Name: Whistle Pig 10 Small Batch Rye
Color: Brown
Nose: Rye malt, spices, caramel, light oak
Taste: Rye malt, spices, orange, vanilla oak notes
Whistle Pig Whiskey was founded in 2007 in Vermont and produce high end rye whiskey that is expensive. Their history is a mixed bag of startup distillery, reality show owner, board management drama, and sourced product from Canada. It is a bit of a mess so go look it up if you are interested.
The Whistle Pig 10 is 100% rye, aged 10 years, and is bottled at 50% abv. For a rye whiskey it is very smooth, well balanced, and easy to drink. It has a little spice on the finish, and it bit hot due to the proof. A few drops of water open it up nicely. At the price this should be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. I would not put this in a cocktail as it would probably not hold its flavor profile after mixing or shaking with ice.
Like my recent comments on Stranahan’s Origional in last week’s review, I can understand the relationship between the age of the distillery vs. the expressions but I struggle to understand the cost per bottle of Whistle Pig. For the price I will spend my money on scotch or Sagamore Rye Cask Strength for cocktails.
Other expression: Piggyback Rye, Farmstock Rye, 10 Year Small Batch, 12-Year-Old World Cask Finish, 15 Year Estate Oak Rye, 18 Year Double Malt Rye, and The Boss Hog (editions releases vary in name).
Priced around $75 and overall good but too expensive for a sourced rye.
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
