Why it won us over: Our tasters like a rye that knows what it is. A rye with character, if you will. Rittenhouse has the kind of self-assured star quality that makes itself known immediately—and that’s what makes it great. Joseph noted a heady maple syrup aroma, and other tasters noted warm spice notes like cinnamon, which gave way to a pleasantly tingly pepper. The flavors built on one another, a kicky sip that finished smooth and well-structured.

We’d love it in: Our tasters agreed that Rittenhouse Rye would stand out in most cocktails because of those strong spiced notes. To that end, it’s worth tasting on its own, but you could supercharge those flavors by using it in a Slow Cooker Star Anise Black Pepper Hot Toddy.

Angel’s Envy Rye Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks: Tasters picked out tropical flavors like banana and molasses—undoubtedly a result of the rum cask aging. It’s not that it wasn’t delicious, but it wasn’t exactly the prototypical peppery rye experience they wanted.

Basil Hayden Rye Whiskey: With a straightforward sweetness, our tasters deemed Basil Hayden perfectly acceptable if not exceptional.

Elijah Craig Straight Rye: Tasters noted that this sample was particularly hot on the palate. That alcoholic heat overpowered many other flavors they might have tasted.

Jim Beam Rye Whiskey: There were a lot of positive comments about the flavors here: vanilla, oak, and pepper—check, check, check. But these flavors were more punchy than integrated, and Jim Beam lost out for its structure.

Knob Creek 7 Year Old Rye Whiskey: Aged for longer than many of its peers, tasters said Knob Creek had a strong earthy, sweet berry flavor that didn’t line up with the bright, kicky pepper-and-caramel flavors they were looking for.

Old Forester Straight Rye Whiskey: Its straightforward white sugar flavor turned off most tasters pretty quickly.

Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey Aged 4 Years: Some tasters called this tannic, others called it artificial-tasting. Either way, other contenders had more to offer.

Whistlepig 100% Rye Aged 6 Years: Tasters enjoyed its grassy vanilla flavor, and mentioned a strong oak note—overall it was a hit. When it came down to the wire, Whistlepig missed by inches as others surpassed it on structure.

Wild Turkey 101 Rye: Although our taste panel noted robust vegetal peppery flavors, Wild Turkey didn’t have the requisite caramel and vanilla flavors our tasters wanted to see.