The World’s Best American Rye Whiskey According To The World Whisky Awards

Three American rye whiskeys took top honors at the prestigious 2025 World Whisky Awards America, a highly respected competition in the whiskey industry. The winners and other winning whiskeys were announced at an awards ceremony in Bardstown, Kentucky. Below is a brief background and tasting notes of each of the rye whiskeys.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye, 61.6% ABV, 750 ml. $99

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey was the World’s Best American Rye Whiskey. The whiskey is produced by Bardstown-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, one of the largest and most well-known producers in the United States.

Heaven Hill is renowned for producing high-quality bourbons and rye whiskeys, and the Grain to Glass series, which this rye is a part of, is a testament to their commitment to producing craft spirits. This series highlights their dedication to controlling every step of the production process, from grain to bottle, ensuring consistency and quality from start to finish.

This rye whiskey is made from a mash bill of 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malted barley. The high proportion of rye produces its bold and spicy character. The whiskey is distilled in a pot still, aged in #3 charred oak barrels, and is bottled at 50% ABV/100 proof, maintaining a rich flavor profile. Although the rye whiskey doesn’t show an age statement, it’s believed it’s an average of 6+ years.

The nose features powerful spicy rye bread, pepper, and cinnamon aromas, mixed with a sweet undertone of caramel and vanilla. There’s also a touch of oak and a faint note of raisin.

This rye is bold and full-bodied on the palate, with the signature spicy rye flavors leading the way. Black pepper and clove are prominent, complemented by rich caramel, toffee, and a subtle hint of dark chocolate. The oak influence adds complexity, and there’s a slight herbal undertone.

The finish is long, sweet, and warming, with lingering spice and oak notes.

Highline Triple Rye, 48.5% ABV, 750 ml. 79.99

Highline Triple Rye was the Best 12 Years and Under Rye Whiskey. It’s produced by Highland Distillers, a company focused on creating bold and complex rye whiskeys.

Triple Rye is a unique expression that blends three distinct rye grains, giving it a distinctive flavor profile. Highline is known for its emphasis on small-batch, hand-crafted spirits, and the Triple Rye is a perfect example of its approach to creating a memorable rye whiskey.

The whiskey is crafted using a mash bill of 53% rye and 37% corn. The three types of rye grains add layers of flavor and complexity. It is distilled in small batches and aged in #3 charred oak barrels, allowing the spirit to develop a deep, rich character. The Triple Rye is a balanced blend of 5 YO, 5.5 YO, and 10 YO whiskeys. Each rye variety contributes a different element to the overall profile.

The nose is bold and spicy, with prominent aromas of clove, black pepper, and a slight hint of cinnamon. There’s a rich layer of butterscotch and caramel, with subtle notes of oak and vanilla.

The whiskey is smooth and full-bodied, with a complex array of spicy rye flavors, including black pepper, clove, and baking spices. The sweetness of caramel and vanilla balances the spiciness, and a touch of oak and toffee adds depth.

The finish is long and spicy, with lingering oak and pepper and a faint note of sweet vanilla and toffee.

Sazerac 18 YO Rye, 45% ABV, 750 ml. $99

The Sazerac 18 YO Rye was crowned the Best 13-20 Years Rye Whiskey. With a retail list price of $99, this rye whiskey is a rare find, often selling for over $2,000. It’s produced by Frankfort, Kentucky-based Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Sazerac name is steeped in history, with ties to the famous Sazerac Cocktail. The 18 YO Rye is a rare and limited release, with a long aging process that results in a highly complex and refined whiskey.

Buffalo Trace does not disclose the mash bill but is believed to consist of 51% rye, 39% corn, and 10% malted barley. The rye whiskey is pot distilled and aged in #3 charred oak barrels to develop its deep flavor. The extended aging period allows it to absorb more of the oak’s flavor, leading to a greater depth of character.

The nose is rich and elegant, with pronounced aromas of spicy rye, black pepper, and cloves, complemented by sweet notes of butterscotch, toffee, and vanilla. There’s also a hint of cedar and a slight fruitiness of raisin and plum.

On the palate, this rye whiskey is smooth and complex, with flavors of spicy rye, dark chocolate, and baking spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. The oak influence is prominent, contributing cedar, tobacco, and caramelized sugar flavors.

The finish is long and elegant, with lingering spicy oak and a touch of sweet caramel. The complexity of the aging process leaves a smooth, refined aftertaste.

Each of these rye whiskeys offers a different expression of the classic rye flavor, from bold and spicy to smooth and elegant, allowing enthusiasts to explore a wide range of styles.

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass offers a balanced rye with a rich mouthfeel, featuring classic rye spice and sweetness. The Highline Triple Rye provides a complex and spicy flavor profile with a balanced sweet and spicy finish. The Sazerac 18-Year-Old Rye is a rare, well-aged rye with complex fruit, oak, and spice layers, offering a smooth and elegant drinking experience.

The World Whisky Awards (WWA) is not just any competition. It’s an annual event that rigorously evaluates and celebrates the best whiskies from around the globe. The America Edition shines a spotlight on the excellence of American whiskeys.

The awards, spanning various whisky styles, including single malt, blended, bourbon, rye, and grain whiskies, are judged by a panel of experts from the whisky industry. These judges meticulously assess the whiskies based on their taste, aroma, complexity, and overall quality, ensuring that only the finest whiskies are recognized.

The World Whisky Awards are not just about celebrating the best whiskies. They’re about setting the standard for excellence in the whisky industry. The awards highlight the finest whisky expressions each year, serving as a benchmark for whisky lovers, collectors, and industry professionals.

The event culminates in announcing the best whiskies in multiple categories, including the prestigious title ‘World’s Best Whisky and World’s Best Rye Whiskey.’ Over the years, the awards have grown in stature, offering a significant platform for distilleries to gain recognition on a global scale. See also, The World’s Best Bourbon and the World’s Best Small Batch and Single Barrel Bourbon according to the World Whisky Awards.