Fifteen years in the past we drank our first sip of WhistlePig rye, and we haven’t seemed again since. A cursory look again at Drinkhacker opinions over that timeframe reveals some 60-plus WhistlePig opinions, and it usually seems like a month doesn’t go by earlier than one other WP product lands on our doorstep.
WhistlePig is legendary for its transfer from sourced whiskeys to homegrown merchandise made fully on its Vermont farm, however a whole lot of WhistlePig continues to be made in Canada simply because it was 15 years in the past. Living proof is the flagship 10 12 months previous rye. It was referred to as merely “Straight Rye” in 2010, when Dave Pickerell was operating the present. As we speak, years after Pickerell’s passing, it now carries a “Small Batch Rye” moniker, although it’s arduous to think about that is now being produced in something however the absolute largest of batches. Nonetheless 10 years previous. Nonetheless made in Alberta. Nonetheless 100% rye.
However has something actually modified with WhistlePig 10 since 2010? We’re lastly diving again into this spirit, lengthy overdue, to re-experience the snout for the primary time. Our previous (and many naive/obscure) 2010 evaluate follows for the sake of nostalgic comparability.
WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Whiskey 10 Years Outdated Overview (2025)
On the nostril: Very spicy and filled with peppery rye, although an underbelly of caramel and vanilla assist to settle a minimum of a number of the warmth. The push of greenery is unmistakable and somewhat bracing, the 100 proof presentation providing a toasty mixture of petrol and savory umami notes.
The palate exhibits off all the above and extra, however the base layer leans calmly right into a sweeter groove, with a extra forceful caramel apple character, with ample baking spice notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and floor ginger all effectively represented. Apple continues to pop brightly however ultimately migrates into dried fruit and a backing notice of dried florals and, ultimately, pear. Caramel strikes towards a clearer butterscotch high quality on the end with time in glass, showcasing echoes of black pepper.
It’s nonetheless a really stable rye whiskey — and arguably one of many prime non-limited-edition ryes in the marketplace. And right here’s a enjoyable reality/shock ending: It’s really the identical worth or a bit cheaper in the present day than it was in 2010. (Again then, $80 was “dear.”)
100 proof.
A- / $78 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey 10 Years Outdated Overview (2010)
Within the glass, that is spectacular stuff. Crafted by Dave Pickerell, a 14-year veteran of Maker’s Mark, this rye is characteristically spicy, with pepper and ginger notes laced atop a reasonably candy (however not overly so) core. Properly balanced, the weather are all in concord right here, although that spice — coupled with the kick of additional alcohol — is at all times on the forefront. The end affords notes of coal, reminding you this isn’t a vanilla-scented Bourbon however somewhat a rye. Dear, to make certain, however in a world with too-few high-grade rye whiskeys, it’s value it.
100 proof.
A- / $80 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Whiskey 10 Years Outdated
USD78
Visited 199 occasions, 10 go to(s) in the present day
