It’s very difficult to classify rye whiskey. Each distiller of rye develops its own style and produces a very unique finish. Not surprisingly, there is such a large amount of variation in price among rye whiskies. The most expensive rye whiskey may not be made entirely by the distiller. There are often blend producers and even entire rye whiskey estates.
The basic rules for rye whiskey aren’t all that complicated: The mash recipe should be at least 51% rye (whales released right before this minimum percentage are called “very young”). It should be distilled from no less than 160 proof wheat berries, never white rice or oats. Distilled rye does not need any oak chips, or any sugar, or any adjuncts whatsoever. It is simply water, distilled, and fermented. rye whiskey that is aged for at least two years is called “aged” rye.
The rye whisky barrels used to make this beverage are chosen based on a number of criteria. They include size (bigger is better), color (darker is better), shape (longer is better), and where they are located (larger is better). Some distilleries add barrels of various woods to the mix, including sycamore, hickory, maple, oak, and apple. Different wood types have different characteristics. Apple is mottled and has a mellow character, while hickory has a peachy color and is primarily a light wood.
The rye whiskey mash also features secondary wood. Commonly used woods are walnut, oak, cherry, and maple. The rye mash can contain any combination of these primary woods, though the majority of makers stick to the primary woods. rye whiskies that are made from older than fifty percent American rye whiskey will typically be milled in a round shank, which has a narrower head and is most often used for commercial maturation.
rye whiskey can be produced from anywhere from one to five barrels depending on the style and recipe. Distilled in a single shank still takes around four weeks to produce a full bottle. Some maturation steps may be added to the mix as well to prolong the age of the finished product. The flavor is traditionally spicy, so a neutral spirit such as brandy or vermouth may be used as a bridge. This allows the spicy rye whiskey base to become balanced by the more subtle flavor of the brandy or the vermouth.
The rye whiskey of the American Independence was made in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. rye whiskey is made from germinated cereals and wheat berries. The yeast ferments these foods and converts them into ethanol. The maturation process also includes soaking the grains in water and then drying out the mixture. The distillation process of rye whiskey adds a mellow flavor that many drinkers enjoy.
