The Best Rye Whiskeys of 2024: The Top 10 Best Rye Whiskeys of 2024

 The Top 10 Rye Whiskeys of 2024 

2024 has been another great year for fans of Rye Whiskey. Whether you're new to rye or a seasoned connoisseur, there are a few standout bottles hitting the market that you won't want to miss. We've carefully curated our picks for the most exciting rye whiskeys of 2024. From bold barrel-proof expressions to elegantly aged offerings, here's what we think should be on your radar this year. 

 1. Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Rye 

We think this might be the crown jewel of rye releases this year. The first addition to the Col. E.H. Taylor line in two years takes us back to rye territory, and we couldn't be more excited. This release marks a significant moment for Buffalo Trace, as we haven't seen a rye expression from Taylor since their inaugural rye release in 2012. What makes this version special is its impressive 126-proof (63% ABV) presentation, which we think perfectly showcases the intensity and complexity that rye whiskey can achieve. The mash bill, while not officially disclosed, is believed to be approximately 65% rye and 35% malted barley, setting it apart from many other ryes on the market that tend to use higher rye content. This unique grain combination creates a delicate balance between rye's signature spice and the subtle sweetness that malted barley brings to the table. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Sharp and boozy with classic rye aromatics - caraway seed, toasted rye bread, and pipe tobacco provide a racy, spicy base. We're particularly impressed by the strong orange peel notes that emerge. 

Palate: The fruit and herbal elements create a delightful harmony, enveloped by toasty char. Despite its high proof, we find it surprisingly approachable. 

Finish: A long, peppery conclusion with herbal notes and a hint of menthol. 

Pro tip: We love how a few drops of water transform this whiskey, bringing out a soothing brown butter quality that perfectly tempers the pepper and spice. Don't be afraid to experiment with proof strength - this rye maintains its character beautifully even with dilution.  

 Proof:126

2. Wild Turkey Master's Keep Triumph Rye 

At 10 years old, this latest addition to Wild Turkey's prestigious Master's Keep lineup represents their oldest age-stated rye whiskey ever released. Drawing from barrels aged 10 to 12 years, Eddie Russell specifically chose casks that showcase what he considers the "sweet spot" for rye maturation - before the 14-year mark where barrel influence can overwhelm the spirit's natural character. The whiskey maintains Wild Turkey's traditional rye mashbill, but the extended aging in their #4 alligator char barrels creates a remarkably different profile from their standard offerings. While many distilleries are rushing to release older ryes to meet market demand, Triumph demonstrates the patience and precision that has become synonymous with the Master's Keep series. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: A layer of char tempers the grassy greenery, with a slight barnyard note of hay bales and saddle leather creating an austere profile rarely seen in rye. 

Palate: Impressive balance between spicy and peppery up top, then silky with notes of caramel and vanilla. The experience shifts into notes of baked apples, butterscotch, and sweetened breakfast cereal. 

Finish: Fruity on the back end, reminiscent of older Canadian ryes, with a holiday charm perfect for spice-laden cocktails. 

Proof: 104 

3. Michter’s 10-Year Rye (2024 Batch) 

Michter's 10-Year Rye was one of the most anticipated annual releases, and the 2024 batch didn’t disappoint. Known for its smooth, refined character, this rye is all about balance — it showcases just enough spice without overwhelming the palate, making it a standout for those who appreciate a well-rounded, age-worthy rye. This edition stays true to the signature elegance that has made the 10-Year Rye such a fan favorite, with the distillery focusing on coaxing out the best of the spirit without over-oaking. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: The nose is fresh and minty with a clean, herbal quality, as hints of wintergreen and mint chocolate emerge first, followed by a rich array of oak-driven sweetness—vanilla, toffee, and a touch of dried fruit. There's also a faint, floral note of lavender and chamomile. 

Palate: The entry is smooth with bright, zesty peppermint that quickly transitions into a deeper, darker profile of baked goods — think cinnamon rolls and clove-spiced gingerbread. There’s a touch of cocoa and brown sugar, along with roasted nuts. 

Finish: The finish lingers with herbal notes of eucalyptus, a light dusting of cinnamon, and a gentle oak char that fades into a creamy, menthol finish. 

Proof: 92.8 

4. Elijah Craig Toasted Rye 

Elijah Craig’s latest innovation brings their acclaimed toasted barrel finishing technique to their rye whiskey portfolio. Released in July 2024 as a traditional American Straight Rye Whiskey with 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley, this release exemplifies the distinctive Kentucky-style rye profile that emerged post-Prohibition. What sets this apart is Elijah Craig’s commitment to pushing boundaries while respecting traditional methods. The whiskey undergoes a unique finishing process in custom toasted new oak barrels, designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. The custom toasting protocol involves nearly an hour-long process followed by a precise flash of heat, creating what Heaven Hill's Master Distiller Conor O'Driscoll describes as the perfect marriage of toast and char. This method preserves delicate flavor compounds that would otherwise be destroyed in traditional charring while still maintaining compliance with federal aging requirements. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Opens with classic rye spice notes quickly followed by toasted marshmallow and vanilla bean. The custom toast brings forward subtle notes of cocoa and roasted nuts that aren't typically found in traditional rye expressions. 

Palate: Rich waves of caramelized brown sugar and baking spices lead the way. The medium rye mashbill shows its influence through a pleasant pepperiness that's beautifully tempered by the toasted barrel's contribution of maple syrup and dark chocolate notes. 

Finish: Remarkably long with a perfect balance of sweet and spice. Toasted pecan and cinnamon persist while subtle hints of rye bread and clove add complexity through the fade. 

Proof: 94 

5. New Riff Rye 8-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey 

Kentucky's craft darling New Riff has been rolling hard eights lately. Their limited-edition High Note Collection featured a pair of 8-year-old offerings last fall, followed by a more widely available 8-year-old bourbon in the spring and now this, an 8-year-old expression of their Kentucky straight rye. This is the same 95/5 recipe rye that New Riff unveiled way back in 2019, and while it has still been distilled and aged by the Covington-based distillery, it doesn't carry the bottled in bond designation like those earliest offerings owing to the need to blend two distilling seasons to allow for a wider release. Known for its focus on producing high-quality, non-chill-filtered whiskies, New Riff allows for a fuller flavor and mouthfeel. With its robust rye characteristics and smooth mouthfeel, it's a must-try for fans of the spirit who appreciate a bold, spice-forward profile. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Warm baking spice, toffee, and seasoned oak, with notes of minted syrup and black tea.  

Palate: Pepper and baking spice up front, followed by wintergreen and oak. Fresh lemon balm and green tea emerge on the midpalate.  

Finish: Pine resin, cloves, and pink peppercorn. 

Proof: 100 

6. WhistlePig The Boss Hog XI: The Juggernaut 

WhistlePig continues to push boundaries with their eleventh Boss Hog release, drawing inspiration from India's rich culinary traditions. What makes this release truly unique is its finishing process in barrels seasoned with Thandai, a traditional Indian drink featuring an aromatic blend of spices. After aging in new American Oak, the whiskey undergoes a final maturation in these experimental Thandai-seasoned barrels, creating a one-of-a-kind expression that bridges Eastern and Western flavor traditions. This may be one of the best releases in their Boss Hog series to date. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Complex and exotic, leading with pungent incense and warming baking spices. Notes of clove, nutmeg, and spicy chai tea emerge, complemented by citrus peel and distinctive saffron aromatics. 

Palate: Sweet entry that quickly gives way to an explosion of spices. The traditional rye character is transformed by layers of cardamom, saffron, and fennel, creating a bazaar-like explosion of flavors. Floral notes of rose and jasmine weave throughout, while baking spices provide a familiar backbone. 

Finish: Extraordinarily long and complex, featuring waves of baking spices that transition into sweet tropical fruits and lingering floral notes. 

Proof: Varies by barrel (103.8-105.2) 

7. Michter's US-1 Limited Release Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 2024 

Missing from the 2023 release calendar was a Barrel Strength Straight Rye, but Michter's is coming out swinging for 2024 with what might be their best barrel strength rye to date. As always, this is a single barrel product, so some variation is to be expected across barrels. The average proof for the March 2024 releases clocked in at 110.2. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Hallmark, high-proof Kentucky-style rye with plenty of fresh pepper and baking spice to complement Michter's time-tested oak profile with its soft smoke, chocolate, and old furniture notes. 

Palate: Chewy and rich with an even, simmering spice that feels almost as mature and approachable as the lower proof, 10-year-old expressions. Familiar notes of dark brown sugar, dried herbs, and plump, dark cherry give way to a decadent flourish of cinnamon buns and sweet black tea with lemon squeeze on the midpalate. 

Finish: Dark chocolate and barrel char kick off a long, balanced finish accented by fading notes of seasoned oak and toffee.  

 Proof: 110.2 

8. Knob Creek Rye 10 Years Old 

Bottled at 100 proof, Knob Creek’s 10-Year Rye marks a welcome addition to the brand's esteemed lineup, taking the already well-regarded 7-Year Rye and elevating it to new heights. With more time in the barrel, this version shows greater depth and complexity, while still maintaining the familiar sweetness that Knob Creek fans love. The high corn mashbill adds a layer of smoothness and sweetness, making this rye particularly approachable for bourbon drinkers who are new to rye whiskey. 

Tasting notes 

Nose: it opens with sweet notes of dark caramel, melted vanilla ice cream, and brown butter, offering a luxurious mouthfeel that resonates with bourbon drinkers.  

Palate: The palate introduces fruitier flavors of green apple, pear, and black cherry, with a cola-like richness and hints of baking spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Finish: The finish, a smooth blend of creamy mocha and soft leather, leaves a lasting impression 

 Proof: 92.8 

9. Bulleit 12-Year Rye 

Bulleit’s 12-Year Rye makes a return in 2024, and it’s better than ever. This expression of MGP’s classic 95% rye mashbill offers a rich, balanced experience that showcases the benefits of aging without becoming overly tannic or oaky. At 92 proof, it strikes a perfect balance between strength and approachability, making it an ideal choice for both whiskey connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. This rye hits all the right notes of spice and sweetness, with flavors of dark caramel, vanilla, and a nice balance of oak. It’s a great choice for sipping neat but also brings a special twist to classic rye cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. What sets the 12-Year Rye apart from its younger counterparts is its refined maturity. The sweetness from the extended aging process is complemented by a complexity that gives this rye a more sophisticated profile than the younger Bulleit Rye expressions. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: A sweet, inviting nose of warm caramel, honey, and citrus zest, with hints of pumpernickel bread, mint, and light oak. The aging brings out a bit of rickhouse funk and some earthy herbal notes that add depth to the rye character. 

Palate: On the tongue, it’s warm and smooth with plenty of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of peach. Cracked black pepper and bright citrus notes shine through, balanced by a drying oakiness that adds complexity without overshadowing the sweetness. A subtle espresso and roasted flavor builds toward the finish. 

Finish: A soft, lingering finish with hints of vanilla sweetness, gentle drying oak, and a faint kiss of espresso and roasted nuts. 

Proof: 92 

10. Sagamore Spirit 9 Year Rye 

This 2024 release represents a significant milestone for Sagamore Spirit, featuring their oldest age statement to date. While the Maryland brand has recently begun releasing rye whiskey distilled in-house, this particular expression showcases their masterful blending expertise with sourced whiskey from MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. What we particularly love about this release is its incredibly dense, viscous mouthfeel - even more pronounced than their excellent 2023 release.  

What makes this release particularly special is Sagamore's unique approach to blending. They combine two distinct mashbills: 

- A high-rye recipe consisting of 95% rye and 5% malted barley 

- A more balanced recipe with 51% rye, 45% corn, and 4% malted barley 

This combination allows them to capture both the bold spiciness of a high-rye mashbill and the sweeter, more rounded characteristics of a traditional Kentucky-style rye. Building on their well-received 8-year release from 2023, this 112.6- proof, 9-year expression demonstrates how an additional year of maturation can add remarkable depth and complexity. 

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Bursting with apricot and Juicy Fruit gum, followed by fresh waffle cones, nutmeg, and caramel sauce. 

Palate: Opens with unmistakable apricot notes and burnt orange peel, transitioning to cloves, brown sugar, and dark plums. 

Finish: Black pepper and fresh waffle cone, with lingering notes of cinnamon and cocoa powder. 

 2024: A Great Year for Rye Whiskey   

 2024 has been an exceptional year for rye whiskey enthusiasts. From innovative barrel finishes to traditionally crafted expressions, we're seeing incredible diversity in styles and flavors. Whether you're just starting your rye journey or you're a seasoned connoisseur, we believe these releases offer something for every palate and price point.