Rye

Rye whisky is a type of whisky in which rye is the main grain in the mash bill.

In practice, this means:

• Minimum composition: in the US, a rye whisky must contain at least 51% rye
• Flavour profile: spicier and drier than bourbon
• Typical flavours: black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, citrus, rye bread and light caramel
• Mouthfeel: often tighter and ‘spicier’ than bourbon
• Maturation: usually in new, charred oak casks (especially in the American style)

In short:

Rye whisky is the ‘spicy counterpart’ to bourbon: less sweet, more spicy and a drier, often livelier style.