Rye whiskey, once the dominant spirit in the United States, faced a decline in popularity over the decades. With the arrival of Prohibition in the 1920s, bootleggers turned to corn-based bourbon and moonshine, leaving rye behind. The end of Prohibition in 1933 did not bring back the once-proud rye whiskey market, instead, cheap Canadian whiskeys claiming to be ryes flooded the market. This led to rye whiskey being relegated to bottom-shelf status. However, the resurgence of the cocktail and craft distilling scene in the new millennium has sparked a revival of this iconic whiskey.
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Spirits World,” has played a significant role in identifying the finest spirits globally since 2000. The competition brings together esteemed judges to blind taste test various spirits, awarding double gold medals to the finest bottles. Among these top-notch spirits, a select group of finalists are chosen for Best in Class Awards. This year, five bottles are vying for the Best in Class Rye Whiskey Award.
Situated in Cleveland, Ohio, the River Roots Barrel Company focuses on producing high-quality American whiskeys that cater to modern drinkers while honoring traditional techniques. Their Straight Rye Whiskey impressed the judges with its flavors of cinnamon, clove, vanilla, and caramel.
Tumblin’ Dice, known for its innovative blends of whiskey, was recognized once again for its Curated Small Batch Straight Rye Whiskey. Created by industry legend Dave Schmier, this whiskey exhibited notes of dried fruit, spice, caramel, and vanilla.
Dark Arts Whiskey House in Lexington, Kentucky, utilizes unique maturation and blending techniques to craft exceptional spirits. Their Straight Rye Whiskey, finished with toasted Amburana Oak staves, stood out to the judges due to its complexity and aromatic nature.
Launched in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has quickly gained a devoted following. Their Toasted Straight Rye Whiskey, noted for its sweetness and notes of honey, vanilla, and spice, showcases the innovative approaches and high-quality ingredients of this new whiskey brand.
Hailing from Daufuskie Island in South Carolina, Tabby Road is a newcomer to the whiskey scene. Their high-proof Single Barrel Rye delivers bold and intense flavors, emphasizing the spicy and robust characteristics rye whiskey is known for.
The revival of rye whiskey is evident in the plethora of new and exciting bottles hitting store shelves and gracing cocktail menus. The five standout bottles competing for the Best in Class Rye Whiskey Award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition are a testament to the quality and innovation driving this resurgence. As more distilleries embrace rye whiskey and experiment with unique techniques, the future looks bright for this historic and flavorful spirit.