American Rye
ReferenceKentucky, Indiana, New York, Maryland
Famous For
Manhattan
Whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters. The cocktail that built the cocktail bar.
Sazerac
New Orleans named it the official cocktail of the city in 2008 but it had been running the town since the 1850s.
Vieux Carré
Rye and cognac split-base stirred with vermouth and Benedictine. The Quarter's finest export.
Tasting Notes
Black pepper, baking spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg), rye bread, dried cherry, caramel, oak, mint, dill, dark honey. High-rye mashbills (95%+) lean herbaceous and peppery. Kentucky ryes are rounder; Pennsylvania/Maryland ryes lean drier.
Brand Guide
Old Overholt ($18-22)
Rittenhouse Bonded, Sazerac ($25-35)
Pikesville 110, Knob Creek Rye ($38-50)
WhistlePig 10yr, Michter's Single Barrel ($55+). Rittenhouse Bonded is the industry standard