Whistlepig is a Canadian straight rye whiskey. A band of dedicated rye enthusiasts transformed an old dairy farm in Vermont into a whisky-making facility in 2007, helped by Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. They also bought stocks of 10 year old whiskey, used to kick off their company. Now they’re well known among rye aficionados.
The Whisky Exchange selected two casks (#4176 and #4177) that are exclusively available from them. They also have an exclusive Whistlepig 12 Years Amburana matured.
Whistlepig 10 yo ‘single barrel’ (59,8%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2018, cask #4177, 132 btl.)
Whistlepig 10 yo ‘single barrel’ (59,8%, OB for The Whisky Exchange 2018, cask #4177, 132 btl.)Nose: very fresh, with forthcoming minty notes, aromatic green herbs and lemon peel. The American oak is loud and clear (pencil shavings, pepper, vanilla) but it suits this style. Stewed apples with caramel sauce. Aromatic leathery, almost floral notes as well.
Mouth: the rye and oak spices set in first, alongside a lemony note, aniseed and liquorice. Then a warmer and sweeter side unfolds: dark chocolate, Black Forest gâteau, maybe some blackberries. All this leads to a slightly overpowering oaky warmth, including a slight bitter edge.
Finish: long, with more liquorice and spices, mint and pine wood.
A really full-bodied rye whiskey, with both fresher notes (mint) and darker notes (chocolate). Like a bourbon on steroids. Good stuff. Limited but still available from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 87/100