Exclusive Cask Duo from Rye Icon Whistle Pig – Canadian Rye Whiskey News
K&L Exclusive Casks from a Rye Icon at Excellent Pricing
An early pioneer of the craft whiskey boom, Whistle Pig is a unanimous favorite among collectors and connoisseurs of the finest ryes, with limited-release bottlings often fetching several hundred dollars (or more in the secondary market). At incredibly accessible pricing, these two age-stated K&L exclusive casks offer everyone the chance to experience the singular character of one America’s great rye whiskey icons.
K&L Notes: Whistle Pig has expanded their single-barrel program to include the new Piggyback line. This makes for one of the most affordable single-barrel ryes out there and means it carries a 6-year age statement. At an assertive 112.7 proof, this barrel is sure to delight.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 18, 2023
Whistle Pig has always been a premium product. While that is still certainly true of their PiggyBack label, it’s delightful to have a more affordable product in the lineup, especially for single barrels. At nearly half the price of the 10-year, this is full-throttle, 6-year-old rye whiskey as a proper cask-strength single barrel. The color is a rich copper tone, the nose a mash of sweet wood, cracked peppercorn, toasted rye bread, and zippy mint. On the palate, vanilla and rich cream really mingle in with dark pit fruits like cherry and plum, as well as old-fashioned kettle pop corn with its mix of sweet and savory. A lively herbal line acts much like acidity in wine, providing contrast and lift to all the other flavors. This is very much in the vein of Heaven Hill’s Pikesville Rye, wildly drinkable at a full proof but with so much stuffing you can do anything with it. Your Manhattan game will never be the same.
K&L Notes: Whistle Pig’s 10-year single-barrel program has put out some veritable legends over the years. One of the early craft pioneers, they have benefitted tremendously from long-standing relationships for sourcing top-notch whiskey. The 10-year program still offers some of the most delicous rye around. This single cask comes in at 102.1 proof and is so sweet and easy-drinking that you’ll find yourself reaching for this bottle time and time again.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 18, 2023
This epic single barrel from Whistle Pig comes from Warehouse 1, Rick Y, Level 2. It is proper cask strength, but sits just a fraction over 51% ABV, a classic proof. It has a complex and heady aroma. While most rye has a distinct black pepper note, this is more of a roasted mild pasilla pepper, with all of the fruit, spice, and smoky notes that brings. A big dollop of sweet American oak brings vanilla and caramels into the fold. On the palate, more of a cherry cola or Dr. Pepper-type profile, sweet, a little nutty, a little fruity, a lot delicious. The finish is long and lingering with a greater focus on sweet spices like cinnamon, all-spice, and hand-frothed Mexican hot chocolate.
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