If you want an absolutely authentic Manhattan, it must be made with rye whiskey. The original recipes for many classic whiskey cocktails called for rye instead of bourbon. Following the trend of authenticity in classic cocktails around the country, interest in rye whiskey has increased dramatically.

Shipments of rye whiskey have grown by 20% annually for the last several years, and Jim Beam reports a 47% increase in rye shipments between 2009 and 2011 for its rye brands — Jim Beam Rye, Ri1 and Old Overholt.

The sharp increase in rye sales is good in the short term, but whiskey makers are having a hard time keeping up with demand. Because whiskey must be aged, distillers can’t immediately respond to increased demand.

Distillers are laying down more rye, but the new supply won’t hit the market for another couple of years. Until then, bartenders and consumers are stockpiling their favorite bottles in order to ride out the shortage.

Take a look at our rye whiskey recommendations, and get ‘em while you can!

Source

Distilleries Still Scrambling To Boost Production In Wake Of Rye Shortage, Shanken Daily News