🥃 Straight rye whiskey

Straight rye whiskey is rye whiskey made to the US standard and aged at least two years in new charred oak barrels. Under 27 CFR § 5.143 the mash must contain at least 51% rye, the spirit may be distilled to no more than 80% ABV, and it goes into the barrel at up to 62.5% ABV.

Rye whisky and straight rye share the same rows of the rules as bourbon: the same distillation limit and the same new charred barrel, only the main grain is rye instead of corn. Ordinary rye whisky needs no minimum ageing and may contain colouring, flavouring and blending materials. Straight rye may not, and it is aged at least two years.

The rules describe two more rye types alongside it. Rye malt whisky is made from a mash of at least 51% malted rye. Whisky distilled from rye mash is aged in used oak barrels. Neutral spirits are banned in straight rye, and like any US whisky it is bottled at 40% ABV or more.

Age counts only time in new charred oak barrels. If straight rye is under four years old, the label must state its age, and that is the age of the youngest whiskey in the bottle (27 CFR § 5.74). A mix of straight ryes from different states, or with additives, must be called “blended straight rye whisky”.

Why it matters to you. “Rye” without “straight” guarantees neither ageing nor freedom from additives. “Straight rye” means at least two years in a new charred barrel and nothing added. Check the age on the label. WHO: there is no safe level of alcohol.