Sure, there are 4 evaluations of WhistlePig merchandise — all of them rye — on this roundup, and whereas that’s not the way in which I’d choose to do it, let’s be actual: WhistlePig cranks out a ton of whiskey, and maintaining on all of it is daunting.
So right here we go: 4 current releases from our buddies in Vermont, working the gamut from on a regular basis hooch to collectables.
WhistlePig Bespoke Barrel Rye Whiskey Aged in Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels 12 Years Outdated – The pattern of whiskey aged in blue chip wine casks continues with this 12 yr previous rye, which begins as a single barrel of WhistlePig Outdated World Rye and is then completed in French oak barrels that beforehand held Shafer’s luxe cabernet sauvignon for a further 32 months. I believe technically that makes this a 14 yr previous whiskey, however who’s counting, proper? There’s no indication of the wine ending primarily based on the colour, which is indistinguishable from every other WhistlePig rye of current classic. The nostril nevertheless tells a barely completely different story: The spice right here is much less grassy pepper and extra of the baking selection, showcasing nutmeg, cinnamon, and a few cloves, refined by insistent notes of wooden that fall extra towards cedar than oak. Loads of vanilla and caramel beneath, although the whiskey’s aroma isn’t overbearing and even significantly candy. The essence of purple wine is extra evident on the palate, which is nutty and layered with notes of dried fruits, together with raisin and cranberry, that includes a tannic, cab-heavy edge. Once more that wooden character is appreciable, although extra of a mix of oak and cedar by this level, the end meandering into notes of darkish chocolate, anise, and a reprise of clove-heavy spice. All of which you’d in all probability be completely satisfied to seek out in a bottle of Shafer wine. 86 proof. A- / $100
WhistlePig PiggyBack Single Barrel – Kick Sauber F1 Group Stake Version – I’ll admit I don’t know a lot about Formulation 1 racing, however I a minimum of knew what Alfa Romeo was the final time WhistlePig dropped an F1-themed PiggyBack single barrel rye. Nicely Kick Sauber is the brand new identify for Alfa Romeo, so thriller solved. Just like the final Stake Version, this whiskey pays homage to racer Valtteri Bottas, who has a gin known as O?TH, and this rye is completed — er, finnished (he’s from Finland) — in these gin barrels earlier than bottling. It’s a a lot completely different product and a very weird one, a whiskey that smells and tastes like gin. The spirit boggles the thoughts with aromas of juniper and menthol, mingling with notes of traditional rye spices — all of them intense. You’d assume the one-two punch of natural notes would complement each other, however that’s not likely the case. As a substitute, it creates a pungency that’s off the charts. It’s the identical scenario on the palate — brutally medicinal, sharp, and blown out with notes of inexperienced herbs that result in burnt rubber, creosote, and tar. Oddly, peanut butter emerges on the end. That apart, if the thought was to make a whiskey that actually tastes like an F1 monitor then, properly, properly carried out. 100.77 proof. C / $60
WhistlePig FarmStock Rye Past Bonded (2024) – The 2024 launch of WhistlePig’s 100% farm-to-bottle rye, FarmStock, is a manufacturing of 23 single barrels of house-made spirit aged in WP’s personal Vermont oak. This yr’s FarmStock Past Bonded contains each a bourbon and a wheat whiskey, however we’re one of many single barrels of rye, constructed from Our bonded whiskey is made with 100% Danko Rye, aged a minimum of 4 years and 29 days and as much as 4 years, 6 months and 17 days. (A QR code below a medallion on high of the stopper will let you know precisely how previous your bottle is together with every little thing else you may wish to know.) The 2024 rye is a killer, peppery and spicy on the nostril however wholly approachable due to a layer of almondy nougat and a contact of brown sugar that approximates buttery pecan sandies — in no way what you count on (or worry) from a 100% rye. Darkish chocolate notes emerge with time in glass. On the palate, the whiskey has a delicate nature that’s once more surprising, that includes baked apples, coconut, and cinnamon sugar. The whiskey jumps out and in of notes that vary from raisins to chop grass to sandalwood, resulting in a fairly pleasing and versatile end that had me dreaming of a picnic brunch, full with cinnamon rolls and occasional cake — and the aromas of moist, overgrown grass surrounding me. You should purchase it solo or as a bundle with Brother’s Bond Regenerative Grain Bourbon, for $190. 100 proof. Reviewed: Barrel #87720. A- / $110 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
WhistlePig PiggyBank Rye 10 Years Outdated 2024 – That is the third annual launch of PiggyBank, a ten yr previous rye that is available in a horizontal, pig-shaped decanter. You possibly can simply distinguish this one from the prior two: Your entire bottle is dipped in gold. It’s additionally made in Canada; 2022 and 2023 have been distilled within the U.S. That is maybe probably the most traditional expression of rye as something on this checklist, with a nostril that’s huge and biting, sharp with pepper, sun-torched grass, and gentler notes of toasted almonds and hazelnuts, smoldering beneath. There’s a smidge of fruit on the palate, apples and a few flamed orange peel, however the grassy-herbal character stays robust. Some sweetness tempers the punch of pepper, spearmint, pipe tobacco, and late-breaking tarriness, however there’s little doubt all through that you just’re sipping on a heavy rye, albeit a well-made one with a minimum of some sense of steadiness. I really like the pop of vanilla and extra mint on the end — but it surely’s the truth that you get to drink it out of a pig’s butt is simply icing on the cake. 110 proof. A- / $250 (1 liter) [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
WhistlePig PiggyBank Rye 10 Years Outdated 2024
$250
