Back in the 1700s and 1800s rye was quite common and popular, corn came on later which are the bourbons. Bourbon whiskies are usually sweeter and sometimes smoother, rye is a little fruitier, sometimes spicier and usually drier.
Since you said you liked white whiskey I figured you had come across some made the old fashioned way. Rye seems to be making a comeback and there are some good ones out there, you should try one sometime. Next time I go to Kentucky I plan on stopping at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, taking the tour and buying some of their White Dog Rye Mash Whiskey (125 proof).
I used to be a rye drinker exclusively, except for vodkka of course, till i got into scotch. I just love the stuff. Mostly the peaty smoky stuff. It can be quite vile and yet very smooth as well. A real taste extravaganza!
I scorned the popular stuff, like glenfiddich 12, but had a glass handed to me and as it was free i drank it down. I realized, strictly only for my taste, a cheap scotch is better than a good rye. I haven't been properly educated on bourbons so perhaps I'm missing a treat there.
I used to drink Scotch at one time but haven't in the last 10 years or so, still have a 1/2 full bottle of Glenmorangie 18 in the cabinet.
The only way to see if you like bourbon is to buy some and mix it with a few different things to see if you like it. Since it seems like you have somewhat the same tastes as I do try some Buffalo Trace or Evan Williams, since neither is that expensive, and see what happens.
As far as the rye goes I've been drinking Bulliet or Knob Creek lately.
You can do your shopping on line if you want, that would greatly broaden your horizons. A friend of mine buys all his alcoholic beverages online, says it's much cheaper.
They didn't have the Buffalo Trace, but they had two bottles left of the Evan Williams single cask. Reviews said it had some smoke, which I like, so I got that.
Pretty good actually. I think it'd be a great drink during a heat wave during a hot summer. Meanwhile, I'm giving it a good taste test nightly, during the winter. Very smooth.
Never did smell or taste smoke though. I might be spoiled by the Laphroaig anyway.
I only live about 150 miles from the distillery and liquor stores just started carrying it around my house in the last year so that doesn't surprise me. I found out about it from a friend who goes hunting every fall in Tennessee and would always bring a case or so back with him.
Buffalo Trace also makes what they call Bourbon cream which is just like Irish Cream except made with bourbon. Problem is you can only get it in Kentucky as far as I know but it is good. I have to hide it from the women or otherwise it would be gone in an hour or so.
