When you raise a glass to the founding fathers this Independence Day, why not go the extra mile and fill the glass like they did? Rye whiskey has a great tradition in early American history that continues on today.

Easy to grow and very resilient, rye was the most popular grain American farmers distilled with regularity, and became the prevalent whiskey of the northeastern states. Rye whiskey is heavier than bourbon or Tennessee whiskey, a sweeter, corn-based variety. Rye grain is known for imparting what many call a spicy or fruity flavor.

As popular as it was back in the day, rye isn’t just for the history books. With the craft cocktail craze sweeping the country, rye is making a big comeback. In fact, three of the classic whiskey cocktails—the Old Fashioned, Manhattan and Sazerac—originally called for rye.

So which rye’s right for you? Here are a few to get you started.

Rittenhouse Bottled in Bond Rye: Made in a classic Pennsylvania style at the Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky, this rye presents a tremendous value. Aged for at least four years in barrel, it’s then bottled at 100 proof. To be called "Bottled in Bond" it has to be the product of a single distillery, made in a single season in a single year.

Bulleit Rye: The mashbill here is 95% rye—much higher than most standard rye whiskeys out there. The minimum to be called a rye whiskey is 51% rye. Full of baking spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, and dried fruit flavors including apricot, nectarine and raisins, this rye is great for mixing or on the rocks.

Knob Creek Rye: Bottled at 100 proof, this flavorful spicy rye whiskey will hold up well in cocktails. Although it does not have an age statement, it contains rye up to nine years old. Expect bold almond, oak, brown butter and pecan pie flavors in this rye whiskey.