USA ~ 43% ~ $210 ~
Produced in the New World with a deep reverence for the Old, this 95% rye from WhistlePig bridges the best of both. Though they started to distill their own grains from their co-located farm in 2015, this 12-year-old stock is imported from Alberta before being finished on-site in a combination of Madeira, Sauternes, and Port casks. Spicy rye elements are mellowed and sweetened by the fortified wine casks, giving this North American firebrand an elevated European sensibility.
Tasting Notes
By The Master of Malt
Unveiled in mid-2015, the WhistlePig Old World is an exciting 12 year old straight rye whiskey which has been finished in a selection of wine casks - 63% Madeira, 30% Sauternes and 7% Port. It's inspired by the techniques of the 'old world', with a particular reverence for Scotch whisky...
Nose
Sponge cake topped with buttercream icing, chocolate chip cookies, a whiff of savoury oak.
Palate
Red berry sweetness jumps out right away - raspberry, raisin and cherry notes. Drying cinnamon and nutmeg, joined by a hint of anise.
Finish
Honeyed cereal, white wine, mint leaf, dark chocolate.