Rye Whiskey

Before Prohibition, rye whiskey was king of the American bar. It must contain at least 51% rye grain, which gives it a spicier, drier character compared to bourbon’s sweetness. That bite is exactly what makes a proper Manhattan or Sazerac sing — the spice stands up to sweet vermouth and bitters without getting lost. Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond is a bartender favorite for the price, while Bulleit Rye and Wild Turkey 101 Rye are easy to find everywhere. If a pre-Prohibition cocktail recipe calls for whiskey, it almost certainly means rye.

Last modified on October 15, 2026