The Essential Rye Shelf: 6 Must-Have Bottles + 3 Unicorns

Rye whiskey doesn’t get enough love—so we’re fixing that.

In this episode, I’m breaking down my Top 6 Rye Whiskeys every home bar should have. These are bottles that actually get poured, not just admired on the shelf. Great flavor, solid availability, and strong value—whether you like your rye neat, on the rocks, or in a killer cocktail.

We’ll talk mash bills, proof, spice levels, and where each bottle really shines. From bold and punchy to smooth and approachable, these ryes cover all the bases:

The Core 6 Home Bar Ryes

• Old Forester Rye
• Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye
• Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye
• Pikesville Rye
• Sazerac Rye
• Jack Daniel’s Rye

And because the hunt is half the fun, I’m also sharing 3 bonus allocated rye bottles you should absolutely grab if you spot them in the wild—why they’re special, and whether they’re worth the hype (and the price).

If you think rye is “too spicy” or only meant for cocktails, this episode might just change your mind. 🥃

Perfect for whiskey drinkers looking to level up their home bar without chasing unicorns—or breaking the bank.

🎙 Rob Clark — Host of Bottles & Bites Without Borders
Exploring the world of food, wine, and whiskey—one bottle and bite at a time.

🌐 Website: www.bottlesandbiteswb.com
📸 Instagram: @bottles_bites_wb
🐦 X (Twitter): @foodwhiskey
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533352930766813
📧 Email: rob@bottlesandbiteswb.com

#food #whiskey #bourbon #wine #homecook #cook #BBQ #foodie #Italy #barolo #cabernet Sauvignon #france #italy #spain #napa #scotch #pizza #coffee #Rye Whiskey #Rye