J. Rieger & Co. Releases Rieger Straight Rye, Latest Addition to The Rieger Whiskey Collection

“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,” says 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. True to our origins as one of the country’s first family distilleries, we’re proud to offer reasonably priced, delicious whiskeys that stand the test of time.”

J. Rieger & Co. is known for their pioneering methods and meticulous approach at every step of distillation. Most American whiskeys are distilled with a traditional sour mash using a starter from previous batches. Trained by industry legends Dave Pickerell and Tom Nichol, Rieger Master Distiller Nathan Perry prefers beginning each distillation with fresh yeast, a process known as sweet mash fermentation that delivers more control over bold aromas and character. Rieger rye and bourbon whiskeys undergo two-step distillation, a unique, more time-intensive method that involves pot and column stills, allowing the distillery team to maximize mouthfeel and texture. The whiskeys age in Kansas City for a minimum of four years to deepen the richness and layering of flavors.

Offered by the 750ml bottle, the Rieger Whiskey Collection includes Rieger Kansas City Whiskey, Rieger Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and the newly released, Rieger Straight Rye Whiskey. The packaging design features bold labels and a pre-Prohibition bottle style that celebrates the distillery’s longstanding history in American spirits and a modern, pioneering approach that has earned global recognition. 

• 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.