The higher the rye, the spicier the bourbon.
Sometimes stern representations of men and women are often associated with the tougher choices of drinks.
While James Bond’s sophisticated delineation suits a vodka martini, the vigor of John Wick or the Kingsmen requires something much stronger like high-rye bourbon.
Yes, that’s right, if you hadn’t noticed in the movie, John Wick’s choice for pain relief while getting stitched up after his daily endeavors is Blanton’s Single Barrel high-rye bourbon.
While Blanton and Four Roses have been here for a while, let’s take a look at newer options that have made killer entries into drinkers’ hearts and possibly turn into tomorrow’s 100+-year-old legends.
We’ll begin with a couple of them that have been around for some time and then move on to much newer brands.
Bulleit – Since 1987
Let’s start with the taste. Apart from just pepper rye, Bulleit can treat your tastebuds with inescapable flavors of vanilla & dried cherries, making it the favorite choice of many.
The principal showcase of Bulleit has a high-rye mash bill and is at least aged for 6 years.
You will commonly find this option on the shelves of renowned hotels and bars, and it has been one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America since 1987.
Hirsch – Since 1974
Hirsch’s high rye bourbon provides you with a remarkable taste that has the same variety of notes expected of good-quality bourbon.
This relatively unpopular choice of whiskey features a good blend of high-rye and regular bourbon.
It is known to finish with a nice warm and dry touch of bittersweetness and a little spice.
New Riff – Since 2014
Visionary American and liquor entrepreneur Ken Lewis has been passionately producing high-quality whiskey under the brand New Riff since 2014.
This genuine high rye bourbon features a savory and spicy character resulting from a healthy mash bill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% good old malted barley.
The blend is prepared and stored in charred oak barrels for about four years, giving its exquisite taste.
New Riff’s liquor has a distinctive accent resembling deep amber and smells delicious like butterscotch with strong hints of vanilla blended with fresh oak.
It has an amazing taste that feels broad and fulsome, giving out the essence of sweet vanilla before touching the hints of clove, mint, cinnamon, and dark berry.
Rabbit Hole – Since 2012
Another new entrant that has been serving the market with high-quality, high-rye bourbon since 2012.
In contrast to the older ones, Rabbit Hole has earned a good number of fans.
Its amazing high rye percentage of 70% corn with 5% malted barley and a quarter of rye has turned out to be a huge success for Mr.Christian Heigold, a German immigrant.
The exquisite taste includes hints of sweet treacle, candied orange peel, toffee with a final touch of warm peppery spice.
To Summarize
Countless bourbon and whiskey brands are being listed every year, making figuring the best of the best nearly impossible.
There is so much to choose from!
While not every brand makes it to the top racks, some stand out in terms of appeal, nose, taste and finish.
However, it all comes down to one’s unique individual preference.
There are many instances where a particular person always goes for an item that stands out among the likes of Jim Beam and Jack Daniels. It just suits them, is all.
So take your time to enjoy your favorite regulars while occasionally trying some of the new savories of this century. Who knows what could change your mind.
That’ll be all, folks. Drink responsibly and enjoy.