Rye Whiskey
What is Rye Whiskey?
Rye Whiskey is a specific type of liquor. In order to be classified as this type of alcohol, the mash must contain a minimum of 51% actual rye grain, and the remaining ingredients can contain a mixture of corn, wheat, or malted barley. The distilled liquid must age in charred new oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The final result must contain at leave 40% alcohol when bottled, and not more than 80%.
What is the best rye whiskey?
If you’re searching for the best rye whiskey, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled this list of the best rye whiskeys.
- Templeton Rye Whiskey 4 Year
- Sazerac Rye Whiskey 6 Year
- Alberta Premium Canada Rye Whiskey
What is the origin of Rye Whiskey?
The first-ever recorded type of whiskey in America is rye whiskey. Back in 1640, William Kleft, The Director of the Dutch Colony of New Amsterdam, began the production of Rye Whiskey. This was because Rye was a popular grain in the Netherlands and Germany, where many of the new American settlers emigrated from. Rye Whiskey became quickly popular in the area of what is now known as Pennsylvania, and it skyrocketed to popularity during the American revolution. By the early 1800s, Rye Whiskey began to become an aged spirit. Eventually, Rye Whiskey was being produced in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, and Ohio. In the late 1960s-1970s, all whiskey sales began to decline as the new generation was drinking more beer and wine, and spirits like vodka and Tequila. Many Rye Whiskey distilleries were forced to close. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Rye Whiskey began to rise in popularity once again.
What is the alcohol content of rye whiskey?
Rye Whiskey’s alcohol content can’t be higher than 160 proof (80% alcohol). Most Rye Whiskeys have an alcohol content of around 40-60%.