Rye adds an extra bite of sweet and peppery spice to whisky, compared to barley or corn. The higher the rye content, the spicier the whiskey.
The grain is not malted, which means the distiller does not soak the grain in water and allow it to germinate before the distillation process. Unmalted Rye whisky has a spicy, peppery flavour, with a slightly sweet finish. The grain impacts the flavour of the whisky by adding a pronounced spiciness, with notes of clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. The grain also brings an earthy, herbal note to the whisky, along with a slight sweetness. Unmalted Rye whisky is a popular choice for craft distillers, as it offers a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other whiskies.