For The High Rye Lovers - Bourbontologist

I’m often asked what bourbons they should buy either for themselves or for a gift. Answering that can be a challenge because on one hand I want to recommend bourbons that are both easily found and affordable. On the other hand the gift may be for an aficionado who wants something a bit more unique and rare. Each of these bourbons falls within the high rye classification of bourbons. Of course to be a bourbon the mash bill (recipe) must include at least 51% corn. The remaining 49% is up to the distillers. I’ve included the mash bills where possible. Each of these bourbons offers unique flavors that showcase the distinctiveness of a high-rye mash bill. Enjoy exploring them!

Here’s a list of high-rye bourbons categorized into widely available, special release, craft, and allocated. Each entry includes the mash bill, tasting notes, and approximate price point:

Widely Available:

1. Bulleit Bourbon

Mash Bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Caramel and vanilla with a peppery finish and oak spice.
Approximate Price: $30–$35

2. Four Roses Small Batch

Mash Bill: Blend of two high-rye recipes (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% malted barley; 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley)
Tasting Notes: Rich caramel, red berries, and warm spice.
Approximate Price: $40–$45

3. Old Forester 100 Proof

Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Notes of cinnamon, clove, citrus, and oak.
Approximate Price: $25–$30

4. Wild Turkey 101

Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Bold spice with vanilla, caramel, and a hint of orange peel.
Approximate Price: $25–$30

5. Elijah Craig Small Batch

Mash Bill: 78% corn, 12% rye, 10% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Rich vanilla, caramel, nutmeg, and oak.
Approximate Price: $35–$40

Special Release:

1. Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch

Mash Bill: Blend of high-rye recipes
Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, red fruits, baking spices, and oak.
Approximate Price: $150–$200

2. Knob Creek 15 Year Limited Release

Mash Bill: 77% corn, 13% rye, 10% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Deep caramel, vanilla, toasted nuts, and charred oak.
Approximate Price: $120–$150

3. Russell’s Reserve 13 Year

Mash Bill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Intense vanilla, cherry, cinnamon, and oak with a long finish.
Approximate Price: $200

4. Old Forester Birthday Bourbon

Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Brown sugar, cherry, spice, and oak.
Approximate Price: $130–$150

5. Barrell Bourbon Batch Releases

Mash Bill: Varies by batch (often high-rye blends)
Tasting Notes: Complex profiles with fruit, spice, and oak notes.
Approximate Price: $80–$100

Craft:

1. Blue Run High Rye Bourbon

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high rye)
Tasting Notes: Cherry, tobacco, white pepper, and praline.
Approximate Price: $90–$100

2. New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Mash Bill: 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Peppery rye spice, vanilla, and citrus.
Approximate Price: $50–$60

3. Peerless Bourbon

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high rye)
Tasting Notes: Sweet corn, cinnamon, and peppery rye spice.
Approximate Price: $70–$80

4. Castle & Key Small Batch Bourbon

Mash Bill: 73% corn, 17% rye, 10% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Floral notes, caramel, and black pepper.
Approximate Price: $50–$60

5. Boone County Small Batch

Mash Bill: 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley
Tasting Notes: Caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of baking spice.
Approximate Price: $60–$70

Allocated:

1. Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high rye)
Tasting Notes: Butterscotch, toffee, leather, and spice.
Approximate Price: $150–$180

2. Blanton’s Single Barrel

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high rye, Mash Bill #2)
Tasting Notes: Sweet vanilla, honey, citrus, and a hint of spice.
Approximate Price: $150–$180

3. High West Midwinter Night’s Dram

Mash Bill: Blend of high-rye bourbons and ryes (~20–36% Rye)
Price: $120–$150 (MSRP ~$120, secondary ~$300+)
Notes: Warm spice, dried fruit, chocolate, baking spices.

4. George T. Stagg (Buffalo Trace Antique Collection)

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high rye)
Tasting Notes: Bold oak, dark chocolate, cherry, and spice.
Approximate Price: $500+

5. E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof

Mash Bill: Undisclosed (high rye, Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #1)
Tasting Notes: Vanilla, butterscotch, oak, and cinnamon.
Approximate Price: $250–$300