Rye Whiskey: America’s original whiskey

 

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Move over bourbon.  Rye whiskey is the original American whiskey.  It’s been around since colonial times, as early Americans, including George Washington, distilled whiskey from rye grain.  Rye whiskey continued to be popular until after Prohibition, when bourbon took its place as top whiskey in America.

The craft cocktail movement of the last several years has given rye whiskey a boost in sales.  Mixologists are reaching for rye whiskey over bourbon due to its spicy flavor profile.  Rye whiskey must be distilled with at least 51% rye, giving it spicy and dry notes compared to bourbon’s trademark sweet character.

Sazerac Company’s Kevin Richards, Heaven Hill Brands’ Art Riley, Adam Acquistapace from Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket, and Jefferson McGovern of Oxalis Bywater sit down and tell the story of rye whiskey.

The Dauphine

The Quartetto