Archie Rose wins World’s Best Rye Whiskey trophy… again

Its score of 93 (almost a point per dollar on the shelf) also places it as Australia’s third-best whisky overall, just one point shy of its portfolio-sibling Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt and equal-first-place Western Tiers’ Thousand Lakes Sherry Cask Matured.

Archie Rye Malt has previously been named the world’s best rye on three other occasions, including at the coveted World Whiskies Awards back in 2020, reflecting its ongoing consistency as a leader at the helm of what has traditionally been viewed as a US whiskey category. 

“Our Rye Malt Whisky has achieved some truly remarkable wins,” reflects Master Distiller Dave Withers. “Truly, the Rye Malt Whisky is positioning itself as one of the best rye whiskies available. The team could not be prouder that their hard work was recognised in this way." 

What sets it apart?

According to the Head Distiller, Rye Malt’s ongoing success is down to the distillery’s “deep focus on quality”, achieved through a mix of “careful custom cask selection, meticulous on-site cooperation, and longer maturation times, among other initiatives.”

Rye Malt itself also shines a light on the distillery’s work with growers in Griffith to revive heritage rye and barley strains. This rye is then malted, an uncommon process in rye whiskey, and paired with painstakingly 36-month air-dried oak, delivering depth, texture and a signature house style. Think notes of spiced custard, ginger, stone fruit and baked apple pie with a fresh herbal finish. 

Whereas its American rye counterparts are typically bold and built for mixing, Archie Rose Rye Malt is both distinctly different and distinctly Australian, with the rye malting process softening the spice and unlocking a richer, more rounded profile. 

What’s more, we think it is also distinctly good value at just $99 a pop.