Rye whiskey is one of the most important spirits in American distilling. After all, it’s the main ingredient of the Sazerac Cocktail. But the path to becoming an iconic spirit wasn’t always as smooth as the drink itself. From its immigrant roots to the booming whiskey industry we know today, see how the story of rye whiskey is so much like the story of America.
Whiskey Comes to America
The first whiskey distilling operations in America are often credited to Pennsylvania and Maryland. After the American Revolution, rum quantities drastically dropped. But Scottish and Irish immigrants quenched the peoples’ thirst with whiskey. The only problem? The climate wasn’t just right for the Irish whiskey they were used to making. Luckily, the new rye whiskey was a more than adequate substitute.
Soon enough, rye whiskey was an American favorite and production ramped up by the early 1800s. Pennsylvania produced and shipped 6.5 million gallons of rye in the year 1810 alone, which was nearly three times more than Kentucky bourbon that same year. Even George Washington got into the rye whiskey distilling game after his presidency. It doesn’t get much more American than that.
Cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned and of course the Sazerac made whiskey more popular than ever. Until it wasn’t.
Last Call for Whiskey
Prohibition put a stop to the rye whiskey production practically overnight. That, along with world wars bookending the halt of production, rye had a long road to go to get back into America’s good spirits.
Just when production started ramping back up again, Americans turned their taste to other drinks. Vodka, gin, bourbon and scotch became more popular. Rye whiskey got a bottom-shelf reputation while other options were deemed classier or more refined. Once an American staple in the most iconic cocktails and bars, rye was on its last legs.
Rye, Rye and Rye Again
Just like America itself, there was no keeping rye down. Cocktails began to boom in popularity again and with them, rye whiskey was back in the glasses—and good favors—of bar patrons. While rye whiskey still isn’t as popular as other whiskey options, distillers are making more and more of it every year. And the people are drinking it up.
Now, we’re making our own Sazerac Rye in the Sazerac House. You can see the distilling process and learn all about it on your next tour.
After years of ups and downs, rye whiskey is back and better than ever. And it’s not going away any time soon.
Here are a few of our favorite
Rye Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Sazerac Cocktail Recipe
LA LOUISIANE Recipe
VIEUX CARRE Recipe
Events
An Evening with Sazerac: An Exclusive Tasting Experience
Raise a glass to the legendary Sazerac de Forge cognac one last time - this iconic cognac will never be made again. Join us for a rare, one-night-only celebration at Sazerac House to explore the rich heritage of Sazerac de Forge cognac. This immersive evening also offers a chance to taste rare whiskey selections from Buffalo Trace Distillery, including Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon. Tickets include canapes provided by world-famous Brennan’s. Limited seating available. Ticket bundle with a bottle of Sazerac de Forge FO available for $150. Standard tickets are $30.
Premium Whiskey Grid Tasting (BTAC Collection)
[$75 per person] Indulge in a premier evening of bourbon exploration, guided by none other than Sazerac House's very own Bourbon Expert, Gregg L. Triche. Embark on a sensory journey through the world of fine spirits during this exclusive 90-minute tasting experience. During the event, guests will be treated to Sazerac's complete BTAC Collection: five, 3/4 oz pours of the most esteemed bourbons, Sazerac 18 Year Old (Rye), Eagle Rare 17 Year Old (Bourbon - Aged), William Larue Weller (Wheated), George T. Stagg (Bourbon - Barrel Proof), and Thomas Handy. All guests must be 21 to participate. As we will have a special alcohol license and event permit on June 15th and 16th, guests will be able to access the exhibit floors before or after the tasting (pending your tasting time - the final tour departs at 4:15 p.m.) and enjoy additional sampling. Cancellations and refunds will only be provided with at least 72 hours' notice in advance of the class time. To book your experience, please follow the steps below.
Season of Sazerac Class: Limited Time Only Cognac Experience
Wednesdays and Fridays in December. Season's greetings from the home of New Orleans' official cocktail: The Sazerac. This limited-time-only experience will immerse you in history of the cocktail and its roots in cognac. This class also offers an opportunity to learn about the rich heritage of Sazerac de Forge cognac, never to be made again. Tickets are $45 per person. Don't miss out on this unique and final opportunity.
