Whiskey Wednesday: Here’s what golfers should know about rye whiskey

We’ve been buzzing through some of the essentials of whiskey knowledge for golfers in the past few weeks. We’ve already addressed the art of putting ice in your whiskey, how to use a flask on the golf course, and the basics of whiskey etiquette, so this week, we’re occupying ourselves with an increasingly large corner of the whiskey world: Rye whiskey. Often overshadowed by its fellow American whiskey, bourbon, there’s probably a couple of bottles of rye whiskey lurking behind the bar at your club, and ordering a dram of rye might prove a bit of a conversation starter at your local club.

So, to make sure you have a good handle on the basics, here’s a quick rundown:

What is rye whiskey?

Whiskey is made by taking a bunch of grains — usually a mixture involving barley, corn, wheat and/or rye — fermenting them and mashing them, before distilling it. If that mixture of grains is made of at least 51 percent corn, then the whiskey that’s distilled from it is called bourbon. If it’s 51 percent rye, then it’s (you guessed it!) rye whiskey.

Can you find rye anywhere else?

Yes! Lets say you have a bourbon, which we know is at least 51 percent corn. That other 49 percent of grains will often include at least some rye. The amount varies. If there’s lots of rye in it, it’s generally known as a high-rye bourbon. But that’s just a description, not a categorization.

What are the characteristics of rye whiskey?

Rye whiskey is generally spicier, peppery, and has a bit more bite than bourbon. I tend to get some darker, licorice notes, too.

Can you drink rye whiskey in cocktails?

Of course! And honestly, if you ask lots of people (myself included), rye whiskies make for the best old fashions, which double as the perfect post-round cocktail.

5 Rye Whiskies to Try The Next Time You’re On The Course

I’m not a whiskey expert, but here’s a handful of rye whiskies I’ve tried recently that I can vouch for…