Rye: so hot right now. As the grain regrows in prominence in the culinary world, so too is that growth mirrored in the spirits industry, where rye whiskey is rising to prominence alongside America's big bourbon market. New York Distilling Company in Williamsburg, which makes two very fine ryes, is hosting the first ever Rye Week, with three rye-centric events beginning this weekend.
The first event open to the public is Friday night's Rye Whiskey, The American Spirit. This is the event for the rye completist, with more than a dozen rye creators on hand offering tastes of their ryes. The walk around tasting event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature a buffet provided by Union Square Cafe. Tickets cost $25.
Rye Week will be the official launch of Empire Rye, a consortium of whiskey-makers who will all debut a rye whiskey expression under the Empire Rye label. On Saturday, Black Button Distillery, Coppersea Distilling, Finger Lakes Distilling, Kings County Distilling, New York Distilling Company, Tuthilltown Distilling and Van Brunt Stillhouse will host an introduction party where attendees sample each distillery's version of rye. After the walk around tasting tour, fill up on another buffet cooked up by the team at Union Square Cafe. Tickets cost $25.
Finally, the week's festivities conclude with the Wild Rye Rumpus Pig Roast Rye Party, a raucous celebration of all things rye—and things that go well with rye, like bbq, bread and music. There'll be tons of rye whiskey on hand, naturally, plus a buffet spread crafted by Hometown Barbecue that'll focus on two Emperor pigs that've been fed with empire rye whiskey mash. Rye beer, rye bread, ice cream and live ragtime music are also slated for the event, which takes place on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $65 for GA.
All events will be held at New York Distilling Company at 79 Richardson Street in Williamsburg
