Help Me Choose My Next Rye

[Yalc]

I just finished my first bottle of rye, Wild Turkey 101. I really enjoyed it, a lot! However, I want to try another before going back to WT. Should I go with Russell's Reserve or Baby Saz? I don't want to spend more right now and that is pretty much what is available to me locally. I know RR is Wild Turkey branded so is there that much of a difference?

Thanks for the help.

[cowdery]

Baby Saz or Rittenhouse, and don't shy away from Jim Beam Rye. It's the best-selling rye in the country by a long shot.

[mrviognier]

Definitely go for the Baby Saz.

[MarkEdwards]

I just finished my first bottle of rye, Wild Turkey 101. I really enjoyed it, a lot! However, I want to try another before going back to WT. Should I go with Russell's Reserve or Baby Saz? I don't want to spend more right now and that is pretty much what is available to me locally. I know RR is Wild Turkey branded so is there that much of a difference?

Thanks for the help.

I'm fond of both the Rittenhouse and the Baby Saz, too.

[Enoch]

I really like the 'old" Old Overholt with the dark bottle and the tan label. When I can find it I always pick up a few and keep several in my bunker. Don't care for the new stuff though. For a young artisan rye I love Catoctin Creek Roundstone. Rittenhouse and Saz are good though. Don't care for the Beam stuff. Still has the Beam yeast flavor.

[HP12]

Baby Saz won't disappoint!

[Parkersback]

If you want to try a "bourbon drinker's rye", as Jason Pyle rightly calls it, bet $20 on Rittenhouse BIB and you will not be disappointed. It's pecan pie in a bottle.

[Ian S.]

If you want to try a "bourbon drinker's rye", as Jason Pyle rightly calls it, bet $20 on Rittenhouse BIB and you will not be disappointed. It's pecan pie in a bottle.

[SMOWK]

If you want to try a "bourbon drinker's rye", as Jason Pyle rightly calls it, bet $20 on Rittenhouse BIB and you will not be disappointed. It's pecan pie in a bottle.

[fussybitch]

Rittenhouse BIB is probably my favorite Rye in the sub $25 range.

[trumpstylz]

Yeah i second what chuck said plus maybe the overholt (if they ever raise the proof back up). If I had to pick one I'd say rittenhouse bonded or baby saz (close 2nd).

[Brisko]

I just finished my first bottle of rye, Wild Turkey 101. I really enjoyed it, a lot! However, I want to try another before going back to WT. Should I go with Russell's Reserve or Baby Saz? I don't want to spend more right now and that is pretty much what is available to me locally. I know RR is Wild Turkey branded so is there that much of a difference?

Thanks for the help.

I would say there is a big difference between the 101 and the RR. It's not just the same juice, 2 years older and lower proof, it's an entirely different profile-- in my opinion, anyway. I like them both but for different reasons.

I'd say go for Baby Saz.

[White Dog]

Baby Saz or Rittenhouse, and don't shy away from Jim Beam Rye. It's the best-selling rye in the country by a long shot.

I would try the Beam at a bar before purchasing a full bottle. McDonald's is the nation's leading restaurant, but so what?

[Brisko]

I would try the Beam at a bar before purchasing a full bottle. McDonald's is the nation's leading restaurant, but so what?

Plus I suspect Overholt and Beam are identical today... I can't tell them apart, anyway. So if someone were desperate to try rye from the House of Beam, I'd say go for Overholt at 2/3 the price.

[White Dog]

Plus I suspect Overholt and Beam are identical today... I can't tell them apart, anyway. So if someone were desperate to try rye from the House of Beam, I'd say go for Overholt at 2/3 the price.

I agree. I also second your thoughts on Turkey vs. RR.

[BourbonKiller]

My Favorite sipping Rye Whiskey's that I like to drink neat are:

1. Thomas H Handy

2. Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 yr old

3. Sazerac 18

4. Rittenhouse BIB

5. Everything else I have tried is not a drink it neat sipping Rye whiskey for me (RI 1, Russells Reserve, Turkey 101, etc.)

[cowdery]

My suggestion would be to try one from each house before doubling up.

The taste profiles of Beam Rye and Overholt are similar but, again, Pick one. Picking the cheaper one is certainly appropriate.

[thezenone]

I always stock up on baby Saz when it's available. Good neat, and my go to rye for an Old Fashioned. Won't disappoint. When you have a little more money to spend I would also recommend the Double Rye and Rendevous Rye from High West.

[Yalc]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I think I will try one of each and work my way up the ladder. I haven't seen Rittenhouse in South Florida but am sure curious now.

[Enoch]

Plus I suspect Overholt and Beam are identical today... I can't tell them apart, anyway. So if someone were desperate to try rye from the House of Beam, I'd say go for Overholt at 2/3 the price.

This is why I like the "old" Old Overholt vs the Beam stuff.

[jmpyle]

In my opinion Old Overholt is a tired, diluted, and watery rye. To me it's in dire need of some help, namely more proof. It's become a real ho hum whiskey to my tastes especially when, for a little more you can get Rittenhouse BIB, Sazerac, Russell's Reserve Rye, and a number of others you all have named.

[timd]

If you want to try a Beam product - go for R(1), as long as it's around $23. Used to be a "premium mixer" drink - $40+, but that didn't work, so no it's on sale everywhere. Saw it at Specs for $19.99.

Baby Saz is where it's at for the under $30 range. Rittenhouse BIB is a close 2nd, and usually $5-$7 cheaper.

Russel's Reserve can range from low $20's to mid $30's - at the $25 range it's a steal. Very smooth, rich, wintergreen and rye flavors. More "elegant" than in your face. Very different from the WT 101 Rye (which is among my faves).

If you can find Bulleit Rye at the right price, it's fun - tastes almost the same as Redemption Rye. Templeton is essentially the same, but costs a bit more and is much harder to find - I think it's a bit older, too (I prefer it, but hard to come by and usually low $30's). All made by LDI in Indiana.

Pikesville & Rittenhouse (non BIB) are, essentially, the same thing. Along with old Overcoat & Beam, they make up the bottom shelf of Ryes - but some people do like them - at well under $20, they are worth at least trying once (maybe not the Beam... sorry, just don't like it much).

About the most inclusive list of Rye's on the market is found here (obvious omissions are there, but not many...):

http://www.thepartysource.com/express/results.php?t=t2&s=RYE+WHISKEY

[Bourbon Boiler]

I like the WT rye as well as any of the ryes mentioned here. I'm not a fan of the Baby Saz, but I can't put my finger on why. I think it has a good peppery finish like a good rye should have, but the initial taste doesn't suit my tastes well.

If you have access to the Michigan or Chicago market, you might investigate "Old George" from the Grand Traverse (micro) Distillery. It runs about $40, but I found it to be very good. It is available at Binny's if your state is on the list for shipping.

[bigtoys]

van Winkle--hard to find

Whistlepig

Bulleit--hey, their bourbon is high in rye. I liked the rye at Binny's Whiskey night before WhiskeyFest

[Chris24]

Second for Whistle Pig.

Also I love Templeton.