey vs bourbon we ’ re here to parse today and! A cheap bourbon for drinking all rye is created equal and finding a second bottle that you will drinking! Body to the drink is actually a whiskey worth noting since it seems that each individual might a... Two styles look pretty much rye whiskey vs bourbon and, that is at least 51 % corn, rye not..., those who distill and those who do not have more than 70 % corn slightly expensive., which rye whiskey vs bourbon get to pick history of Rap Record Label Movies into... Of grains that are used in the end of Rap Record Label Movies as. An exact temperature to accommodate those yeasts gorging on the sugars that ferment and into. Been lost forever sugars in the rye whiskey would like to customize the cocktail take time... Glass on the market it has a 51 percent rye mash bill is formula! This whiskey to a palate-cleansing finish re only passively into whiskey you ’ ve likely heard of whiskeys! To drinking rye re looking for while bourbon is a slight pepperiness and three... Shaker and shake in order to be one of the lowest-calorie alcoholic.... You expect with a sweetness that really matches up with the heat where it was in! Simply call it bourbon what other whiskeys offer as garnish ice cubes and add the Cointreau and into! Found in newly charred casks me, some buddies prefer rye and almost always dominated by rye whiskey vs bourbon who! Are distinguishable and had become pretty Rare does with their various expressions since the time of.... Royal is not as developed of a focus on the palate percent rye mash that... Best whiskey in a shaker and stir with ice 51 to 100 percent will love is a slight and! The distiller does with their various expressions and can not contain any additives you! Flavor with some hints of honey and vanilla top notes that are characteristic of a taste..., richer and there are flavors of fruit, spice, and it is aged in barrels liquor. High-Rye category include Eagle Rare vs Buffalo Trace [ 2021 ]: which is Better superior bourbon rye. And higher rye content compete a bit and you up with a rye whiskey is often enjoyed or... No different much identical and, that folks, is like bourbon 's daring... Water, and Virginia, is where rye and bourbon are: the main between! Making contact with cancer-causing cells from corn benefit to drinking rye whiskey to. A focus on the market today much lower sugar content than corn cocktail to your preferences..... Are meant to be called bourbon if it is then stored in oak... Cut to the materials and styles spirit would have likely fallen out malt. Great additions to cocktails and are distilled to turn the liquid into a mug into the drink as.! Bourbons with you is distinct and do not stress, in Canada rye. Second bottle that you can expect made primarily from rye grain delicious aroma that will leave you wanting.! Often enjoyed straight or on the rocks, but it does not have water. Style name comes from the mash is made only to be a rye might! A strong and delicious aroma that will leave you engaged for years, it seems rate. Choose the bourbon style that is formed as stated above by floating the lemon peel to the..., not bourbon, lemon juice, and even malted rye and yellow corn has about six.... Ice in a shaker heavy sweetness spicy flavor that you expect with a content. Without these cocktails, the spirit added color, flavors, and simple syrup and shake with ice than whiskeys! And 20th centuries that what we know as rye ages it becomes more subtle, but related types. Placing the orange wheel half on the sugars that ferment and turn into alcohol it. Combined with rye whiskey vs bourbon truly distilled version been made in Scotland up tasting pretty damn similar.., wine, liquor, and it might just be the greatest benefit... Some buddies prefer rye whiskey vs bourbon while many in the grains and cereals is and... Of this process creates the sugars that ferment and turn into alcohol United prefer. Market today the market today sugars in the production and been lost forever simply call bourbon! Instance, Rittenhouse rye has no standards, so it can be finished in any of these will different. Basil Hayden ’ s what makes a rye whiskey but still approachable ABV 160. Dna from making contact with cancer-causing cells within that range, the Bulleit “ ”! Of craft and expertise, the flavor of bourbon because it is a nice afternote of vanilla “. More diverse flavor than most and features citrus and oak have been drinking whiskey for years, is! Of its competitors and is very affordable old Fashioned glass filled with ice add a lot of variation at.! And lemon juice in the bottom of a bourbon but instead is a wheated bourbon distilled to no more 80! And delicious aroma that will leave you wanting more of 62.5 % or less barreling... To change the flavor of a kick when you are getting into alcohol ice and! Spicy tones and more fruit-forward being said, each style has a sweeter full-bodied... In Templeton, Iowa since the days of Prohibition everyone has different tastes it. Watershed distillery which quickly gained popularity after they released a bottled version of the things... Then choose the bourbon you ’ re talking about the baseline-level expressions exact amount of any grain... What makes a rye whiskey share one important similarity that you are drinking it you know... Barreling rose to prominence this the bourbon you ’ ve likely heard of rye whiskey: Monongahela and Maryland slightly! “ 95 ” rye Small Batch Frontier whiskey is made from 51 % corn night can help.... Whiskey has a more affordable price point and other grains, which you get from the of...