The Narrative:
WhistlePig has been around for a short amount of time compared to the established titans in the industry. But the former NDP (Non-distiller producer) turned distiller carries a following throughout enthusiast circles for its sourced 100% rye whiskey. WhistlePig began with the purchase of a farm in Shoreham, Vermont in 2007 by founder Raj Bhakta. From the very beginning there was a firm commitment to crafting the best rye possible. Former Maker’s Mark Master Distiller Dave Pickerell was brought into the new company. After joining he helped source and purchase some excellent whiskey stock in Canada. This early whiskey stock that would have been misused if left in Canada helped establish the reputation the company still holds. The company launched its product on the market in 2010.
WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel
Origin: Alberta, Canada & Shoreham, Vermont U.S.A.
Distiller: Alberta Distillers
Mashbill: 100% Rye Whiskey
Cask: Aged Rye Whiskey stock, New American Oak with a bourbon barrel finish
Age: 10 Year Age Stated
ABV: Varies (This Batch comes in at 57.8%; 115.5 Proof)
Price: Varies by Region (Picked up locally for $85.99)
Mashbill
I have been waiting for the better part of two years to acquire a bottle of WhistlePig Rye whiskey. I had tried a standard 100 proof 10 year expression at a bar and absolutely loved it. Recently, I have seen on social sites the abundance of single barrel picks and the good reviews all around. I am always more interested in single barrel selections bottled at barrel strength or close to. So I made the decision to pick one up I had seen at a local store.
WhistlePig Single Barrel Selection (115.5 Proof) Review
Color: Dark Copper
Nose/Aroma: A beautiful rye spice filled nose. This is one of those ryes that you can’t wait to dive into. I get mint, citrus, orange peel, spicy oak, and slight caramel.
Palate/Body: A lot of rye spice, also tobacco, mint and cinnamon. Some sweetness from caramel, vanilla and cherries. Full body.
Finish: Excellent finish on this barrel. I am really big on how a whiskey finishes and this does not disappoint. It’s a dry spice tingle that hangs around. Hints of bubblegum, slight vanilla with more spice and oak. Not getting any oak bitterness in this barrel.
With Water: I have no inclination to dilute this delicious nectar.
Overall: I am very happy to have picked this up. For my first WhistlePig expression it is a delicious treat to have at the bar. I am quite sad that I waited so long to purchase a bottle but am very satisfied with this pick. I was able to find two more single barrel picks from different stores that I will open and review later for comparison. There was some debate over single barrel offerings this past week. I have to say that I am for single barrel releases. The ability to compare different barrels and truly experience the variances that occur is exciting and enjoyable. Whether or not I will be able to experience the same flavor profile again is an acceptable trade-off to broaden my palate.
Have you tried one of these WhistlePig single barrels? What did you enjoy about them? Leave a comment below!
Drink well friends! 🥃👍
