Ultimate Rye Whiskey Shopping Guide

April 4, 2025

Rye whiskey is making a major comeback, but its varying definitions can be confusing. In the U.S., rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye and aged in new, charred oak barrels. Meanwhile, Canadian rye whisky has no specific grain requirements, focusing instead on blending, which has led to a looser interpretation of what qualifies as rye. This distinction, along with an emergence of rye whisky distillers in Europe, has sparked global interest in rye whiskey. Use this ultimate rye whiskey shopping guide as an exploration of top rated options from around the world. Remember to add your favorites to  you Distiller wishlist!

Best Buys

Best American Rye

Best Canadian Rye

Cocktail Time

Best Rye for Cocktails

Deeper Dive

Regional Styles of American Rye

American vs Canadian Rye

European Rye Whisky


With Distiller, you’ll always know what’s in the bottle before you spend a cent. Rate, Review and Discover spirits! Head on over to Distiller, or download the app for iOS and Android today!

You may also like...