I’m going to say something rather bold here: rye is the most exciting grain to explore and taste after malted barley. It offers an incredible range of styles, whether you’re looking for something classically spicy and minty or a dram rich with cherry and chocolate. Rye can do it all.

That said, it also divides whisky drinkers. You could say rye is to grains what peat is to scotch—some people love it, while others just don’t. I’m lucky enough to enjoy it all, so here’s a list of my personal favorites. They vary in price but all offer exceptional value for money.

Elijah Craig Straight Rye

BUY NOW: $20

The new kid on the block! Elijah Craig has been teasing the idea of a rye whiskey for ages, and now it’s finally here. With a mash bill of 51% rye, 35% corn, and 14% malted barley, this is a gentle take on rye—typical of Kentucky—but still delivers that buttery sweetness and spice you’d expect.

Baking spices like cinnamon and clove are prominent in this bottling, while the toasted vanilla notes from the regular Elijah Craig Small Batch remain. If you’re already a fan of the brand, this is well worth picking up for a slightly different flavor profile.

Jack Daniel’s Straight Rye

BUY NOW: $24

A true contender for one of the best value bottles in the world. I’m a fan of Jack Daniel’s—both the classic No. 7 and this rye have been staples in my house for as long as I can remember, simply because they’re good. They’re famous for a reason, and that reason isn’t poor quality—it’s quite the opposite.

When this rye was launched at 45% ABV with a mash bill of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, it set a new standard for what an affordable high-rye whiskey could be—especially from a distillery with such a solid core range and room to expand.

It still carries those classic Jack Daniel’s banana bread notes, but the rye adds layers of chocolate, spiced grain, and baked fruit, making it perfect for sipping as autumn sets in. Too many people get caught up in whether a brand name guarantees quality. I say, just try it—someone’s bound to have a bottle open for you to form your own opinion.

Sagamore Spirit Cask Strength Rye

BUY NOW: $55

This isn’t the first bottle where we’ll discuss sourced stock, but if the whiskey is good, does it really matter? Sagamore has crafted a sweeter style of rye by blending two different mash bills sourced from an Indiana distillery.

Maryland rye is a celebrated style in its own right, but Sagamore leans a little sweeter than a brand like Pikesville. While Pikesville—now owned by Heaven Hill and produced in Kentucky—stays true to its original style better than many acquired brands, Sagamore is the choice for those who want more decadence in their rye whiskey.

This barrel-strength release is intense, yet it bursts with notes of brown sugar, baked fruits, cherry, fresh pastry, and distinct spices. A truly indulgent experience.

Stoll & Wolfe Kindred Spirits 7 Year Old Single Barrel Rye

BUY NOW: $80

Strap in—this is essentially the story of American whiskey in a few short sentences. Dick Stoll began as an apprentice distiller under Jim Beam’s grandnephew in Pennsylvania, specifically at the old Michter’s Distillery. With that knowledge, he went on to create one of the most legendary distilleries in American history: A.H. Hirsch Reserve.

As bourbon and whiskey declined in the 1980s and early ’90s, Michter’s closed and was eventually repositioned in Kentucky. But with the resurgence of craft distilling over the past decade, Dick Stoll made a comeback. Though he sadly passed away in 2020, his name now graces these bottles, ensuring his legacy lives on.

The whiskey isn’t bad either! Initially believed to be sourced from MGP in Indiana, the liquid truly stands out. With a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, it drips with honey, tobacco, lemon zest, and gentle winter spices. All bottled at a remarkable cask strength, with a huge finish to match.

F.E.W Immortal Rye Whiskey

BUY NOW: $38

Now onto one of my favorite distilleries in the world—F.E.W. Based in Evanston, Illinois, and led by one of the greatest people I’ve ever met, Paul Hletko, this distillery consistently produces standout whiskey.

Here, we have a straight rye whiskey infused with 8 Immortals Oolong Tea. You wouldn’t believe the incredible flavor combination that rye and tea can create together. F.E.W Rye has always leaned slightly toward a bourbon-like profile, even with its 70% rye mash bill. It’s naturally creamy, with notes of honey and toffee. The tea infusion adds a subtle smokiness and a gently sweet, herbal depth that pairs beautifully with the rye.

This is a steal stateside, though a bit pricier in the UK—but either way, it’s an outstanding addition to any spirits cabinet.

Read the full article at The Best Value Ryes In 2025