What are you looking for?

[p_elliott]

From reading some of the post on here I maybe confused as to what people are looking for in a rye whiskey. I like the pizazz of WT101 rye it's just got a zing to it. But I read where some like the Templeton's which I find very mellow it's good but mellow. Others like the WT RR rye which taste like rye bread to me I haven't decided if I like this or not. I've had samples of other ryes thanks Tony that I liked very much. But I just got to thinking maybe I'm not getting the rye whiskey concept. So tell me what are you looking for in a rye whiskey maybe I'm searching in the wrong direction.

[mozilla]

WT rye 101 is exactly what I want in a rye whisky. The RR rye is the same exact whisky with a couple extra years of aging, lower proof and chill filtered. I don't really go for it(RRr) because I believe the filtering takes too much of the edge off. Plus, the price is higher and proof lower...which is taking things in the wrong direction, IMO.

The Beam family of ryes is a non-factor in my rye purchases these days.

The Sazerac family of ryes are good, but a little overpriced and contain a little too much cinnimon for my pallet.

I would like to see Rittenhouse Bib become a nationwide brand. I think that many would enjoy it's flavors...unless they just changed the flavor. I have not had a new bottle in a few years. It's a great label at a great price.

It would also be nice to have a few overproof ryes to choose from. Something in the 7/107 or 8/114 range.

[DowntownD]

based largely on suggestions here, the VWFRR (i) bottling and Baby Saz were my very first Ryes, and each instantly became staples for me and my bar and my whiskey drinking friends.

I never had much in mind going into it, having little idea of what to expect, and I really wasn't looking for anything in particular other than great whiskey - which I experienced in both.

what I did find surprised me, in the sense that rather than looking for something from/in the Ryes, the VWFRR redefined what I was looking for from my whiskey - pretty much in all regards.

I could hardly design a taste and texture and experience more suited to my palette than the VWFRR; it is, to me and to date, the finest whiskey to ever touch my lips and body (and dare I say soul). I honestly feel lucky to have discovered it, and have SB.com to thank.

only now am I seeking out more Ryes, and right or wrong, they will all be compared to the Baby Saz and the VWFRR - which are two of my benchmarks for not only great Rye but simply great whiskey...

oddly enough, though I do love these Ryes, when it comes to my Bourbon I'm much more a wheater guy - preferring Wellers and Van Winkles and such by a long shot. I don't really understand it, but it's a clear pattern in my tastes to far. go figure.

not exactly what you were asking, but close enough to share I hope.

[kickert]

oddly enough, though I do love these Ryes, when it comes to my Bourbon I'm much more a wheater guy - preferring Wellers and Van Winkles and such by a long shot. I don't really understand it, but it's a clear pattern in my tastes to far. go figure.

I am the same way... My two regular pours are Ritt BIB and Weller 12

[sailor22]

Someone has to mention Handy so I'll give it a try.

I like most Rye's a lot - particularly VWFR and both Saz and the Antique Saz - but when I tasted the '08 Handy I was really impressed. It was a "THAT"S what I'm talking about!" moment for me. While I don't look at the quality Ryes as better or worse - only different - I can say that for my palate the Handy with it's sharp bold flavors and balanced spiceyness is really what I'm looking for from a good Rye.

ET Lee and RHF are my go to favorite pours - easy and sweet - the Handy is in the opposite direction.

I think the sharper Ryes add another dimension to Whiskey - and it's much appreciated.

[ILLfarmboy]

It really depends on what I'm in the mood for. I like WT Rye when I want something aggressive and Sazerac Rye when I want something easy drinking. When I want something aggressive and complex I like Handy.

The only rye that truly reminded me of rye bread was Saz 18, which reminded me of toasted and lightly buttered pumpernickel.

[squire]

Van Winkle 12 year old Family Reserve was about the best one I've had.

[Virus_Of_Life]

Great thread.

Van Winkle 12 year old Family Reserve was about the best one I've had.

Amen brother! I only recently was able to acquire a bottle of the ORVW Old Time Rye, I assume that is the one you're referring to, 12 year old; and I am on the cusp of declaring it the greatest whiskey to ever cross my pallate! So there is no confusion Squire I've attached a photo. The family reserve was the 13 year old, and I am sure the early editions were very similar to the Old Time as from what I have been able to turn up in my research the first few editions of FR and OTR were both Medley Rye, then at some point the FR was mingled with the COK Rye and stored in stainless.

As to Rye in general I agree with a lot here. I probably go for the more agressive flavors most, which is probably why I rave less about the Saz18/VWFRR13/Etc. that are obviously all from the some lineage. Don't get me wrong they are all great whiskeys, but since tasting the first Barrel that Dougdog bottled as Willett those others just haven't stood up quite as well - Kudos to Doug and the Bay Area group that chose it! Back to agressive flavors, I was a huge fan of Baby Saz when it first came out and liked it's raw herby flavors. When Handy hit, I was a freak off the leash! I drank it too much too often and was hung frequently because of it. I still love it, and the baby, and if there is a bottle within reach it is a sure thing that I'll be drinking it. I also like WT Rye, it like Baby saz is perfect for a shot with a beer. I think I love the ORVW OTR so much because it has that aggresiveness with a little more balance and the nose on it just blows me away.

[Virus_Of_Life]

WT rye 101 is exactly what I want in a rye whisky. The RR rye is the same exact whisky with a couple extra years of aging, lower proof and chill filtered.

Curious Jeff, where did you find that the 101 isn't chill filtered?

[mozilla]

All Wild Turkey products bottled at less than 100 proof are chill filtered. Jimmy doesn't want them to cloud up in case they get cold.

source: Jimmy Russell