Rye is a whiskey perhaps best known as the backbone of cocktails like the Manhattan, Sazerac and Old-Fashioned, however the last few decades has seen it re-gain traditional ground over bourbon and Tennessee whiskey as a standalone spirit. Among the more fanatical of the recent protagonists are the team behind Whistle Pig. First released in the summer of 2010 to great critical acclaim, their rye received 96 points from Wine Enthusiast, the highest rating ever for a rye whiskey, as well as a “highest recommendation” from Spirits Journal, plus accolades from The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Forbes, Maxim, Imbibe Magazine, and many others. For Australian rye whiskey enthusiasts, it became one the most awaited releases of the year. The key figure behind production is David Pickerell. Fourteen years Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky, a luminary of whiskey knowledge and one of the nation’s pre-eminent distillers, he arrived at Whistle Pig with a simple objective: To create the world's finest rye. "You cannot get more flavour in whiskey than you can with rye" , enthuses Pickerell. "The bad news? From a business standpoint, it takes longer to age rye whiskey. Rye is stubborn and robust. It has spicy character, and a dark, rich flavour. To attain its signature smoothness, rye must be aged (a minimum of 9 years is ideal). Rye isn’t sweet. In fact, it contains less sugar than any other grain. The challenges involved in producing rye whiskey are many. But when handled properly, there is no comparison." Pickerell illustrates the difference between rye and bourbon in food terms. "Think of the sweet flavour of a fluorescent yellow cornbread that you nosh with BBQ" , he explains. "Now imagine the earthy, spicy, powerfully brooding flavour of rye bread or pumpernickel used at a gourmet sandwich shop". These differences that express themselves in bread also come across through the distillation process. We tend to agree. Pure, aged rye tends to be more flavourful and complex than almost any corn-based whiskey. Rye is also conducive to sustainable agriculture. It grows densely enough to exclude weeds, keeping the need for herbicides to a minimum, and it's an excellent scavenger of soil-bound nitrogen, rendering heavy fertilisation unnecessary. Up until recently, Whistle Pig's rye was been distilled and matured in Western Canada (reputedly sourced from the Alberta Premium distillery), then bottled in Vermont, making them a ‘non-distiller producer’ or NDP like Willett, Jefferson's or Angel's Envy. In the summer of 2014, after a three year legal process, the company finally obtained a permit to construct a farm-style distillery, with all the rye grown on site. They continue to use new American Oak or early use bourbon barrels for all their maturation. Retasted September 2020... Opens with orange zest developing aromas of oily rye, cumin, peppermint and anise ending with grainstore, new leather, vanilla and chocolate box. A full and oily attack; muddled mint and herbal tones combine with chewy grains; white pepper builds through the finish. Leaves you with peaches and cream. Oily, delicious, vibrant and long. Delivers the mouthfeel of a single malt while maintaining the distinctive qualities of rye. 50% Alc./Vol. First tasted February 2015 [20ml sample] Bright gold. Somewhat muted with vanilla accents... more definitive aromas of rye bread and cigar box follow. Relatively sweet and sedate; juicy rye is beautifully harmonised with the oak. Love the texture. Fabulous balance. Cedar and cigar box, then hints of peppermint through the aftertaste. 93 points

Taken from the centre-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton's Original was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton's family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world's first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet with citrus and oak. A creamy vanilla nose features hints of nuts, caramel, orange and light chocolate. Blanton's Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons. Best served neat or on the rocks.

Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 16 year old is aged for 16 years in a combination of Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon-seasoned casks, then matured for several months in port wine barrels. The unique maturation process gives this single malt its distinct notes of juicy fruits, nuts and spice, as well as a hint of ruby redness. Its best enjoyed neat or over ice.

Paul Hletko, who launched 'Few Spirits' in 2011 is a man in pursuit of flavour. Hence, his new micro distillery is perhaps best defined by what it doesn't make - vodka. His delicious White Whiskey, which we tasted in 2014, was a positive sign of things to come. His barrel aged whiskeys (Bourbon and Rye) hit the Australian market soon after, and just got better and better. In the 2021 Bourbon you can smell and taste the impact of extra age and experience. Flavours are more integrated and confidently defined, the texture creamier and richer, particularly at the finish where lashings of vanilla malt and dark chocolate coat the tongue. High quality American oak adds a fine astringency to the finish as minor grains peek through, though rye is most salient. Combining length, balance, body and persistence, it's no stretch to say this is a step up from many a Kentuckian. 46.5 Alc./Vol. From a mash bill of 70% Corn, 20% Northern Rye and 10% 2-row malt.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a Barrel Proof Bourbon, meaning no water is added to reduce the level of alcohol during the bottling process. This method captures its rich pure Bourbon flavour. Medium to full-bodied with a nose of spring flowers balanced by a touch of black pepper and almonds.

Michters is Americas first distilling company, dating back to 1753 when they started out making rye whiskey. They take a Cost Be Damned approach to the production of every barrel, using various methods including air drying their barrels for 36 months, toasting the barrels before charring them, using a low barrel-entry strength, heat cycling to encourage ageing during the winter. This Rye is a brilliant whiskey with fresh spice notes and a lingering soft finish.

Rich gold in colour, Wild Turkey Kentucky Spirit displays rich aromas of fruit, smooth caramel and delectable hints of spice and pepper. Vanilla, toffee and oak swim on the palate with a dry, citrus finish. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Knob Creek is bourbon the way it used to be. Long-aged, big-flavoured straight bourbons restoring the standards of pre-prohibition whiskey. The 9 Year Old Kentucky Straight is the original, still made in small batches to exacting standards Booker Noe - father of the small batch movement over two decades ago, had envisioned. Crafted in limited quantities the bourbon is undeniably big, capturing your senses with a maple sugar aroma, distinctive sweetness and a rich, oaky, caramel flavour with a full and smooth finish. Great for a classic whiskey cocktail for sipping on the rocks.

Jack Daniel's Single Barrel is finely crafted from a single barrel which has been individually hand-selected by Master Tasters for its unique taste and smooth, aromatic character.

Blanton's Special Reserve is ideal for those new to Single Barrel Bourbons. A sweeter taste profile with aromas of dry citrus, raisin and light vanilla, finishing with crisp spicy notes and a hint of cinnamon apple.