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Rye Whiskey

(264 products)

Shop 280+ rye whiskeys, from Kentucky-style ryes to bold 95% and 100% ryes, from Sazerac, WhistlePig, Wild Turkey, Rittenhouse, and craft distillers. Shipped nationwide.
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About Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye grain, which gives it the peppery spice, herbal notes, and drier finish that set it apart from bourbon. It's the original whiskey of the Manhattan and the Sazerac.

American rye follows almost the same rules as bourbon: distilled to no more than 160 proof, aged in new charred oak, and bottled at 80 proof or more. The difference is the grain. Where bourbon leans on corn for sweetness, rye leans on rye for spice. Expect black pepper, clove, mint, and dried fruit, with less of the caramel richness you get from bourbon.

Ryes range widely. Kentucky-style ryes made with just over 51% rye drink close to a high-rye bourbon, while 95% and 100% rye whiskeys are bold, herbal, and intensely spiced. That range makes rye one of the most versatile whiskeys for cocktails: it keeps a Manhattan from getting syrupy and gives an Old Fashioned a drier, more aromatic edge.

New to the category? Read our guide to rye vs. bourbon, or browse more American whiskey.

Rye Whiskey FAQ

What's the difference between rye and bourbon?

The main grain. Bourbon is at least 51% corn, which makes it sweeter and rounder. Rye whiskey is at least 51% rye, which makes it spicier and drier, with notes of black pepper, clove, and mint.

What is the best rye for a Manhattan or Sazerac?

A rye around 90 to 100 proof with plenty of spice, so it stands up to sweet vermouth or absinthe and bitters. Bottled-in-bond ryes like Rittenhouse are bartender favorites.

What do 95% rye and 100% rye mean?

The share of rye in the mash. Kentucky-style ryes often use just over 51% and drink close to a high-rye bourbon. Ryes made with 95% or 100% rye are bolder, more herbal, and more intensely spiced.

Is Canadian whisky the same as rye?

Not necessarily. Rye is a traditional nickname for Canadian whisky, but many Canadian whiskies are mostly corn. An American bottle labeled rye whiskey must be at least 51% rye.

About Liquor Barn

Family-owned since 1982, The Liquor Barn has three stores across Chicago's North Shore in Wheeling, Niles, and Vernon Hills. We carry over 17,000 wines, spirits, and beers — and we ship nationwide. Most orders go out same day with tracking.

Visit one of our Illinois locations or shop online today.

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