Ask the Whiskey Hotline - Available and Affordable Ryes
Every week, the Whiskey Hotline answers real questions from customers seeking special releases, gift ideas, and expert recommendations. With hundreds of inquiries pouring in annually, we spotlight one question each week and share our answer in hopes it helps you, too.
I’ve tried many rye whiskeys trying to find something similar to Thomas Handy Cask Strength Rye that is not as expensive or hard to find. Do you folks have any recommendations?
We sure do! At the Whiskey Hotline, we adore rye, here are some of our favorites. We’ve based our recommendations on the amount of rye in the mash bill, the age or the elevated proof of Thomas Handy.
Sazerac Straight RyeThomas Handy is essentially a cask strength version of the daily sipper, Sazerac Rye, it’s the same age and 90 proof. |
Sazerac 100 Proof Straight Rye 1LThis is a new item from Sazerac, and fans of Thomas Handy should turn to this for its elevated proof. As a new item, it will be in and out of stock for a little while. |
Pikesville 6 year old Straight RyeSimilar age statement and a high proof of 110. This is a great sipper and an excellent cocktail ingredient. |
Wild Turkey Rye 101 ProofThis has a similar mash bill to Thomas Handy and is a great pour and an excellent value. |
Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 6yr Small Batch RyeAlso coming from Wild Turkey and with a similar age statement as Thomas Handy, this is widely available and just darn delicious. |
Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof RyeIf you’re looking for proof, look no further than Jack Daniel’s. These bottlings vary but can reach 130 proof and beyond. This provides the strength and complexity you find in Thomas Handy, but it is readily available. |
