There was a time when rye whiskey was America’s spirit of choice, but then came a decline so severe that this quintessentially American libation nearly vanished. Today, however, rye is experiencing a dramatic resurgence. How did this happen? Let’s delve into this spirited journey.

The Heyday: Early American Roots

Rye whiskey traces its roots back to the early settlers of America. Particularly popular in Pennsylvania and Maryland, rye was the spirit of choice for a burgeoning nation. George Washington himself distilled rye whiskey at his Mount Vernon estate, further solidifying its role in American culture.

Prohibition: The Dark Age

Just as rye was reaching its peak, Prohibition hit. From 1920 to 1933, the production and sale of alcohol were illegal in the United States. This had a devastating impact on the distillery industry. Many distilleries either went under or switched to producing non-alcoholic products. The impact was so severe that rye whiskey nearly disappeared from American bars and tables.

The Bourbon Era: Overshadowed but Not Forgotten

After Prohibition was lifted, bourbon, not rye, became the American whiskey of choice. The sweeter, smoother bourbon won over the American palate, and rye became something of an old man’s drink, relegated to the back shelves of liquor stores and gathering dust.

The Craft Movement: A Resurgence in Popularity

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and we see a new trend emerging—craft spirits. With the rise of craft distilleries and a renewed interest in classic cocktails, rye has found its way back into the spotlight. Mixologists have discovered that rye’s spiciness makes for more complex and nuanced cocktails compared to its sweeter cousin, bourbon.

Today: The Golden Age of Rye

In the last decade, sales of rye whiskey have exploded. New distilleries are crafting innovative rye blends, and old distilleries are reviving classic recipes. Bars across the country are featuring rye prominently in their cocktail menus, and connoisseurs are rediscovering its unique qualities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Rye?

With more distilleries entering the market and aged ryes starting to roll out, the future looks bright. There’s even a push to create appellations for rye whiskey, similar to the regional classifications for wines. This would mean that a Tennessee Rye or a Maryland Rye would adhere to specific production standards, further elevating the spirit’s status.

From being the favorite of early Americans to almost becoming a footnote in the annals of American spirits, rye whiskey has made an astonishing comeback. Its spiciness, complexity, and versatility make it not only a drink of the past but very much a spirit of the present and future. Cheers to that!

Come join us and put your palate to the test with our next blind tasting which will be ALL ABOUT THE RYES!

As always, rewards will be given to the palate that is PERFECT when it comes to tasting our Rye offerings.