Rye whiskies from the US
Rye whiskey is a type of whiskey that is made with at least 51% rye grain. It is distilled to no more than 160 proof and bottled at no less than 80 proof. Rye whiskey that has been aged for at least two years in charred new oak barrels can be called straight rye whiskey. Rye whiskey originated in the American colonies in the 18th century. It was made with the excess rye grain that was left over from the production of corn whiskey. The first recorded use of the term “rye whiskey” was in an 1808 document from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Rye whiskey was the most popular type of American whiskey until the late 19th century when it was eclipsed by bourbon whiskey. Rye whiskey began to make a comeback in the late 20th century and early 21st century, with the revival of the craft cocktail movement. Many of the most popular rye whiskeys, such as Knob Creek, Koval, and EH Taylor, are made by small, independent producers.
