George Dickel Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye: Head to Head!

Discover the differences between George Dickel Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye in this head to head comparison and decide which Rye Whiskey is better for You!

George Dickel Rye

Nose	Vanilla, mint, rye spice
Palate	Rye spice, maple,vanilla, spearmint
Finish	Short, rye spice, maple
Alcohol content	90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Jack Daniel’s Rye, Bulleit Rye

George Dickel is quite light on the nose offering a light maple hint.

On the palate it starts sweet with caramel and a hint of vanilla and mint; comes in with rye punch and mixed peppery spices in the middle fading to sweet maple.

The finish is short and sweet with a bit of a bite coming late to the party.

Dickel Rye is easy to approach as its flavor profile emphasizes the sweet over the spice.

Nice across the board although maybe lacking the level of complexity and impact of the very best of the style while providing good value for the money.

No wonder it was named Best Buy in 2019 by the Wine Enthusiast.

There are a few facts worth knowing about George Dickel Rye:

• The mash bill is comprised of 95% rye and 5% malted barley.

• Aged for 5 years in new, charred American oak.

• George Dickel Rye was filtered through sugar-maple charcoal before bottling.

• Crafted at MGP of Indiana Distillery along the Templeton Rye and Bulleit Rye.

Rittenhouse Rye

Nose	Rye spice, vanilla, oak
Palate	Ripe fruit, nutty, citrus
Finish	Long, Citrus, pecan
Alcohol content	100 proof (50% ABV)
How to drink	Rocks, cocktails
Similar to	Pikesville Rye, Knob Creek Rye

Rittenhouse is light on the nose with vanilla, oak, spice, a citrus note coming behind and just a whiff of ethanol.

Palate is fruity up-front, low in rye spice, with a nice nutty hint and citrus notes along a good hit of baking spice.

Finish is surprisingly long and buttery, providing good warmth throughout.

This is not the smoothest 100 proof whiskey as it burns a bit, but the overall flavor profile makes up for it. Adding a dash of water tunes down the Rittenhouse Rye making it easier to sip.

Overall, the Rittenhouse is not too complex and a bit burny, low in rye spice, great quality and flavorful making an easy drinker and an even better mixer as the high proof will add a nice kick to your favorite cocktail

This whiskey is a no-brainer due to its well tasting flavor profile and it affordable price making it the top affordable rye whiskey to buy!

There are a few facts worth knowing about the Rittenhouse Rye:

• Aged for 4 years in charred oak barrels.

• “North American Whiskey of the Year” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

• Earned a score of 94 points from Wine Enthusiast.

• “Best North American Whisky” by Whisky Magazine.

• “Best Buy Whisky of the Year” by Whisky Advocate.

• Crafted at the Heaven Hill Distillery, along Evan Williams and Elijah Craig.

George Dickel Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
George Dickel Rye	$18
Rittenhouse Rye	$23

George Dickel vs Rittenhouse Rye: Which is better?

The Rittenhouse Whiskey tastes better than what the price suggests

Whiskey	George Dickel Rye	Rittenhouse Rye
Nose	✅	✅
Body		✅
Palate		✅
Finish		✅
Value	✅	✅

• The Rittenhouse provides a body and tasting notes that are uncommon for whiskeys at this price point.

• The Rittenhouse is a nicer and more flavorful pour than the George Dickel. The low rye presence in the mash provides less spice kick, while offering nice fruity flavors along a creamy texture that keeps you coming back for more. The additional proof also gives extra points to the Rittenhouse.

• But do not rush to dismiss the Dickel Rye which I prefer as a mixer over the Rittenhouse. The rich spicy notes from the rye make Manhattans and the Old Fashioned entirely better.