Every year, just a few of the very best spirits in each category go head-to-head for our judges to determine the Best Of Class for dozens of spirit categories. Here, our finalists for Best Rye Whiskey of 2022. Winners will be announced in June.
Best Rye Finalist
New England Barrel Co. Single Barrel Select Rye
This New Hampshire distillery is focused on building a community of spirits lovers the world over. This edition of Single Barrel Select Rye has spent more than 8 years in new charred American oak barrels allowing the changing seasons to dictate maturation.
While no two barrels are alike, common threads are present, including a pleasing nose, depth of flavor on the palate, and long, drawn out finish that begs you to take another sip. This barrel has cinnamon on the nose and is creamy on the palate with tropical fruit notes with a long finish.
Best Rye Finalist
Whistle Pig Boss Hog VIII Lapulapu’s Pacific Rye
The Boss Hog VIII: LapuLapu’s Pacific finishes the journey around the world, unfurling a chronicle as rich and bold as the whiskey itself. Upon crossing the Pacific, Captain Magellan met his fate at the hands of the legendary Filipino warrior LapuLapu. A fierce and vociferous defender of independence, LapuLapu led his island home against the Spaniards. There he forged a successful fortification, staving off colonial occupation for more than forty years.
In honor of this new hero, this rare edition sees a double finish in high toast, small batch, single island Philippine Rum casks, adding layers of warm spice and delicate tropical notes to an already deeply complex, well-aged rye whiskey. LapuLapu’s Pacific is a profound statement of strength and independence.
Best Rye Finalist
Lock Stock and Barrel 21 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey
Double distilled in copper pots and barreled in May 1999, this rye has been aged in new char American oak barrels for 21 years.
Lock Stock and Barrel’s 21 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey has a 100% rye mashbill and was matured in cold weather. It’s full-bodied with luxurious viscosity, filled with notes of toffee, coconut, chocolate, and cinnamon. The finish is gloriously long with notes of leather, oak and rye spice, along with a hint of smoke.
