WhistlePig Single Barrel Rye 10 Year
Greetings, fellow tipplers and enthusiasts of the grainy elixirs! Today, I embark on a journey through amber waves of whiskey with the WhistlePig Single Barrel 10-Year Rye. Let me regale you with tales of this liquid gold that spiced up my taste buds and left me contemplating why the pig on the bottle looks like the Monopoly man.
History lesson first! Relatively new, WhistlePig was founded in 2007 by Raj Peter Bhakta and has etched its mark on the landscape of American whiskey with a commitment to quality and innovation. Nestled in the scenic hills of Vermont, the distillery initially sourced aged rye whiskey from Canada, showcasing a dedication to the bold and distinctive flavors of rye. Over the years, WhistlePig has evolved into a renowned producer of premium rye whiskey, earning acclaim for its farm-to-bottle ethos and the iconic 100% rye expressions, including the popular WhistlePig 10 Year. Dave Pickerell, the “Johnny Appleseed” of craft distilling, was hired as the Master Distiller to source its first whiskey. Over the years, Dave advised over 100 different distillers. Unfortunately, in 2018, while working for Hillrock Estate Distillery, Dave passed away. One of his last projects was consulting with Metallica on their product, Blackened American Whiskey.
So, first impressions? The bottle itself is unique in its right, as all bottles are. Sleek, with a touch of rustic charm, it whispers promises of a mature rendezvous. As I popped the cork, the scent wafted out like a seasoned storyteller, weaving tales of rye fields and aging barrels. This particular bottle was a store pick called Brightleaf Select Barrel #120233. So impressions can vary!
Upon the first pour, it's like uncorking a bottle of nostalgia mixed with a dash of rebellion. The aroma drifted up like a rustic symphony of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of "I-don't-know-what-but-I-kind-of-like-it." It's the kind of scent that makes you want to kick off your shoes, sit by the fireplace, and contemplate the mysteries of the universe.
Now, onto the tasting adventure. The first sip was a rollercoaster of flavors. The rye took the lead, tap-dancing on my palate with a spicy swagger. It was like a dance-off between gingerbread men and cinnamon sticks, and my taste buds were the judges. Yet, beneath the spicy spectacle, a subtle sweetness emerged, like a mischievous sidekick stealing the spotlight. Now, I'm not a fan of hot whiskey or rye, for that matter, and I’m always nervous about purchasing Rye Whiskey. However, my father-in-law and I were pleasantly surprised by this bottle.
The 10 years of aging? It's like the whiskey went on a decade-long spa vacation and came back with a refined elegance and a six-pack. The oak notes are there, but they're not shouting for attention; they're more like the wise, older sibling in the background, subtly influencing the whole experience. The finish is the grand finale, the crescendo of this whiskey opera. It lingers with a delightful warmth, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and a desire for an encore.
In conclusion, the WhistlePig Single Barrel 10-Year Rye is like the wise old sage of the whiskey world, sharing its tales of time and flavor. It's a journey worth taking, whether you're a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a newcomer looking to dip your toes into the rye-teous waters of spice.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 118.5 • Aged: 10yrs •Whse 7/Rick B/Level 3 • Price: $105 • Mashbill (Varies): 95% Rye, 5% Malted Barley
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 3 • Palate: 4 • Finish: 4 • Uniqueness: 4 • Value: 3 • Overall: 3.6
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my father-in-law, another whiskey lover. 