Rittenhouse Rye

Credit: Michael Kraus

While many rye whiskeys taste sweet like bourbon, Rittenhouse 100 proof rye has a dry, almost bready character. Produced by the 76-year-old Heaven Hill Distilleries in Bardstown, Kentucky (it's one of the oldest rye producers in this country), this old-fashioned whiskey isn't harsh or overpowering, and it blends well with vermouth and other mixers. Also, at just $20, it's a great value, which means that I can be as generous as I like when mixing up my sazeracs and New York cocktails.—Peter Nowakoski, Ringoes, New Jersey