The Death of Rye in America

Whisky education from Whisk(e)y Advent 2025 (2025-12-11). Summary below; full write-up with sources and images: calendar/2025-12-11.qmd.

Rye and bourbon were early-American staples. Prohibition (1919) allowed ‘medicinal’ whiskey; stockpiled aged stock was sold. After repeal, the Agricultural Adjustment Act (1933) subsidized corn but not rye - a major reason rye declined.