The Grains We Grow: All About Rye

Rye Whiskey. That spicy spirit we know and love. But why is it made with rye? What is it about rye that creates such a unique spirit? We break down everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind grain.

What is Rye?

Rye is an edible grain similar to wheat or barley. It grows well in northern climates, such as eastern Europe or northern America. Rye is an ancient grain, first cultivated thousands of years ago. It’s very hearty plant that can grow in poor soil conditions.

Rye grows as a tall grass. The grains are harvested and can be eaten whole, as either boiled rye berries or rolled, similar to rolled oats.

Rye has many health benefits including fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Generally speaking, the darker the rye, the more vitamins and minerals it contains. 

What is Rye Used For?

Rye grains are used for food and drinks. Rye flour is ground from the rye grains and is used to make many types of rye breads, including pumpernickel. Rye breads are found primarily in eastern Europe and Russia. Rye grains can also appear in breakfast cereals and a variety of baked goods. 

Rye is also used for spirits, like rye whiskey and rye beer. The Bavarian roggenbier is a special kind of beer containing upwards of 60% rye malt.

What Does Rye Taste Like?

Most people consider rye a very strong flavor profile. The flavor is typically described as nutty, earthy, and slightly malty. In bread it is similar to whole wheat flour with more “green” or “fresh” taste. 

The flavor of rye often depends on how much of the grain is used in breads or drinks. Some describe rye bread as sour and bittersweet, while others find it mild and earthy when used in baked goods. 

Rye and Whiskey

Rye whiskey is favored by those who want a spicy flavor as opposed to the sweeter taste of bourbon. Rye whiskey can have notes of black pepper, rye bread, or even anise.

American rye whiskey must contain at least 51% rye, but many distillers add higher percentages to their rye whiskey for that extra spicy, irresistible flavor. Rye whiskey is reminiscent of spicy fruit, with smoke and oak. 

The flavor of rye whiskey can vary depending on the time it has aged. A whiskey that has aged only two years will have a bolder level of spice, but lower levels of vanilla and oak. A well-aged rye whiskey may have more milder spice but stronger flavors of oak and vanilla.  The flavor of course varies greatly depending on the other grains included in the whiskey mash.

Rye whiskey is a true American spirit. Americans started using rye in whiskey because it can grow just about anywhere, but Pennsylvania is where Rye Whiskey traces its roots. Learn more about rye whiskey in Pennsylvania and next time you stop out give ours a try. 

At Eight Oaks we don’t just make whiskey, we make a difference. 

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