The World’s Best Value Rye Whiskey According To Top International Competitions

Rye whiskey has been the fastest growing category of American whiskey over the last decade. Here are 20 rye whiskeys that retail for under $55 and have consistently won gold or higher awards at multiple international spirit competitions. Below is a brief description and tasting note for each rye whiskey.

Sagamore Spirit American Straight Rye Whiskey, $39

San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), Gold; International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), Gold; World Whiskies Awards (WWA), Gold; International Spirits Challenge (ISC), Gold; New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC), Gold.

The rye whiskey features winter spices, orange oil, candied walnuts, and vanilla cream. The finish is warm, with brown sugar and a hint of wet brush.

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey, $41

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features dark fruit, cinnamon, and sourdough, with floral honey and burnt orange on the palate. The finish is herbal, with spices and tobacco.

Middle West Spirits Dark Pumpernickel Straight Rye Whiskey, $48

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey exhibits dark pumpernickel rye bread, caraway, cinnamon, and oolong tea. The palate is balanced, with herbal, spicy, and sweet notes.

New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, $47

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

New Riff is a high-rye mash bill whiskey with distinctive notes of black pepper, spice, mint, and caramel. The finish is warming, with hints of oak and herbs.

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey, $33

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features dried apricot, clove, and honey notes, with a hint of spice. It’s smooth and easy to drink, with a long finish.

Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey 100 Proof, $27

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The Old Forester rye whiskey exhibits baked bread, vanilla, citrus, and floral notes, with bold spice balanced by sweetness.

New York Distilling 3 YO Ragtime Rye, $44

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features aromas of toasted grain, caramel, and spice. The palate is rich, with pronounced vanilla and baking spice notes.

Michter’s US*1 Single barrel Straight Rye Whiskey, $48

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey exhibits black pepper, vanilla, and honey notes, with a balanced, sweet, and spicy finish.

Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, $28

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey is fruity with cocoa, orange juice, and baking spice notes, followed by light hints of dried bananas and peaches.

Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey, $42

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; Los Angeles ISC (LAISC), Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features a mix of sweet and spicy flavors, with cinnamon and nutmeg leading into a creamy finish with hints of cherry.

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, $30

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The Sazerac rye whiskey features spicy cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and lingering pepper notes, with an underlying candied citrus zest/marmalade sweetness.

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, $39

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; LAISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features cinnamon, dried cherries, and apple pie aromas, with creamy baking spices and dark chocolate on the palate.

Woody Creek Distiller’s Straight Rye Whiskey, $52

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features oak, honey, and white pepper notes, balanced with caramel and fresh pine wood aromas.

James E. Pepper, 1776 Straight Rye Whiskey, $33

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey is sweet with floral notes, hints of dark chocolate and cinnamon, and a bold, high-proof finish.

Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey, $22

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; LAISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

A classic rye whiskey with flavors of cinnamon, leather, and vanilla, and a long and smooth finish.

George Dickel Rye Whiskey, $25

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; NYISC, Gold; ISC, Gold.

The Dickel rye whiskey features vanilla, marshmallow, spice, with a balanced, flavorful smoothness.

Bulleit 95 Small Batch American Straight Rye Mash Whiskey, $32

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold, NYISC, Gold.

A high rye content whiskey Bulleit offers a spicy and peppery kick, complemented by honey and vanilla notes.

Knob Creek Small Batch Patiently Aged Straight Rye Whiskey, $38

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts, with a rich and complex finish.

Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, $32

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The rye whiskey features dark chocolate, dried chili, honey sweetness, and oak notes and a long flavorful finish.

Rabbit Hole Boxergrail Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, $53

SFWSC, Gold; IWSC, Gold; WWA, Gold; ISC, Gold; NYISC, Gold.

The Rabbit Hole rye whiskey features meaty notes of spicy pork stew, fresh peaches, cream soda, and white pepper, with a chewing tobacco and cedar finish.

These whiskeys have all been recognized for their quality and excellence, winning awards at prestigious competitions like the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, IWSC, and World Whiskies Awards. They represent exceptional value and quality for highly medaled rye whiskey retailing, on average, for under $55.