Speyside wrote:So I want to pick up a bottle of rye. I'm thinking angels envy. Any other suggestions in the $80 to $90 price range. Perhaps whistle pig? I like 95% to 100% rye. I don't know rye to well. Thanks.
If you've never had the Angel's Envy Rye I strongly suggest trying before buying. As the Rye is finished in wine casks or whatever like their bourbon it really picks up that flavor and tasted to me very much like a super sweet desert liquor. I would say its like a ****tier High West Midwinter Night's Dram. Where as I like the HWMWND a lot, I did not enjoy the AE Rye at all.
Other good ryes:
Rittenhouse BIB - Good for sipping neat or making cocktails at 100 proof. Good spice
MGP Rye - Smooth Ambler Old Scout (these are starting to be worth a fortune if you can find them), Willett, Redemption, Templeton, Bulleitt Rye, all the other Diageo Ryes are MGP (dickel and more) so many others somewhere Sku's Recent Eats Blog has a list of all MGP buying NDPs.
Of the MGP ryes I really like redemption, willett, and SAOS the best although some SAOS has a strong dill flavor.
http://recenteats.blogspot.com/2014/05/how-do-you-know-its-sourced-whiskey.html
http://recenteats.blogspot.com/p/the-complete-list-of-american-whiskey.html#IN
FEW Spirits Rye was a good craft Rye. The Willett 2-3 years old was a good craft rye as well (distilled by them). Considering they are craft...
HW sources from MGP, sourced from Barton, and maybe sources from others as well. I like all of High West rye products. Can find the Double Rye on sale for 27.99 sometimes.
Also as already stated the buffalo trace ryes kick ass.
Thomas H Handy, new Sazerac 18, and Sazerac 6yo or Baby Saz or just Sazerac are all one mash bill.
EH Taylor Rye is expensive but good. Its a different BT recipe than the above.
Old Sazerac 18 and lolVanWinkle Family Reserve Rye (which was a 19yo rye until they used the last this year) are unique and will be extremely pricey. I've traded for samples online and had in bars for 20-30 bucks but 2ndary market on a bottle is like 500 for Saz to 800+ for VW now.
If you didn't pick something, remind me when I get back in town next week. I may be able to assist you in determining what ryes you like before you buy.