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The World's Best High Rye Bourbon, According To The Beverage Test Inst
A glass of bourbon whiskey with rye ears and stone cubes. getty
At the 2025 Beverage Testing Institute bourbon judging, high rye bourbons once again proved their bold and spicy appeal, with eleven expressions earning Gold Medals. Defined by a mash bill containing 20% or more rye grain, these bourbons combine the rich sweetness of corn with the distinctive spice and complexity rye delivers. From powerhouse cask strength releases to finely balanced small batches, this year's winners showcased the full range of flavors that make high rye bourbons a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
This bourbon is produced by FEW Spirits, Evanston, Illinois, from a mash bill of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malted barley. It's crafted in small batches using a high-corn/high-rye mash bill, resulting in a healthy component of rye spices. FEW is fermented and distilled onsite using Lake Michigan water and aged in charred oak barrels.
The bourbon's aroma features toasted cereal/grain, clove, citrus zest, and vanilla bean. It's sweet and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of caramel corn, black tea, cracked pepper, and orange peel. The finish is medium-length with lingering notes of rye spices and seasoned oak.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of raisins, candied almonds, and coriander, along with flavors of caramel, tea, and toasted hazelnuts. Warm, sweet, and nutty with notes of tea and raisins on the balanced finish.'
This high-rye bourbon is sourced from MGP in Indiana and bottled by Smooth Ambler. It's based on a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley. It highlights rye-forward spice and has become a staple among high-rye bourbon enthusiasts.
The bourbon features aromas of brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and rye spice. It's bold and spicy on the palate, showcasing flavors of burnt sugar, baking spice, caramel, and toasted almond. The finish is long, spicy, and dry with lingering notes of seasoned oak and pepper.
The BevTest Judging Panel described he bourbon as expressing 'aromas of buttery peanut brittle, dark toast with Nutella, and BBQ spice, along with flavors of roasted grain, granola, and dulce de leche . A supple, chewy, very tasty Bourbon that will be great on its own, with cigars, and in cocktails.' Old Grand-Dad High Rye Mash Bill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. 93 Points, Gold Medal. $195
Old Grand-Dad is produced at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., Clermont, Kentucky, from a mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley. Known for its higher rye content compared to standard Beam bourbons and available in several proof versions, it's valued for its spicy backbone and old-school character.
The bourbon features aromas of cherry cola, orange oil, cinnamon, and cooked cereal/grain. It's flavorful and spicy on the palate, showcasing assorted rye spices, especially cinnamon and clove, citrus zest, brown butter, toffee, and herbal notes of cured tobacco leaf. The finish is long and zesty with lingering notes of rye spices, caramel and seasoned oak.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of caramelized peanuts, banana, and baklava along with flavors of spiced pecan chocolates, cinnamon whole grain toast, and roasted barley. This whiskey is as deep in flavor as it is in color, with rich spiced fruit notes that overdeliver —Bourbon for Rye lovers meets Rye for Bourbon lovers.'
Ahigh-rye bourbon is ideal for making a Manhattan Cocktail on the rocks. getty Jefferson's Reserve Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 65% ABV, 750 ml. 93 Points, Gold Medal. $69
Jefferson's Bourbon is a blend of high rye bourbons sourced from Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. The mash bill is unknown but is believed to be 60%-75% corn, 20%-25% rye, with the balance of malted barley. This expression is a cask strength version of Jefferson's Reserve, carefully blended in small batches for maximum complexity and bottled uncut.
The bourbon features pronounced aromas of caramel, along with dried cherry, pipe tobacco, wood spices, and seasoned oak. It's rich and robust on the palate, showcasing flavors of dark chocolate, peppery/spicy rye, stewed fruit, and roasted pecan. The finish is long and intense with waves of heat, spice, and lingering brown sugar.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as expressing 'aromas of Reese's peanut butter cup, and frosted caramel cake, along with a cornucopia of fruits, sticky toffee pudding, and sarsaparilla. An amazingly rich, chewy, and delicious bourbon with superb depth and length of caramelized flavors. Make sure to add water.' Whiskey Row Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. 93 Points, Gold Medal, $59
This is a sourced bourbon, produced and bottled by Kentucky Artisan Distillers, for Whiskey Row Spirits in Kentucky. The mash bill is unknown but is believed to be 70–78% corn, 12–20% rye, and the balance, malted barley. It's right on the cusp of being a high rye bourbon. The Bottled-in-bond designation means it's aged at least 4 years, produced in one distilling season, and bottled at 100 proof. It's named in honor of Louisville's Whiskey Row district.
The nose features aromas of caramel corn, toasted vanilla, cinnamon, and cedar/cigar box. It's rich and flavorful on the palate, showcasing flavors of brown sugar, pepper, wood spices, baking chocolate, and nutmeg. The finish is long, robust, and slightly drying with lingering notes of rye spices, seasoned oak, and a charred sweetness.
The BevTest Judging Panel described the bourbon as featuring 'aromas of whole grain caramel pecan rolls, poached pear, and cardamom bread, along with flavors of whole wheat bread dough, cinnamon, and banana oatmeal. It opens with inviting aromas of buttered whole wheat biscuits with spiced honey butter, then continues with rich cinnamon, pecan, banana, and campfire notes through its long, balanced finish.'
Also winning Gold Medals with 92 points were Rabbit Hole Heigold Kentucky High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Few Bottled-In-Bond Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Four Roses Small Batch Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey scored 91 points, and Four Roses Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey scored 90 points. Both bourbons received Gold Medals.
The 2025 BevTest results highlight the artistry behind high rye bourbon production—where mash bill composition, barrel aging, and expert blending come together to create spirits of remarkable depth and character. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or as the foundation for a classic cocktail, these Gold Medal winners offer an ideal balance of sweetness and spice. For fans of rye-forward complexity and bourbon richness, this year's lineup stands as a benchmark for quality in the category. More From Forbes Forbes The World's Best Bourbons, According To The Beverage Testing Institute By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's Best Wheated Bourbon, According To The Beverage Testing Institute By Joseph V Micallef Forbes America's Top Bourbon—According To The Beverage Testing Institute By Joseph V Micallef
