The new Rieger Straight Rye is meant to complement the brand’s Kansas City Whiskey and Straight Bourbon bottlings.
J. Rieger & Co. has announced the release of Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey, the newest addition to its Whiskey Collection. This release joins the existing Rieger Kansas City Whiskey and Rieger Straight Bourbon, all of which are aged a minimum of four years. Each whiskey is crafted for everyday enjoyment, offering unique flavor profiles at accessible price points. Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey is distilled, aged, and bottled at the historic J. Rieger & Co. distillery, a family-owned business that has been producing spirits since 1887.
“The debut of Rieger Straight Rye represents the culmination of ten years of work to create a collection of best-in-class whiskeys that are impeccably made, well-priced, and always available,” said Andy Rieger, President of J. Rieger & Co. “With the introduction of Straight Rye, we’ve added yet another style designed for everyday indulgence to complement our Kansas City Whiskey and Straight Bourbon bottlings.“
Rieger Master Distiller Nathan Perry employs a unique approach to distillation, using fresh yeast through sweet mash fermentation, rather than the traditional sour mash. This method offers more control over the aromas and character of the whiskey. Additionally, Rieger’s two-step distillation process maximizes mouthfeel and texture. The whiskeys are aged for at least four years in Kansas City, allowing the flavors to deepen and mature.
The Rieger Whiskey Collection includes Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, Rieger Straight Bourbon, and Rieger Straight Rye, all offered in 750ml bottles. Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, a blend of straight bourbon, light corn whiskey, and straight rye, was awarded “Best American Whiskey” at the ASCOT Awards and a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Rieger Straight Bourbon, launched in fall 2024, and Rieger Straight Rye, released in February 2025, both deliver unique flavor profiles through Rieger’s signature distillation methods. All three whiskeys are priced between $30.00 and $35.00 per bottle and are available nationwide.
About the Rieger Whiskey Lineup:
- Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, a benchmark brand that defined a new KC whiskey category, was named “Best American Whiskey” at the ASCOT Awards and received a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. A blend of straight bourbon whiskey, light corn whiskey, and straight rye whiskey, all aged at least four years, Kansas City Whiskey includes a small amount of 15-year-old oloroso sherry from the Williams & Humbert Bodega in Jerez, Spain. Extremely well-balanced: sherry notes of dried fruits, almonds, and bitter chocolate combine with a caramel, butterscotch backbone from corn whiskey and robust spiciness from the rye.
- Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey (56% corn, 30% rye, 14% malted barley) launched in fall 2024 and is 100% distilled, aged, and bottled at the historic distillery. Innovative sweet mash fermentation lends smoothness and flavor, with a two-step distillation process and at least 4 years of aging to deliver the ultimate mouthfeel and texture. Rich aromas of candied citrus and baked bread combine with orange marmalade, cracked pepper, and lightly toasted coconut flavors followed by hints of tobacco and a long finish.
- Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey (96% rye, 4% malted barley), available as of February 2025, is 100% distilled, aged, and bottled at the distillery. Made through Rieger’s signature sweet mash fermentation and two-step distillation process, Straight Rye ages at least 4 years in 53-gallon white American barrels to deliver a forward character that is equal parts spicy and sippable. On the nose, aromas of caramelized orange, fresh bread, and orange blossom are present. Rich flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, buttered popcorn, and spicy fruit-jam leads to a long, balanced finish with notes of sage, mint, and toasted coconut.
About J. Rieger & Co.:
Founded by Jacob Rieger in 1887, Kansas City-based J. Rieger & Co. was once the largest mail-order whiskey house in the country before Prohibition shut down operations. In 2014, Andy Rieger, the great-great-great-grandson of Jacob Rieger, and renowned bartender Ryan Maybeerelaunched the distillery as part of a new golden era in American spirits backed by industry legends and Master Distillers Dave Pickerell and Tom Nichol. Today, we deliver award-winning products, innovative cocktails, and memorable experiences to guests at our landmark facility in Kansas City’s Electric Park District. From rare releases to everyday favorites, our range includes Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, Straight Bourbon, Straight Rye, Monogram Solera Reserva Whiskey, Midwestern Dry Gin, and Caffè Amaro, proudly served across the country and around the world. For more information, visit www.JRiegerCo.com.
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