Ok...I've followed the OB discussion on bourbon...tried a few of the recommendations...

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/2906323/1

Last time I was in Specs I looked over the selection of rye whiskey. What's the OB opinion on rye whiskey? Can I get a decent bottle of rye for $30-$40?

What say the OB?.... Thx SW86

Watchlisted - was eyeballing angels envy rye the other day but couldn't pull the trigger on it without a taste or a recommendation from someone I trust.

Rittenhouse for a good value

My current favorite is Sagamore Spirit. Made in MD and owned by the Under Armour guy. It's a little sweeter than a typical rye.

My standby is Templeton. High West if/when I can find it.

Rye will do as long as it gets here quick

Bullet Rye is my go to for an Old Fashion. Watching... I have been wanting to try others but I do not drink enough to get something I do not like. Also, I need a gift for the BIL.

Rittenhouse bottles in bond.

100 proof, $25

Don't tell anyone.

Rittenhouse BIB $25
Sazerac $22-25
Pikesville. $45, but higher proof at 110

All three are readily available.

Angels Envy
Whistle Pig
Willet

Willett 3 year small batch. Tastes almost identical to the Angels Envy Rye and only $40

plowboy1065 said:

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Rye will do as long as it gets here quick

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The last rye I had was Mitcher's Straight Rye at a whisky bar in New Orleans. It was pretty tasty and nobody had to whack a surly bartender.

"Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago!"

Bone Bourbon from Smithville has a good amount of rye in it. It's pretty good for the price

I 2nd Whistle Pig!

FIL loves Pendleton 1910 and nothing else...

I have bought him a lot of other high dollars ryes(like whistle pig), and he always goes back to 1910.

Rye is my drink

I buy Bulleit for best bang for buck.
Every once in awhile one of the Michter's.
Most of the high end Ryes aren't worth it to me.

The Thomas Handy (high end from Sazerac) is one of my faves but almost impossible to find in bottles (sell to high end bars/restaurants)

Whistle Pig is often cheaper when at a bar (ex airport) so I'll drink it, but I don't buy bottles.

dr_boogs said:

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Watchlisted - was eyeballing angels envy rye the other day but couldn't pull the trigger on it without a taste or a recommendation from someone I trust.

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I bought some of the Angel's Envy Rye earlier this year. I'm a fan of their bourbon and was in my local store about to pick up a bottle of moderately priced Rye with which to drink with buddies. I saw the AE and said what the hell, the owner said I wouldn't be disappointed.

It's got a great flavor...some vanilla/creme brule (sp?) taste going on that is noticeable but not overpowering.

As I poured some over ice for me and a buddy we took a sip and his words were, "this bottle won't survive the night." It didn't.

Agree with Sazerac and Bulleit.

Also add Col. Taylor to your rye list. That one is really good.

I echo the Bulleit and Whistle Pig. Angel's Envy Rye will be my next buy, but haven't found it the few times I've looked.

Bulleit is my go to. So good I had to stop

Basil Hayden Rye

Excellent

There is already a rye thread on F&S. But I do like me some good rye. I hate WhistlePig for the record.

Smooth Ambler BP rye
Old ND Rye like Old Crow
Pikesville
Van Winkle
KY Owl Rye
TH Handy
AE
Old Overholt

It's goooooood

I forgot Booker's Rye. So good.

Angels envy helped me and a buddy get through Harvey with three families at my house.

AE is fantastic, but much pricier at around $70 or so per bottle. Poster above described the flavor perfectly.

Really like Knob Creek rye as well and it's around $35-40 per bottle.

Thought I'd give y'all a follow up.

Ran by Specs and picked up a few bottles to try.
Bulleit
Rittenhouse B in B
Knob Creek
(Bulleit and Knob Creek were on sale)

Enjoyed a few old fashioneds and some on the rocks. Pretty smooth and a little different than bourbon.

Appreciate the recommendations OB!
SW86

redass1876 said:

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Willett 3 year small batch. Tastes almost identical to the Angels Envy Rye and only $40

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Picked up a bottle of Willet last week. Don't have much experience w rye. If it represents ryes well, I think I'll enjoy them more than bourbon. The Willet isn't as sweet to me and has a little more spice and flavor on the back end. Not sure if it's a good observation, but it seems to be a whiskey that is halfway between scotch and bourbon on the spice/sweetness scale,, with the best qualities of both? It is really good, thanks for the recommendation.

Pikesville is my favorite. Same thing as the Rittenhouse, but aged longer. Both are Heaven Hill.

One that I have not seen listed and /r/bourbon likes is http://www.hochstadtersvattedrye.com/ I have a few bottles and it is great for the price. I can only find it at total wine though.

High West rendezvous rye is also great.

Wild Turkey 101

Wild Turkey 101 Rye if you want a little more Rye

So I ran through a large bottle of Bulleit pretty quick. It makes a good sazerac and a damn fine Boulevardier, especially if you add a Luxardo cherry and a couple drops of the syrup. It's also good enough to drink neat. I'm not as much of a fan of the Knob Creek rye. It makes a good cocktail, but neat that "raw cereal" flavor comes through too much.
I'm going shopping Saturday and I'll see what other recs here I can find.

SharkinAg said:

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Bulleit is my go to. So good I had to stop

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Same boat my friend. A couple of years ago, I was going through it WAY too quickly. Like a bottle a week quickly.
Coincided with my time binging Mad Men. Must've gone through 15 bottles by myself in a three month span.

Michters is great stuff.
Sazerac is only good for mixers. Do not like it as a stand alone rye.
Whistle Pig is fantastic.
Basil Hayden's is fantastic.
Ranger Creeks .44 rye was surprisingly good
Willet Single Barrell is outstanding
Templeton is pretty good

https://www.thedailybeast.com/your-craft-whiskey-is-probably-from-a-factory-distillery-in-indiana