The Best Rye Whiskey from the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition
Rye whiskey continues to capture the imagination of whiskey lovers across the world—reviving its pre-Prohibition roots while pushing boundaries in flavor, innovation, and craftsmanship. Once seen as bourbon’s spicier cousin, today’s rye whiskey scene reflects a new golden age defined by complex grain character, creative cask finishes, and remarkable regional expressions. This year’s entries at the 2025 New York World Spirits Competition highlighted that diversity, but one expression stood apart from the rest: K.LUKE Whiskey Company’s Small Batch Toasted Barrel Barrel Strength Batch 5 Rye Whiskey, which earned the title of Best Rye Whiskey.
K.LUKE Whiskey Company — Small Batch Toasted Barrel Barrel Strength Batch 5 Rye Whiskey
Founded by blending expert Jonathan Maisano, K.LUKE Whiskey Company has quickly become a name synonymous with precision, artistry, and transparency in American whiskey. Known for its small-batch releases crafted from carefully selected barrels, the brand focuses on balance, boldness, and flavor depth—qualities that are on full display in this award-winning rye.
The Small Batch Toasted Barrel Barrel Strength Batch 5 Rye Whiskey is a meticulously composed expression, bottled at barrel strength to preserve its natural character. The use of toasted barrels deepens its flavor complexity, layering warmth and sweetness over rye’s hallmark spice.
Finalist: Bespoken — Alchemist Series Release #012 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished with Amburana Wood
The category was also well represented by Bespoken’s Alchemist Series Release #012, as well. Bespoken is known for its sustainable approach to aging—replicating barrel influence in a fraction of the time while tailoring flavor outcomes through precise wood and toast profiles. This release showcases rye’s versatility, enhanced by a finishing touch with Amburana wood, a Brazilian species prized for imparting aromatic notes of baking spice and vanilla sweetness.
A Category Defined by Character
The 2025 New York World Spirits Competition reaffirmed that rye whiskey is no longer just an American classic—it’s a canvas for both tradition and experimentation. From the time-honored craft of blending and barrel selection seen in K.LUKE’s winner to Bespoken’s boundary-pushing use of Amburana wood, rye whiskey’s evolution is a story of both heritage and innovation. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, it’s an invitation to rediscover one of whiskey’s most expressive grains one glass at a time.
