Rye Bourbon refers to bourbon that is 51% corn, classifying it as bourbon, but also has a high amount of rye, commonly in the 20% range. Rye whiskey, by contrast, can only be classified as rye whiskey if it contains at least 51% rye. Therefore, rye bourbon is still classified as a bourbon but with a significant amount of rye. Some may call this high-rye bourbon. 

Rye bourbon is an excellent choice for those who like bourbon but want some of the more robust, drier characteristics of rye. 

There are a lot of different flavors and aromas that make bourbon unique. You can learn more about those flavors and aromas here. 

Flavors and Aromas of Rye Bourbon

Rye tends to add more spicy flavors to bourbon. Usually, you’ll notice a peppery bite or edge when you sip rye. Rye tends to add a savory balance to the more typically sweeter, corn-based bourbon. The pepper and spice tend to balance the honey and vanilla sweetness of classic bourbon. 

You’ll notice that rye can be a bit more intense and can give bourbon more punch. Along with the spicier flavors, rye also tends to be drier. Rye can also introduce grassy flavors, along with smoke, oak, cinnamon, fennel, nutmeg, or fruit. Rye bourbon is considered more aggressive than classic bourbon. Some of the aromas you’ll note with rye are charred oak, black pepper, and freshly-baked bread. 

Like bourbon, rye whiskey is made in new, charred oak barrels, which give you more oak, vanilla, and caramel notes. While rye whiskey is drier than bourbon, it’s not as dry as scotch whiskey, which typically utilizes used, second-hand barrels. 

If you want to balance the sweeter tastes of bourbon when making your own bespoke whiskey, adding rye is a great way to do that. Making a high-rye bourbon will add more of those spicy, peppery flavors to your creation.

Consider adding the barrels with higher rye content if you want to create a high-rye bourbon with Designer Dram. If you need help, be sure to reach out to us, and our experts will help you select the right barrels to match your desired tastes.