America's Best Rye Whiskey, According To The American Distilling Institute

Forbes

14-05-2025

Painted Stave was the Best Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey and a Double Gold Medalist.
Photo, courtesy Painted Stave
The American Distilling Institute's International Spirits Competition is an annual judging of spirits sponsored by the ADI. This prestigious event recognizes excellence in craft spirits and is open to U.S. and international distilleries. Below is a brief background and tasting notes on the "Best of Class" and "Best of Category." American Rye Whiskey winners from the recently completed 2025 competition.
Painted Stave was the Best Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey and a Double Gold Medalist.
The distillery, in Smyrna, Delaware, is known for its small-batch spirits. Their Bottled in Bond Rye Whiskey is based on a mash bill of 70% Rye, 25% Corn, and 5% Malted Barley and is aged for a minimum of four years.
On the nose, the rye whiskey is herbal and fruity, featuring spearmint, anise, licorice, red fruits, caramel, and spice notes of cinnamon and clove. The palate exhibits a candied, bubble gum-like sweetness, dried spearmint, prunes, and cinnamon. The finish is long, with lingering spearmint, cinnamon, and bubble gum notes.
Tumblin Dice was the Best Single Barrel Whiskey and a Double Gold medalist.
The whiskey is bottled by Proof and Wood Ventures. It's sourced from MGP in Indiana. Known for their barrel-proof offerings, Tumblin Dice whiskeys are selected, aged, and bottled to highlight rye's bold aroma and flavor characteristics.
The ABV varies between 110 proof and 120 proof, depending on the specific bottling. The rye whiskeys are based on MGP's high rye mash bill of 95% Rye and 5% Malted Barley. The maturation varies, with some expressions aged up to eight years.
The whiskey is sweet and spicy on the nose, featuring rye spice, brown sugar, vanilla-laced crème brûlée, earthy, slightly herbal, with hints of stone fruit and white pepper aromas. It's rich and robust on the palate with classic rye characteristics and a balance of sweetness and spice. It exhibits vanilla and caramel notes, seasoned wood, cinnamon, clove, and a slight herbal touch. The finish is long and semi-sweet with lingering caramel, pepper, and seasoned wood notes.
Glass of rye whiskey on background of rye grain
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Brad Halling American Whiskey Ko., in Southern Pines, North Carolina, was founded by retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major Brad Halling. The distillery honors military service through its spirits, with the Sergeant's Valor series paying tribute to extraordinary acts of service.
This expression is a bottling based on two different rye whiskeys. The source of the whiskeys, the associated mash bills, and the age statement are not disclosed.
The nose features toasted oak, malted cocoa, vanilla, and herbal notes. The palate features bold rye flavors exhibiting rye spices of cinnamon and clove, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, earthy white pepper, and herbal flavors. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering rye spice notes.
Redwood Empire Whiskey emphasizes sustainability and craftsmanship across its craft whiskey range. The Van Duzen Straight Rye is part of their Small Lot Series, named after the Van Duzen River, and showcases their commitment to unique mash bills and grain-to-glass production.
The rye is based on a mash bill of 67% Rye, 31% Malted Barley, and 2% Wheat. The age at bottling is not specified.
The nose is aromatic and complex, featuring vanilla/lemon cake, red berry jam, raspberry cobbler, milk chocolate, biscuit, and spice notes of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The palate is rich and flavorful, exhibiting milk chocolate, custard cream, espresso coffee, tropical fruits, especially grilled pineapple and baked banana, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is medium length, smooth, and fruity with lingering lemon cake and baked banana notes.
The American Distilling Institute (ADI) is a leading trade organization for craft and independent distillers in the United States. Founded in 2003, ADI supports the growth and success of small-scale distillers through education, advocacy, networking, and promotion of best practices in the industry.
ADI's annual spirits competition often highlights up-and-coming brands, many of which have yet to establish national distribution. For the whiskey connoisseur, the competition offers an excellent insight into what will likely be tomorrow's American whiskey stars.