Rye Whiskey: A Note on the Regained Popularity of the Vintage American Spirit

 

In the US, rye is made from no less than 51% rye, malted barley and corn. The key ingredient is a type of wheat, which gives it the quintessential taste and aroma. Canadian rye whiskey is different as this whiskey does not contain 51% or more of the basic ingredient. If you are a great aficionado of scotch or bourbon, try rye for a change and you will not regret. Chances are there that you will like its flavor and taste and will become a fan in only a matter of time. This whiskey is a true American spirit, though it was losing in popularity to the other whiskey types since prohibition started in 1919. Up until recently, liquor shops and bars used to stock a few dusty bottles that sadly failed to attract the eyes of the real whiskey lovers. However, the whiskey has reclaimed its fame very recently and boozers are often making it their conscious choice. Distilled beverages such as mezcal and rye are now sought after in stores more than ever before.

 

How rye is produced in America?

The typical US distillation process is like this. The process starts with ‘mash bill’. The sour-mash process is followed by most distillers and the way the key ingredients are blended is much similar of that of bourbon. Yeasts from previous distillation are used for fermenting the ingredients and this way the distillers manage to keep the same flavor in every bottle of rye, unvaryingly. According to USA government rules, the whiskey must meet the following conditions:

-             At least 51% rye (as mentioned before) in the grain mash

-             Must be vaulted in charred oak barrels (new)

-             No more than 160 proof distillation is permitted, which keeps the highest permissible limit of alcohol by volume limited to 80%. However, most distillers distill out at a much lower proof.

-             The whiskey must be entered in the barrel at 125 proof or less.

-             40% ABV permitted when bottled

 

A brief history of rye

For the real enthusiasts, reading the brief history of this particular whiskey type could be as inebriating and enjoyable as it happens after a few shots slipped down the throat and so here it is. The distilling industry in the USA evolved around rum during the colonial days. Whiskey managed to gain some popularity during early 1700s when Brits started to block the mainland ports, choking the supply of molasses. It was only then distillers started to search for alternatives. However, farmers soon discovered that the barley was not growing well in the new soil and started to grow corn and rye. Americans would be happy to know that President Washington used to grow rye at his Mt. Vernon residence.

 

About straight rye

Straight rye also conforms to all the statutory requirements, but this particular subtype is in a few ways different from standard rye. This type of rye is aged more than 2 years. Straight rye whiskey contains no added color or flavor.

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