What's a good Rye?

[Maddog918]

Can anyone tell me about Rye whiskey? I've never tasted a straight rye. Is it smooth, rough or what?

What is a good Rye for a novice?

Brian

[funknik]

For a novice, Jim Beam Rye or Old Overholt. Sazerac rye (in the cowboy bottle) is very good, but a little more complex....the Beam is cheap and very sippable at 80 proof.

If you want to jump right into the good hard stuff, try Wild Turkey Rye 101 or the Sazerac.

[sku]

For me, the key to rye is spice, that spicy taste that is imparted by rye grains. It can be sharp and spice-cabinet like or subtle with just a whisp of spicyness.

As a starter, I'd suggest Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Sazerac Rye or the more subtle Rittenhouse 100, all of which are pretty affordable.

I'm not a fan of Beam ryes, which I think are overly sweet, though I haven't had the basic Beam yellow label rye.

[mozilla]

If you're a novice...80 proof is the way to go. It won't blow your ears off and burn your pallet. When 80 proofers start to become soft...move up the ladder.

I would suggest some heavy ryed bourbons to work your way that direction. Such as: Old Forester and Wild Turkey.

For ryes: Wild Turkey makes a robust drink with their rye. The RR rye is a little more sophisticated with a little less proof.
Sazerac is very unique..it has a lot of cinnimon.
Overholt and Beam are not on the top of my list but are not bad places for the unannitiated to begin.
Don't waste your money on anything over $25 until you try these first.
Cheers!

[Maddog918]

Thanks guys,
That gives me something to work with.

[mgilbertva]

Not to be disagreeable, but I've seen too many bad reviews of Jim Beam rye to be comfortable recommending it. The Old Overholt, even though it's also made by Beam if I'm not mistaken, seems to be better received. My impression is it's a soft, unchallenging rye with nice floral notes. Moderately sweet and pleasant.

However, I have to say that the Rittenhouse Rye BIB is by far the best low cost Rye out there. Rich, nice body and spice, it's easily worth 25% or even 50% more than the price they charge. I've seen it for around $18-$21, although it is difficult to find. Worth looking for, however. I know you said you're a novice, and the BIB is 100 proof, but I wouldn't let that stop you.

[SBOmarc]

Agree with the Rittenhouse choice. It's a Gem, a score, a find.

Neat, or on one cube.

[mozilla]

There is also an 80 proof Rittenhouse...if the 100 might be too powerful.

And Mark is correct...the Beam ryes leave alot to be desired in the flavor catagory.

[Slob]

Skip the Beam. Go with the Rittenhouse BIB.

[squire]

Brian, the Rittenhouse BIB is my first choice both to start with and stay with. If you find the 100 proof too strong just add water or mixer.