WhistlePig has more than its share of superfans, and they deserve a lot of credit for putting high-end American rye on the map. Even though their rye is really Canadian1, they’ve got a mixed record when it comes to distilling their own juice. They truly excel at blending and aging what others have prepared for them, a skill that’s on vivid display in their excellent Old World finished rye.
This bottling takes 95 percent Canadian rye that has been aged for 12 years and finishes 63 percent in madeira, 30 percent in sauternes and 7 percent in port casks. The most fascinating part of this experiment is how they somehow made it taste like… casked Scotch?
Distiller: Bottled by WhistlePig Distillery, White River Junction, Vt., from undisclosed sources
Age: 12 years old
Strength: 86 proof
The WhistlePig Old World 12 Year Old Rye is a well-executed wine-finished whiskey. It’s a sophisticated blend of fruit, oak, and spice that lingers long after each sip. The finishing process has transformed this into a much more Scotch-like nosing experience. It’s filled with raisins, dates, and dark stewed fruit with notes of light wood and apple crisp1. The Madeira casks specifically seem to have imbued a lot of the character here. More ethanol appears than expected with such a low proof, but it’s balanced with a touch of minerality and all those red wine notes.
However, it is let down by its low proof and its exorbitant price tag. While it may be an excellent bottle for many, it’s not a whiskey that everyone will be jumping at the chance to own.
The WhistlePig Old World 12 Year Old Rye is priced at $140. The triple-digit price tag may be steep but for an aged rye, it is not outrageous. It is a well-rounded and smooth sip throughout. The finishing added some nice mouthfeel, especially since it’s an MGP rye, which some find thin.
WhistlePig Old World 12 Year Old Rye is a unique and sophisticated whiskey that offers a delightful tasting experience. However, its high price point and low proof may deter some whiskey enthusiasts.
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