The American whiskey market is filled with hidden gems for those who know where to look. Bourbons and rye whiskeys showcase bold identities shaped by craft distilleries and distinctive production methods, from the mash bill to fermentation techniques and maturation choices.
Discover our selection of rye whiskeys and bourbons under €60, offering some of the best value for money available today.
Templeton Midnight Rye
This rye whiskey stands out thanks to an original finishing process incorporating a portion of Port casks. Aged in first-fill American oak barrels and bottled at 45% ABV, it offers a richer, more indulgent interpretation of rye. A relevant choice for those seeking a flavour profile that differs from more classic rye expressions.
TEMPLETON Midnight Rye
47.9 €
Nose: An enchanting bouquet combining black cherries, figs, and a subtle hint of spiced orange peel. The balance between the roundness of Port wine and the warmth of American oak is particularly striking.
Appearance: Deep mahogany.
Palate: A precise balance of cinnamon, clove, and a touch of dark chocolate, brought together in a silky, full-bodied texture that coats the palate. The bold spices typical of an American rye whiskey integrate seamlessly with the voluptuous sweetness of the Port influence.
Finish: A lingering sensation of warmth and satisfaction, followed by notes of dried fruits, oak, and black pepper.
Sonoma California Rye
Crafted artisanally in California and inspired by a production method dating back to the 16th century, this whiskey is distilled in direct-fire pot stills. Aged in new oak barrels before being refined in used whiskey casks, it highlights a bold grain-forward profile where rye clearly takes the lead.
SONOMA California Rye
59.9 €
Nose: Fresh grains and refined spices take the lead, while subtle fruit notes add depth and breadth to the aromatic profile.
Palate: Rye clearly dominates a grain-driven and spicy flavour profile, supported by a fresh oak influence. Underlying notes of candied apple, morello cherry, and a hint of maple syrup bring a touch of indulgence to this distinctly dry rye.
Finish: The rye character lingers, complemented by warm, lingering spice notes.
Sonoma California Bourbon
Directly inspired by the first corn distillates of the American West, this bourbon is based on a complex mash bill combining corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley. Double distilled in pot stills and aged in new oak barrels, it delivers a rich and authentic profile, emblematic of the Californian style.
Nose: Rich and deep. The first impression reveals corn in all its golden intensity, evolving into notes of biscuits and new oak. With aeration, layers of spice emerge, notably ginger, clove, and nutmeg. Gradually, stone fruits such as apricot and peach unfold, wrapped in hints of vanilla and liquorice.
Palate: Firm and lively. A honeyed attack quickly gives way to clove, bringing vibrant energy. Fresh and increasingly herbal and mentholated, the mid-palate develops a caramelised and roasted sweetness with touches of coffee and mocha. Slightly empyreumatic, with notes of eucalyptus and new oak, it also reveals fruity nuances of pear and apple, alongside a delicate floral hint of lily.
Finish: Long and silky. Red and black fruits such as strawberry, blackberry, and cherry, combined with woody spices like saffron and cinnamon, lend notable elegance. The finish lingers on toffee and nougat, while the retro-olfaction highlights incense and candied orange. The empty glass returns to the expressive character of corn.
Templeton 6 Year Old Rye
Heir to Prohibition-era recipes, this rye whiskey undergoes an extended six-year maturation in new oak barrels. Made with a high proportion of rye and bottled at 45.75% ABV, it retains the brand’s signature dry and spicy character, while gaining in depth and complexity.
TEMPLETON 6 ans Rye
49.9 €
Nose: Elegant notes of fruit and ginger.
Palate: Hints of honey and fresh flowers unfold over a backbone of spicy rye and oak.
Finish: Long and sustained, marked by firm notes of dark chocolate.
Templeton Bourbon Fortitude
The Templeton house, widely known for its rye whiskeys, once again showcases its expertise with corn through Templeton Bourbon Fortitude. The mash bill still gives an important role to rye, preserving a firm structure. Aged in heavily toasted barrels and bottled non-chill filtered, this bourbon stands out for its robust yet well-balanced profile.
Nose: Subtle notes of honey, caramel, and vanilla.
Palate: The influence of rye is clearly present, with spices expressing themselves confidently.
Finish: A rich and complex finish, lingering with depth and balance.
Horse with No Name – Rye
This Texas whiskey is crafted from non-GMO rye and features a distinctive fermentation using organic pecan yeasts. This singular approach brings a unique identity to the distillate, while allowing the rye to fully express its characteristic spicy notes. A modern interpretation of rye whiskey.
HORSE WITH NO NAME Rye
44.9 €
Nose: Spicy yet smooth.
Palate: Notes of black pepper, clove, and a hint of nutmeg.
Finish: Lingering touches of maple syrup and vanilla pods.
Horse with No Name – Bourbon
Crafted from Texas yellow dent corn and red winter wheat, this artisanal bourbon uses the same pecan-derived yeast as the rye in the range. The result is a well-structured spirit, defined by the classic bourbon flavour profile, while highlighting the distinct character of the Texas terroir.
Nose: Complex and expansive, with notes of leather.
Palate: Layers of vanilla, caramel, and coconut.
Finish: Lingering hints of nutmeg, clove, and leather.
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Produced by the renowned Willett Distillery, this straight bourbon is crafted from the blending of two distinct mash bills. Once reserved for the family’s private stocks, it is now available through an expression that strikes a balanced profile between the sweetness of corn and the spice of rye. A reliable benchmark from Kentucky.
Nose: A remarkable bouquet marked by toffee, cinnamon, and almond paste, with oak and layered spices adding depth and structure.
Palate: The opening is full and rounded, offering an immediately satisfying texture. Mid-palate, Johnny Drum reveals a broader aromatic range, where fruity and spicy notes become more pronounced as the caramel softens. Alongside cinnamon, hints of allspice, clove, and oak emerge clearly.
Finish: Long, spicy, and slightly dry, yet remaining rich and beautifully balanced.
Kentucky Vintage Small Batch
Part of Willett’s “Small Batch Boutique” collection, this bourbon is distilled and bottled by hand. Each bottle displays its individual barrel number, ensuring full traceability of a maturation process spanning several years. It delivers a classic profile, led by corn, offering a straightforward expression of the Kentucky style.
Nose: Soft and expressive, with notes of sweet vanilla, ripe fruits, and oak.
Palate: Smooth, harmonious, and rich, revealing floral aromas alongside hints of cedar, toffee, honey, and grains.
Finish: Finely woody and spicy, an iconic hallmark of a classic bourbon.
Pure Kentucky XO Small Batch
Awarded a Double Gold Medal in San Francisco, this straight bourbon undergoes extended ageing estimated at nearly twelve years. The blend of two distinct mash bills delivers a level of complexity rarely found at this price point, combining the sweetness of corn with the strength and spice of rye.
Nose: True to its name, as Kentucky immediately evokes bourbon. The nose opens on notes of toffee, fruit, oak, and a touch of eucalyptus.
Palate: More toffee and caramel unfold on the palate, supported by hints of cinnamon, oak, and pepper.
Finish: Well-balanced, structured around refined spice and wood notes.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BOURBON AND RYE WHISKEYS
La Maison du Whisky has three boutiques in Paris:
In each of these boutiques, you'll find a wide selection of whiskies, rums, sakes, and other fine spirits.
Because a whisky can be described in a thousand words, our experts will be delighted to guide you through the must-try whiskies at La Maison du Whisky.
Follow our tasting calendar for upcoming events, or visit the Golden Promise Whisky Bar, which offers an extensive selection of whiskies and other spirits by the glass.
