Rye January: The Untold Story of America’s First Spirit - Madison

Join us in the depths of winter as we explore the rich history and remarkable diversity of one of the world's most misunderstood spirits.

Long before corn and bourbon claimed the spotlight in American whiskey, rye was the undisputed backbone of domestic spirits. Early European settlers across Pennsylvania and Maryland cultivated the hardy grain because it thrived in cooler, rocky soils where barley struggled, giving rise to America's first true distilling tradition. From George Washington’s pioneering distillery at Mount Vernon to the classic pre-Prohibition cocktails that built American bar culture, rye was the original favorite. In this seminar, we will chart the rise, near-disappearance and dramatic modern revival of this quintessential American spirit, exploring how a grain grown out of necessity became the foundation of our country's liquid history.

Today, a new wave of craft distillers is reimagining what rye can be through farm-to-bottle production and grain-forward craftsmanship. Rather than relying on industrial grain supply chains, modern distillers are partnering directly with local farmers to grow heirloom grains, practice sustainable crop rotations and capture the distinct terroir of their regional soils. This hyper-local approach means every bottle reflects the climate, land and farming practices of its origin. Tasted side by side, these farm-driven ryes reveal an incredible spectrum of flavor, moving far beyond simple spice to deliver delicate floral notes, earthy cocoa, toasted baking spices and rich herbal complexity.

Central to this revival is the growing movement toward single-variety ryes — bottlings made entirely from distinct heirloom or landrace rye strains like Rosen, Danko or Spooner. Much like single-varietal wines showcase the unique personality of a Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, these specific grain expressions highlight how much flavor originates in the field rather than the barrel. We will guide you through a curated lineup featuring farm-to-bottle distilleries and single-variety showcases, offering a sensory journey through the past, present and exciting future of American rye.

Producers to be featured: Far North Spirits, J. Henry & Sons, Dancing Goat, Laws and more!