10 of the Most Expensive Rye Whiskey Bottles to Buy in 2024

Rye whiskeys typically boast a spicy and bold character, and are used in exotic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan. They’re produced primarily in the USA (Kentucky, New York, and Colorado) and countries like Canada and Germany.

So, what are the most expensive rye whiskey bottles to buy in 2024?

Should you invest in them?

This article answers all your questions.

We’ll check out 10 of the most expensive rye whiskey bottles, ranging from $90,000 down to $167.

We’ll also give you 15 alternative rye whiskeys that everyday consumers would enjoy, the differences and similarities between rye and bourbon whiskeys, and why you should invest in rye whiskey.

Lastly, we’ll show you how to invest in whiskey casks through Vinovest.

10 of the Most Expensive Rye Whiskey Bottles to Buy in 2024

Some of the best rye whiskey bottles come with a mighty steep price tag. Below are some you might consider investing in:

1. Le Nell Red Hook Straight Rye Whiskey
2. Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 22 Year Old Rye Whiskey
3. Black Maple Hill 18 Year Old Premium Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey
4. Willet Vintage 23 Old Rye Whiskey
5. Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel 25 Year Old Straight Rye Whisky
6. Hirsch Selection 25 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
7. High West Distillery Very Rare 21 Year Old Rocky Mountain Rye Whiskey
8. WhistlePig 'The Boss Hog VII Magellan's Atlantic' Straight Rye Whiskey
9. Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye Whiskey
10. Redemption Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

1. Le Nell Red Hook Straight Rye Whiskey ($90,000)

This drink was produced from one of the four straight rye whiskey barrels distilled in 1984 by the Willett Distillery. Only 852 bottles of this whiskey were produced — making it a rarity.

Any whiskey lover will admire this expensive whiskey has the aromas of honeysuckle, toffee, and pepper. On the palate, it’s sweet and offers the flavors of caramel and butterscotch with a long, spicy finish.

2. Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 22 Year Old Rye Whiskey ($40,000)

This American rye whiskey is a rare collector’s item — only 113 bottles were produced. It scored 96 points from Whisky Advocate.

The drink has 69.1% ABV (138.2 proof) and boasts the aromas of vanilla, maple syrup, and toffee with toasty oak notes. It has a spicy flavor — making it a perfect drink to prepare delicious cocktails like the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan.

3. Black Maple Hill 18 Year Old Premium Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey ($10,486)

This Kentucky rye whiskey was matured in a single charred white oak cask for 18 years, and was bottled at 47.5% ABV. It received a whopping 98 points from Wine Enthusiast.

This American whiskey shines with the aromas of cotton candy, spicy grain, and candied almonds. On the palate, it offers luscious flavors of apple, pear, toffee, and buttercream.

4. Willet Vintage 23 Old Rye Whiskey ($5,285)

This fine American rye whiskey is made from an undisclosed mash bill and was released in limited quantities. It’s made from the same rye used in the Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve whiskey (the flagship bourbon whiskey brand from the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery). 

The drink boasts toffee and maple syrup aromas and the flavors of toasted oak and spices — a perfect treat for any whiskey lover.

5. Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel 25 Year Old Straight Rye Whisky ($4,667)

The Rittenhouse rye whiskey was produced in one of the Heaven Hill Distillery’s cool rickhouses — allowing it to age perfectly. (a rickhouse is a place for storing and aging distilled spirits.)

The drink received an amazing 96 points from John Hansell of Malt Advocate.

This deep amber, bold Rittenhouse rye whiskey displays toffee aromas and a spicy flavor with oak notes —  a perfect drink for preparing your favorite cocktail.

6. Hirsch Selection 25 Year Old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey ($3,000)

This small-batch Kentucky rye whiskey scored 93 points from Whisky Advocate. It was produced in limited quantities and is intended to honor the legendary A.H. Hirsh Reserve whiskey.

This American whiskey bottle opens with maple syrup and grilled corn aromas. It offers spice and nutmeg flavors with a leathery finish.

7. High West Distillery Very Rare 21 Year Old Rocky Mountain Rye Whiskey ($2,750)

Unlike other rye whiskeys, this drink was aged in a used oak barrel rather than a new one. It was produced in limited quantities — making it a collectible asset worth adding to your portfolio.

This rare 21-year-old whiskey displays gentle mint, cinnamon, and nutmeg aromas and the flavors of roasted nuts, vanilla, and caramel.

8. WhistlePig 'The Boss Hog VII Magellan's Atlantic' Straight Rye Whiskey ($868)

This American rye whiskey was crafted in honor of the famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. It scored 93 points from Whisky Advocate.

This drink was released in limited quantities, and it boasts vanilla, cinnamon, and nougat aromas and the flavors of licorice tea and toasted oak.

9. Colonel E.H. Taylor Straight Rye Whiskey ($296)

This small-batch rye whiskey scooped many awards, including gold from the 2022 American Whiskey Masters Competition and gold from the 2022 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition.

Produced by the reputed Buffalo Trace Distillery, this American rye whiskey opens with cinnamon aromas and the flavors of caramel, butterscotch, cotton candy, and spice.

10. Redemption Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey ($167)

This Redemption rye whiskey received various awards, like the double gold medal from the Berlin International Spirits Competition and grand gold from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The limited-edition Redemption rye whiskey displays the aromas of caramel, almond, and maple and a spicy flavor with caramel, toffee, and clove notes.

Let’s now check out other whiskeys you can get for under $100. 

15 Other Rye Whiskey Bottles to Try Out (Mid-Range & Affordable)

If you’re an everyday consumer looking for some of the finest rye whiskeys to uncork right away, you might give the bottles below a try:

1. Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey ($85): This drink is a blend of American and Canadian rye whiskeys. It has cinnamon and sherried fruit aromas and the flavors of stone fruit and honey.
2. Catoctin Creek 'Cask Proof' Roundstone Rye Whisky ($83): The Roundstone Rye whiskey has citrus fruit and blueberry aromas and the flavors of blackberry, spice, and dark fruits.
3. Knob Creek Cask Strength Rye Whiskey ($79): This bold Knob Creek rye whiskey opens with caramel and honey aromas. The Knob Creek rye drink boasts the flavors of cinnamon, spice, and tropical fruits.
4. Wild Turkey Rare Breed Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey ($64): This Wild Turkey rye whiskey displays almond and cinnamon aromas and the flavors of cocoa, caramel, and spice. 
5. Bulleit 95 Small Batch 12 Year Old American Straight Rye Whiskey ($61): The Bulleit rye whiskey has caramel and clove aromas. On the palate, this Bulleit rye drink offers the flavors of licorice, basil, and toasty oak.
6. Pikesville 110 Proof Straight Rye Whiskey ($60): This Pikesville rye from the Heaven Hill Distillery is admired for its rich caramel aroma and spicy flavor. Interestingly, this Maryland rye whiskey was named runner-up for the Jim Murray 2016 World Whisky of the Year award. 
7. Driftless Glen 51 Rye Whiskey ($57): The 51 Rye whiskey has the aromas of orange peel, apricot, and bitter chocolate and the flavors of cinnamon, spice, and citrus fruit.
8. Jack Daniel's 'Single Barrel' Rye Tennessee Whiskey ($55): This Jack Daniel whiskey has herb and vanilla aromas and the flavors of pear, pineapple, caramel, and toffee.
9. New Riff Distilling Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey ($47): This New Riff rye whiskey opens with the aromas of herbs, citrus fruit, and cedar and the flavors of cinnamon, blackberry, and clove.
10. High West Distillery 'Double Rye' Straight Rye Whiskey ($36): The High West double rye whiskey displays apple, walnut, and chamomile tea aromas. On the palate, this High West double rye drink offers the flavors of honey, lemon, and rye spice. 
11. Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey ($34): This Sazerac rye whiskey from the Buffalo Trace Distillery has caramel, raspberry, and cotton candy aromas and the flavors of vanilla and spice. This Sazerac rye whiskey can be perfect for preparing a New Orleans cocktail like the Sazerac or Hurricane.
12. Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey ($32): This golden Wild Turkey rye whiskey has sweet vanilla and citrus fruit aromas and the flavors of caramel and spice.
13. Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey ($31): The Elijah Craig rye whiskey is produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery. It boasts complex aromas of red fruits, vanilla, and allspice and the flavors of rye spice, dried cherry, and cinnamon. 
14. Old Overholt 'Bonded' Straight Rye Whiskey ($26): This Old Overholt whiskey has red fruit aromas and the flavors of vanilla with toasty oak notes. 
15. Old Forester Kentucky Straight Rye Whisky ($25): The Old Forester rye whiskey opens with cinnamon, blackberry, and vanilla aromas. On the palate, this Old Forester rye drink boasts the flavors of orange, rich chocolate, and spice.

Now, how does rye whiskey differ from bourbon whiskey?

Rye Whiskey vs Bourbon: Differences and Similarities

The two whiskeys differ mainly in the ingredients used, flavors, and where they’re made.

• Ingredients Used: American rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye grain in its mash bill (ingredients), while bourbon’s mash bill should contain about 51% corn. But besides that, both drinks can have similar portions of other grains (like malted barley) in their mash bill.
• Additives: No additives (other than water) should be added to bourbon whiskey or straight rye whiskey. But rye whiskey that isn’t labeled as “straight” can contain up to 2.5% of flavor or color additives.
• Flavor Profile and Characteristics: Rye whiskey is usually bold and spicy, while bourbon whiskey tends to be smooth and sweet.
• Production Regions: Bourbon whiskey can only be produced in the United States, while rye whiskey can be made anywhere in the world.

The similarities between rye and bourbon whiskeys lie in their production process and aging:

• Both these whiskeys are produced in column stills using the same techniques.
• The drinks are aged in a new charred oak barrel.

So, why is rye whiskey so expensive?

Rye grain (which is usually imported from Canada or Europe) is less common than corn. This means rye whiskey is more difficult and costly to produce.

If you want to add bourbon whiskey to your investment portfolio, the best brands to explore include Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, and Woodford Reserve.

Now, let’s see why it could be worth adding the best rye whiskey bottles to your portfolio.

Why You Should Invest in Rye Whiskey

The best rye whiskeys have impressive price appreciation results:

• The price of the Black Maple Hill 18 Year Old Premium Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey increased from $4,030 in August 2021 to $11,204 in January 2023 — a whopping 178% increase.
• The price of the Le Nell Red Hook Straight Rye Whiskey increased by 112% — from $42,567 in April 2021 to $90,221 in December 2022.
• The Willett Family Estate Bottled Single-Barrel 22 Year Old Rye Whiskey’s price rose from $22,535 in April 2021 to $40,081 in November 2022 — a 78% increase.

Whiskey, in general, is a very attractive investment option. 

A 2022 Knight Frank Wealth Report states that rare whiskey is one of the highest-performing luxury investments. It displayed a 428% growth over the last decade — outperforming assets like watches (108%), wine (137%), and cars (164%). 

Now, here’s why you should invest in whiskey casks instead of bottles.

A 2022 Forbes report indicates that the average annual return on a rare whiskey cask is around 12%. Also, you can buy whiskey casks at a much younger age and lower price than matured whisky. The drink will only get better and more valuable over time. 

Ready to invest in top-notch rye whiskeys?

Invest in Extraordinary Whiskey Casks Through Vinovest 

Vinovest(an AI-powered whiskey investment platform) gives you a simple and secure way to build an enviable collection of the most sought-after whiskeys.

The platform helps you invest in some of the top American whiskey, single malt Scotch whisky, and Irish whiskey casks.

Here are some of the benefits of using the platform:

• Hassle-Free Ownership: Vinovest authenticates, stores, and insures your whiskey casks. The best part is that you can sample your whiskey once per year.
• Spend Less for More: By investing through Vinovest, you’ll avoid intermediaries and extra commissions.
• Expert Assistance: Vinovestt’s expert advisers will guide you toward creating a successful investment portfolio.

So, just sign up with Vinovest today and start exploring rare whiskey casks from all over the world.