BEST Rye Whiskey of 2023

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[@jasonvarela7236]

Great video guys. As a proud Texan, “Milam” is pronounced “MY-lum” like Ben Milam one of the founding Fathers of the Great State of Texas! 😁👍

[@krisgaskins1]

I logged on just to make this comment.

[@aarontagerson8598]

Ditto!!👊💪🥃

[@slbdrinks]

Hey Jason, thanks for the correction buddy!

[@robertlee6781]

I was going to say it rhymes with Milan, as in Milan, IN from Hoosiers.

[@luvyesmusici4886]

This is Amerika. We pronounce things any way we want. :-)

[@theconsultant8732]

Came back months later for a Rye refresher. Once again, Thanks Guys.

[@JordanG_3031]

SLB Classics 0:07 Clearly not Kurt’s favorite ryes so Trenton compensates for him 0:22 Trenton struggles with words 1:01 Trenton had to do a lot of homework😮 2:53 Kurt is so happy that Trenton has a list 4:52 Trenton is so excited he’s still giving a soliloquy 5:55 Trenton uses the “S” word but he doesn’t give a hoot 7:17 need to get some MD friends 8:02 coincidence of hotel location vs the distillery location? I think not 8:18 Trenton makes more notes?!? 9:27 Trenton makes up his own sayings “next but not least” 10:20 Kurt always appreciates a budget “ish” friendly bourbon 12:05 Trenton figures out how to say last but not least 12:45 Trenton casually shows of the guns 💪 13:28 looks like Trenton knows some phrases “cat out of the bag” 14:17 when is there ever structure? Great show so far 14:31 Trenton ages his favorite whiskeys in his truck 14:51 Trenton always has something funny going on and forgot to add gas to the truck 17:28 Great cork pop 🍾 17:44 agreed that the 10 yr rye was good but not exceptional 18:39 Trenton has a mouth-gasm 19:18 Trenton and Kurt are always looking out for us 19:25 Trenton goes 2/3 on last but not least 20:00 Kent! Look out for Trenton! 21:03 Trenton has to throw a little burp into the episode 22:05 Trenton names his favorite “kids” in order 22:51 Milam is an enigma to pronounce 23:24 Trenton goes back to the notecard, he’s got some ideas 25:58 Trenton puts himself out there to choke down some taste tests 26:10 Trenton did have a ton of knowledge prepared 26:52 Nice sign off and nod

[@SLBmichelle]

I always look forward to reading these, Jordan! Hilarious!!

[@cjholcomb9687]

I second what Michelle says. Awesome job.

[@slenky2124]

Willett 4 year Rye has been easily my favorite of this year. Have to try more of Ts list

[@kylewipert1976]

1. Michter’s Toasted Rye 2. Bardstown Origin Rye 3. Pinhook 7 Year Rye 4. Michter’s 10 Rye 5. Old Elk Rum Finished Rye (SLB pick 😘)

[@kylewipert1976]

I’d also throw Pursuit’s Rye in there too. They’re crushing it.

[@davidjohnson8930]

Gents sagamore port batch 3 is not distillery only. It's a small release but available nationwide. Our store only got a 6 pack but it's in stores. You can also order online. It blows away mid winter nights which is 150-200. Well worth the price given it's a 6 year rye aged 3 years in port making a 9 year bottle. That's why the price went up and it is 103 proof. Also don't sleep on the new sagamore bottled in bond. cheers.

[@jonnieboyization]

I got a single barrel, 9 y/o Knob Creek RYE Store Selection from Mission Wine and Spirits.... I was not a fan of Ryes until this bottle, now im running through the ryes! The Russels single barrel is awesome, Wild Turkey Rye Rare Breed is great! Just bought select single barrels of Templeton Rye Barrels strength, Sagamore Barrel strength, Pikesville 100 (not SB), and the Rittenhouse Rye....going to buy a few of your list here... thanks guys, you make a great team and i enjoy that you both have "Specialties"..... update, i just poured the Pikesville and OMG this is amazing!

[@wolfe5244]

Not what you asked for but, the rye that you didn't mention that needs to happen is ECBP rye. I'm actually surprised that they haven't done it yet.

[@kenr1767]

Did you forget about your Pikesville? Think I remember it winning one of your blinds not long ago. One of my favorites!

[@MrsOldTractorGarage]

So happy to see the Milam & Greene make the cut. I picked one up at Harry’s, and it is a regular pour for me.

[@CPGumby]

Two more great ryes to consider: Redwood Empire's Rocket Top BiB Rye, and Redwood Empire's Emerald Giant Cask Strength Rye. Sub-100 dollar price point for both, and not terribly hard to find (though YMMV). Both are so damn good!

[@cruisinqueen9834]

I do love the Emerald Giant Cask Strength. 😊

[@oldperson9508]

The emerald giant is very interesting I love it

[@jadegraham8519]

I've had that same Milam & Greene in a higher proof store pick...it's phenomenal fellas. It's a woman owned and operated distillery and the master distiller is very talented. They age it in the Texas heat.

[@honker1307]

Awesome video guys. Trenton, way to put in the work on these and also the breakdown at the end.

[@MS-go8dl]

Fantastic show!

[@angelrivera6483]

I’m super impressed with video! Trenton did a fabulous job! I bought my first RYE a few days ago and it was the JD Single Barrel Proof Rye and it is so incredibly ridiculously! I’m looking forward to buying more Ryes now thanks to you guys! May you all have a great Merry Christmas!

[@longhorndkr]

So I just picked up the JD Single barrel Proof Rye as well--but you guys don't think it was waaaay hot and strong at 129 proof? I get the secondary smells were great but just wonderin?

[@jeremybamgbade]

@@longhorndkr Once you're accustomed to high proof, you learn to appreciate it. Barrel proof whiskeys have way more intense flavors than lower proof stuff. Now that my palate accustomed higher proof stuff, I don't really perceive the burn anymore after the initial sip and I just taste the flavors.

[@dmkelly5491]

@@longhorndkr What jeremy said. Takes some getting used to and some patience. Once you have been disappointed by low proof ryes that taste like mowed grass, a whole new appreciation happens for these high proof flavor bombs. Old Forester SBBS Rye is king in my opinion, followed by JD SBBS Rye. I have a Michters Toasted unopened and I may have to crack it after watching this!

[@wcraig]

I’d like to offer a couple of ryes to try: New Riff Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Whiskey and Whistlepig Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 years. The WP is a bit pricey (mine was a gift) but holy cow it’s good!

[@graveshotx]

Evan Williams does do a rye, but it's distillery exclusive. it's called Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey. As for my top ryes of the year, in no particular order: Liberty pole spirits peated rye, Putnam New England rye single barrel, Hard Truth Caramel Malt Rye, Golden Sheaf Rye batch 2, Sagamore 8 year, Michters Toasted rye, and a Peerless 8 year single barrel.

[@thomasmichael6509]

It’s great when someone knows about liberty pole peated rye! Batch 1 of it was the best. I wish I had bought more

[@NatsTown]

Redwood Empire Rocket Top BiB is really high up on my list but i never see anyone talk about it. Maybe thats a goood thing since i can actually find it

[@DaveHill-xn7fz]

So great to see the rye excitement! My father in law started me on Bulleit rye years ago. Big fan of High West now. Love this video.

[@MrDidro]

Evan Williams does a rye called Square 6. They make it at the experience in Louisville. It’s phenomenal!

[@TeresaStAmant]

My daughter moved to Nashville. She got me a barrel pick that was fabulous. If you go to Nashville, go by their distillery.

[@jodygraves27]

Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye is a must! Soo good

[@user-xj1dd6cj4j]

I enjoy your videos, but I wish you would do a closeup of the bottles for a better look at them.

[@mreus1974]

REALLY SURPRISED that the Cask Strength Alberta Premium didn't make the list.

[@jeremybamgbade]

Really good stuff isn't it? Im currently nursing my bottle.

[@jerrywestfall3121]

Angels envy rye and high plains rye are excellent! I love watching you guys. I would love to see a review or a blind including these two bottles.

[@MichaelPropst]

A local distillery Union Horse just released a limited edition (500 bottles) of a 10 year Rye. I am picking mine up in about an hour. Very excited as this distillery does amazing Ryes

[@jimreichel1466]

Really nice list Trenton. As one who just started his journey this year, I have only had four ryes. The first was Wild Turkey 101 earlly in the year. Since then I have had Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye, The Prideful Goat Cask Strength Rye Store Pick and the Milam & Greene Port Finished Rye. My rye of the year is the Milam & Greene. The second bottle is just as good as the first.

[@jasonloraine1674]

If you’re ever in the Nashville area, go to Nashville Barrel for a tour/tasting. It was an awesome experience and their samples from the barrel were incredible. Highly recommend!

[@krd000]

Michter's toasted is so good! Thought the Bardstown was average; definitely want to try the Old Overholt so hope I can find. Loved the Sagamore Double Oak and Old Ezra 7. Keep up the great work!

[@NorthWestBourbon]

Cheers everyone 🥃 merry Christmas

[@bionicdan1959]

So Trenton, you have steered me down the Rye whiskey lane. I have a pretty extensive collection of Bourbons but very few Ryes. A couple of inexpensive ones for mixing old fashions is about it. So after watching this latest best Ryes of 2023 I went out to find some of these. My first trophy is the Milan & Greene port wine cask finish rye. Your review is spot on!! Wow, so much deliciousness in every sip! Thanks, I think, for heading me in a new whiskey direction!

[@MrZanzibar123]

I LOVED the Richter's 10 year rye this year; so crushable and delicious I bought a second bottle when the opportunity arose, and consider my self lucky to get it. Also just got a Richter's toaster, so you are giving me high hopes!

[@SharingReligion]

I had the Old Overholt 1909 rye (114 years old). What a special experience. I'll have to try their 10 year. Ever thought about doing an episode on very old whiskies? I would definitely like to learn more about them. Thanks again for sharing all of your very helpful knowledge! :)

[@roberttsmith6010]

Sagamore port finished 2023. Cannot convince me otherwise. Blowes midwinter dram out of the water.

[@TheSpiritoftheCocktail]

KURT!!! TRENTON!!! Awesome line-up!!!! I have GOT to find some Michter's rye!!! That is def on my list of must finds!!! CHEERS!!!

[@jonhohgrefe1437]

I'm pretty sure it's not allocated, but I picked up a Widow Jane Paradigm Rye. Every bit as good (and maybe even better) than the 10yr bourbon. Also curious about the Hard Truth High Road Rye. Just haven't seen it on the shelves here yet.

[@xiamengbaby]

I was happy just to snag a couple bottles of Old Overholt 114 from my buddy who got them on a trip to KY. I can't get it in Illinois (Chicago area).

[@jeffnuzz]

Kurt's right, that JDSBBP Rye is a beast (I got a 129.4 & 130.5 proof) that is packed with flavor, really like it. I picked up the JDTB Rye and the Bardstown Origin Rye but haven't popped them yet, looking forward to that. And I have the ASW Toasted Rye & the Toasted Bourbon in my Seelbach's cart; I guess I need to pull the trigger on that.

[@gregknop8524]

Just started dipping my toe in so this was very informative but I did pick up Castle & Key Woolgather and love it.

[@richardschrader9170]

Picked up the Westward today, strong barley note that has a new mown hay note. Maybe skunk 😅. But thank you for putting this out there. It’s very complex with a nice body to it. Great pick, it beats OF 1920 and WT Rare Breed in my book. Hello again from Maine, thanks for the shout out!

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy and thanks for the great reviews! I saw the Old Overholt twice last week and passed because of unfamiliarity’s so appreciate that! And I was able to score the Michters Toasted and rolled the dice since I had never tried it. Glad I did! Merry Christmas y’all! 🤠🇺🇸🇨🇱🥃

[@jdickinson1977]

Trenton that New Riff 8 Year Malted Rye is insanely good!

[@reldey3900]

I live down the road from ASW and Chad there is great! The staff there is fantastic and their single malts are top notch.

[@christopherellis1127]

In Nashville, the Mitchners toasted is retailing for $135 and secondary is in the $250-275 range for the 2023. Just FYI.

[@jamesmorgan9695]

Cheers lads been feeling the need for a good Rye & branch water, shame I missed out on a few drops but I'm happy enough, look after those kids & I hope they appreciate it😊

[@ericlofroos2405]

Smoke Wagon Straight Rye is by far my favorite rye. It leaves the best finish of any whisky I’ve ever had. Nothing else compares!

[@morrisdennis]

Smoke wagon is good 👍

[@mikehaluska9451]

Wondering where Templeton continues to fall short. Just had a store pick at our local HyVee. Was 6 years old and 100 proof. Wonderful! Their base product was one of my entry level whiskies and I’ve continued to enjoy it.

[@LP23D6]

8 bottles in his top 5. Perfect! I have over a dozen in my top 5. You guys are great. Ya Trent, I'm a Rye Guy too!!

[@ChasingGiants23]

Fantastic video. Loved it so MUCH!

[@joshhyman7326]

@Trenton: I really need you try the King’s County barrel strength Empire Rye. I think it is downright incredible and would love to hear your thoughts.

[@christopheranders1538]

Ive enjoyed this video. I’ve had Milam and Greene and bardstown. I enjoy both. I was at the liquor store today and walked past old overholt 10 today. I thought about it but passed on it. Next time I will get it and give it a try.

[@paullee2177]

Interesting and entertaining. I may have to expand my shelf to include a couple ryes. Thanks Trenton for all the suggestions.

[@2008jr]

I have an Old Crow bottle from the 70’s. For a standard bourbon with no special bells and whistles, it’s damn good.

[@jdrobinson2394]

You guys would be pleased to know I went to a allocation drop this Saturday and snagged myself a Weller antique my first one ever it was glorious I shed a tear

[@aglastlead7170]

Hard Truth high road and sweet mash ryes are pretty good as well. Check em out Trent. Merry Christmas to you guys and your families.🎄

[@cruisinqueen9834]

Great video and I am excited to try the Old Overholdt 10 year. I picked up a King's Ryeconic Honey Barrel finished Rye and I love it. Everything a Rye should be, with a little honey funk on the nose and a slight honey sweetness. It coats your mouth well and the finish hangs around for a while.

[@tommyjusz]

WE got talked into the milam and greene by the bourbon manager at my local binneys,as a gift. Says its similar to high west Mid winter

[@JoeScar412]

I love Milam and Greene. They have their Wildlife series, which are single barrel cask strength. Instead if barrel numbers they give them animal names. I've had multiple bourbons, but I recently picked up the rye. It's the same as you had here, but 116.4 proof. It's the Peregrine Falcon. It is phenomenal!! I was so happy to see them on a list!!!

[@jasonbennett499]

Great show! 100% agree 👍 👏

[@emfl4437]

I really enjoy the Rye reviews. Trent has been a big influence for me in trying ryes. They are now my favorite goto. Cheers 🥃

[@nickyuen01]

Trent had the old overholt 10 first and I love the sweetness/easy to drinkness of the JACK DANIEL twice barreled. Does anyone know is the OO10 a typical bold/spicy rye or does it have similar note profile like the JD twice barreled heritage rye ?

[@bildboi71]

I just picked up JD single barrel barrel proof rye at Costco for $57.99! An absolute steal!

[@benreynolds500]

My friend loves MWND, so you gave me the great idea of ordering some Milan & Greene from their website, free shipping

[@umami0247]

I’m a big rye fan and I’m looking at getting the Nashville barrel company rye’s. I’ve seen a few bottles in Ohio. Had a small party last night and had the Sagamore DO and it was just okay I’ll try it again but first impressions were eeh. Haven’t cracked my JD SBBP yet. Great list. Enjoy.

[@roymcelwee9334]

JD SBBP Rye is superb. Very delicious.

[@greasyghost]

Well I love all 3 you mentioned, including the Sagamore DO, but it's a lower proof. The JSSBBP R is incredible and I've already found 4 backups so obviously I love it,and don't want to ever have to search for it again. But the Nashville Barrel Company ryes are so freaking good..!! I've had a few different ones, and they're just incredible. Oh, and with them their "custom batched" bottles might be better than their single barrels Usually 100 bks, but LiquorBarn in Louisville has them for 70 on sale. With plenty left

[@cruisinqueen9834]

You'll love the JD SBBP rye. I have to have a backup because I love it so much. We have only tried the Nashville Barrel Rye store pick, but the one we have is awesome!

[@ElCid_86]

Thanks for doing this Clinton. I love rye and will add a few to my wish list and collection.

[@benpetrihos5637]

Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye killed it this year

[@jeremybamgbade]

So hard to find them! I only see the Bourbon!

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

5:33 I'm a Texan stuck in New Mexico, and I'm trying, as I can, to try every Texas whisky that's available here. Alas, I've never seen Milam & Greene here. 11:41 That JD twice barreled rye is *dark* . Since I love proof, oak, smoke, and chocolate, all things that I associate with dark whisky, I wanna try that juice some day.

[@AVD-og9fr]

So I just got some Willett rye when I went to Louisville the other day because you can’t get something like that in Grant County, haven’t opened it yet but I did hear you comment it was really Rye. We’ll see if I dig it.

[@jonrogers2749]

I need to get you a low gap rye from Redwood valley. I hope to be there early next year and see if the 12 year has been released.

[@davidcolgan3268]

Well, you are 0 for 8 up here in Iowa. I have been looking for the JD SBS Barrel Strength ever since it was announced. I have only seen it in raffles. A couple other notable ryes from here in Iowa are Cedar Ridge Bottled in Bond and Steeple Ridge Cast Strength. Powers Irish Rye is pretty tasty also. Keep up the good videos!

[@spencerjcolling]

In Fred Minnick’s live stream this evening, they talked about Old Crow and the distillery.

[@willcampbell4321]

Was at Jim Beam on Saturday and they had the Old Overholt 10 Cask for $110-120 I think. Passed on it but was tempted

[@Brad-ic4bp]

Bardstown Origin is my favorite rye. I’m not a huge rye fan in general, but I go out of my way to keep a bottle of Bardstown on the shelf.

[@Bfordandafter]

That is really good... I'm a big fan of their Origins Bottled in Bond, the black label.

[@stevenprobst4917]

@@Bfordandafter the entire origin series are all very good!

[@yourdrinkingbuddy]

Great video!!! I only disagree with the Jack twice Barreled. I was super disappointed in that one. I highly agree with thr rest, especially the Old Overholt. I FINALLY had that the other day. Blew me away!!!

[@TLS2005]

Not to get off topic but wild turkey rare breed is really good. I finally got a bottle and its worth the price. Wild turkey rye is also pretty good.

[@morrisdennis]

Redemption, sazerac, limosine are my top 3 picks...

[@FakingANerve]

Although I love my barrel proof Sagamore, I'm not a huge rye guy. I'm curious what you'd think of my local distilery's rye. Filibuster rye is definitely a mint-forward rye. It's not really my jam, but again, rye isn't my juice. Their 5 year bottled in bond bourbon won some awards and is fantastic, as are a couple of their finished bourbons.

[@graeme13]

Nice wish list! I will have to look for that Old Overholdt. I like the 114.

[@bmc2567]

Good review! Definitely starting to love ryes more. I have the Willet rye and enjoy it so good to know an alternative too!

[@mattwaters1239]

If y'all are able to swing over to Birmingham at any point, would love to hear what you think of Dread River's offerings. They're new but really impressed me with their Rye.

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Really liked this video. Great job Trenton

[@nattywit2208]

awesome ideas to the industry players, trent. those ideas may already be in a rickhouse somewhere, the barrel aging takes what it takes, we get the results of forward thinking distillers. every opening of a "new" bottle was an idea from earlier results. we can still see new things in the fullness of time.

[@jasonlewis1926]

New distillery in Shelbyville Tennessee is Nearest Green. Exceptional rye offering, but expensive.

[@MF-ng9um]

Wow I have half those bottles and just missed the ASW on shared pour. Great list!

[@TheWhiskyExplorer]

Thanks guys! Did you review the twice barrelled? Trenton totally skipped over it 🤣 where was sagamore on this list?! The CS and double Oaked are 🔥

[@spencerjcolling]

Loved this video. I’m wanting to get more Ryes. Unfortunately I can’t find any of the Jack Daniel single barrel barrel proof bourbon or rye.

[@debbybrady1246]

I'm relatively new to bourbons but I love rye. Thanks for the review. I'm going to liquor store today... Merry Christmas.

[@pat-z]

I went to the Milam and Greene distillery recently and purchased that very same bottle!

[@whatsthepoint170]

Michters Toasted MSRP is $120 and secondary is in the $170-200 range. The $150 price range seems fair to me.

[@robertschroeder1978]

Great video gentleman. I will definitely look up some of these Trent favorites and give them a try.

[@johnoberto2659]

Great video. Can you guys get whistlepig? They make mostly rye. Its good. Would love to see you review.

[@jasonczfan8658]

Prideful Goat 6 year and Sagamore 8 are my favorite ryes. I really want the Jack Daniel’s Single barrel barrel proof but haven’t come across it yet.

[@erictonn9976]

Great video. I'm not a big fan of heavy rye bottles and tend to search for wheated bourbons but might need to look up some of these. I've had a bottle of the Jack single barrel as a gift last year and really enjoyed it. Still looking for the 135+ proof bottles.

[@jamiehall6679]

Michters toasted rye 2023 is insane. I think all 23 Michters is a stand out year for them from the past few years.

[@ezioahmet4192]

Good, more sweet, rye is Penelope Toasted Rye. One I own is their Char level 1, Toast: Honey, sitting at 100 proof. Really, really good rye that even a non-rye drinker would enjoy. Good heat to it, but it won't knock your socks off like like the Jack Daniel's BPSB Rye (which I also really, really enjoyed that when I had the chance to try it a few months ago)

[@markknister6272]

Appreciated the rye show!

[@DirtyHairy01]

Great show I love Straight Rye too! Your wish list had awesome ideas!

[@thomaswilson9407]

That jd sib BP rye is one of the best ryes I've ever tasted

[@mikestewart3670]

The Fiddler and Jack are dynamite. Great video guys! I was about as excited at Trenton!

[@tuxedotoolbox]

Cheers everyone!🥃 great video. Just picked up the michters 10y Rye Saturday.