Rye whiskey

Rye whiskey is distilled from a mash containing predominantly rye, in the USA at least 51 percent. The rye gives the spirit a spicy, peppery, often slightly austere note that sets it apart from sweeter bourbon.

In the USA, straight rye matures in new charred oak barrels like bourbon. Canada also uses the term rye, but there it often denotes blended whisky that does not necessarily contain rye. Rye whiskey is a classic ingredient in cocktails such as the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.