The 5 Best Rye Whiskeys Under $30, According to Bartenders

Old Forester Rye Whisky

This rye whiskey from Old Forester is beloved among bartenders for its rich profile, which comes partially from its unique mash bill. 

“Old Forester straight rye highlights a mash bill of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn,” says Asalone. “This whiskey sits at 100 proof and has a bit of a bite, but a fantastic rounded-out flavor.”

The use of malted barley as the secondary grain makes it a delicious and versatile spirit. “This bottle has got some lovely floral notes with a strong midpalate of caramel and brown sugar, and a nice peppery finish,” says Detrich. “It is my go-to rye for a New York Sour and many other shaken cocktails for its layered flavors and proof.”

Rittenhouse Rye

A bang-for-your-buck list wouldn’t be complete without Rittenhouse Rye. “This is a workhorse rye if ever there was one,” says Detrich. “[It] does well in a number of applications, but its no-nonsense, high-rye mash bill and 100-proof strength make it great for vermouth-forward classics like a Remember the Maine or a Manhattan.”

Rittenhouse Rye is bottled-in-bond, which means that it’s produced in a single distillation season and distillery, matured for a minimum of four years, and bottled at 50% ABV.

“I have thrown this rye into many cocktails, like Gold Rushes or rye-based Penicillins, and I have had a hard time finding a rye-based cocktail it does not work with,” says Asalone.

Wild Turkey 101 Rye

Wild Turkey 101 is known as one of the best affordable bourbons on the market, and its rye-based counterpart is no different. It matches the bourbon’s value and adds a hint of peppery rye spice for distinctive character.

This is a Kentucky-style rye that uses the legal minimum of just 51% rye in its mash bill, but it’s still packed with flavor. “A significant amount of corn and barley gives it some fattiness and makes this one a real tongue-pleaser in your classic formats like a Sazerac or Old Fashioned,” says Detrich. “It is definitely well-rounded enough to make a play for a sour or even an Old Pal.”

Old Overholt Bottled-In-Bond

Old Overholt is one of the oldest whiskey brands in U.S. history, so it’s no wonder that it’s a staple behind the bar. “Like your dad's chair, Old Overholt has been around through it all, and it feels as appropriate as a shot alongside a generic lager as it does in a classic Sazerac,” says Detrich. 

This expression of Old Overholt is bottled-in-bond, which creates a full-flavored whiskey that will hold its own in cocktails. “It’s definitely the choice if you need a good daily rye that can work in a simple setup for your quick happy-hour fix,” says Detrich.

Sazerac Straight Rye

This rye whiskey comes from the esteemed Buffalo Trace distillery and is named after the legendary Sazerac House in New Orleans. Like many of Buffalo Trace’s offerings, Sazerac Rye can be tough to track down in some markets. When you can find a bottle at a good price, it’s great for both mixing and sipping. 

“[This] whiskey, sitting at 90 proof, contains subtle notes of citrus and some candied spices,” says Asalone. “[It] has a strong finish of some licorice and pepper notes. It’s known for how it pairs well in a Sazerac cocktail, but [it] also works perfectly in a traditional Manhattan because its spice notes are not overpowered, but supported by the sweet vermouth.”

For a bolder, more heavily aged (and more expensive) version, the 2024 Sazerac 18-year is an excellent choice.