Last Updated on: 4th May 2024, 09:15 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
- Nose: Vanilla, rye spice, oak
- Palate: Old leather, sweet corn, caramel, rye spice
- Finish: Short to medium, oak, baking spice
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
Yellowstone boasts a rye-heavy mash bill, similar to Four Roses. The nose is spicy rye with hints of vanilla and oak. The taste is smooth with leather, rye spice, corn, and caramel. The finish is medium-length with oak, baking spice, and warmth. Enjoy neat or in cocktails (especially Old Fashioneds) for its approachable rye character, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
New Riff: Rye Harmony in a Young Oak Embrace
- Nose: Oak, rye spice, vanilla, caramel
- Palate: Vanilla, caramel, rye spice, mint
- Finish: Oak spice, rye spice and caramel
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
New Riff's nose is young oak with rye spice, vanilla, caramel, and baking spice. The taste is creamy with balanced vanilla, caramel, and rye spice, plus a hint of peppermint and black pepper. The finish is moderate with warmth, oak spice, lingering rye, and a touch of caramel. Enjoyable neat, well-balanced rye for those who like it moderate.
High West Double Rye: Smooth Rye Sipper
- Nose: Honeysuckle, oak, cinnamon
- Palate: Clover honey, apple cider, mint, oak, cinnamon
- Finish: Medium to long, apple pie, rye spice
- Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
High West Double Rye offers a subtle nose of oak and cinnamon. The taste is smooth and velvety with rye spice, mint, cinnamon, and brown sugar. The finish is very smooth with lingering rye spice, baking spices, and a touch of black pepper. Sweetness is enhanced with a drop of water. Enjoyable neat for its balanced rye character.
Broken Barrel's: Rye Thrill
- Nose: Corn Flakes, rye
- Palate: Rye spice, corn, berries, vanilla
- Finish: Rye spice, oak, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 95 proof (47.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
Broken Barrel's a hidden gem! Like Four Roses with a rye kick (higher proof). Nose: Corn Flakes, rye spice. Taste: Full-bodied with bold rye spice, berries, vanilla. Long, warming finish. Smooth despite the rye. Great value!
Bulleit: Rye Spice Meets Sweetness
- Nose: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, almond
- Palate: Rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, nuts
- Finish: Long, caramel, rye spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
Bulleit Bourbon, like Four Roses, uses a lot of rye. The nose is rye spice with a hint of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The taste starts spicy but transitions to dried fruit and nuts. The finish is warm with lingering spice, oak, and a touch of sweetness. A good choice for those who enjoy moderate rye spice.
Old Grand-Dad Bonded: Sweet & Spicy for the Price
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, peaches
- Palate: Rye spice, cinnamon, oak, peanut, black pepper
- Finish: Oak, baking, rye spice
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Old Grand-Dad Bonded is a budget-friendly Four Roses alternative! Nose is sweet (vanilla, caramel, peach) with a bit of alcohol. The taste is oaky with cinnamon, rye spice, caramel, peanuts, and black pepper. The finish is medium with oak, baking spice, and rye spice. Enjoy neat or with water to tame the spice and enhance sweetness.
Michter's Rye: Mild & Sweet for Rye Newcomers
- Nose: Herbal, mint, honey
- Palate: Honey, butterscotch, cherry, rye spice
- Finish: Medium length, caramel, spice
- Alcohol content: 85 proof (42.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Michter's Rye is a rye whiskey, not bourbon, with a mild rye spice. The nose is like a new car with mint and honey. The taste is sweet with maple, butterscotch, cherry, and light rye spice. The finish is medium with caramel, rye spice, and oak. Mild and easy-drinking, ideal for rye beginners or those who prefer less spice.
Four Roses Small Batch: Sweet & Spicy Harmony
- Nose: Vanilla, cherry, oak
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, baking spice
- Finish: Long, burnt caramel
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Four Roses Small Batch offers a sweet nose of vanilla, cherry, and oak. The taste is creamy and full-bodied with vanilla, caramel, rye spice, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and warming with a hint of burnt caramel. Smooth and balanced - enjoy neat!