Which Whiskey and how is it made? Part 2 Rye: Copycat with a twist
I am not going to bore you by recounting my last blog entirely. Rye is exactly like bourbon except the mash bill is 51% rye as opposed to corn. Aside from that, it follows the same rules as bourbon. So why would I waste my time by dedicating a blog to rye? Because it is delicious and it’s not bourbon.
Unlike bourbon, American Rye was mainly produced in Pittsburgh, PA from the late 1700 until prohibition. Sorry, Kentucky. However, Prohibition hit the rye industry in PA hard, and afterward, Kentucky stole Pennsylvania’s mantel. It’s okay PA, you still have Dutch apple pie and Hershey park. However, Kentucky is going to have to work hard to maintain its hold on rye with micro distilleries popping up across the country. Rye does not need to age as long as bourbon. This spicy whiskey is typically ready for bottling after only two or three years of aging, as opposed to four or more. This appeals to many new distillers. Most successful businessmen will agree money is important for a successful business. Starting out by distilling rye can bring in initial revenue while the new distiller is waiting on the bourbon to age. It also gives you something to drink while you wait on the bourbon to be done. This is probably why I would not do well as a distiller; I would have to constantly remind myself to sell my product.
Rye appeals to drinkers for several reasons, but mostly it’s the spicy flavor. It is a perfect transition whiskey for scotch drinkers looking to make the switch to bourbon, and the other way around. It still maintains the sweetness of bourbon and incorporates some of the spice and heat of scotch. It is my personal favorite cocktail whiskey. The flavor is the perfect for shaking up that Old Fashion or Manhattan. Possibly one of the most appealing aspects of rye is it is typically less expensive. The price makes it the perfect whiskey for kicking up your feet and relaxing at the end of the day, or impressing your friends with your mad cocktail skills. Speaking of which, I think I’m late for my yoga class. Cheers!
Which Whiskey and how is it made? Part 1 Bourbon: divine intervention or happy accident?