Whistlepig Straight Rye Whiskey Review And Tasting Notes
The 10-year-old Whistlepig straight rye whiskey is one of the best rye we’ve ever tasted. It is a pyrotechnic product, complex, with a crazy aromatic depth. As soon as you smell it, it is a supernova of spicy and mentholated scents, but also of aromatic herbs and flowers, with a creamy fruit in syrup to give strength.
It’s not a rye whiskey for everyone, it’s balanced, but the structure and verticality of the sip might scare off drinkers not accustomed to this intensity. It’s certainly not rough or raw, but there are no sly nuances of corn and wheat – this whiskey rye is made from 100% rye, one of the few in the world. The result is emblematic, a distillate that offers many suggestions and exudes personality from every pore, but it is easy to be blown away at the first taste. It is also mainly due to the high alcohol content, since it has an alcohol content of 50 degrees. Of course, adding a drop of water will help make it more readable, less grumpy and fiery, but above all, you will release the most delicate aromas of fruit and flowers. Don’t add ice or you’ll kill it. Two tablespoons of pure water are perfect.
How 10 year old Whistlepig straight rye whiskey is made
It all started with Dave Pickerell, the historic master distiller of Maker’s Mark’s, who then moved on to the Whistlepig distillery. The whiskey was born in Canada, in Alberta, it is therefore Canadian, but after distillation and the first aging in wood, it is transported to Vermont, on the Whistlepig farm, where it rests until it reaches 10 years aging.
Organoleptic characteristics
The nose is a whirlwind of ripe red fruit, caramelized oranges, pungent and fresh aromatic herbs, mint, cinnamon, nutmeg: the charm of rye in all its glory. Caramelized, buttery and woody tones surround, adding three-dimensionality, creating an elegant symphony.
It is strong and rocky but spicy, disturbing due to the many suggestions on the palate. Pepper and mace, fresher tones, has an incredibly engaging rhythm that makes the sip dynamic, very alcoholic, but credible and well designed. Very long finish with mentholated and caramel tones that chase each other. Spicy persistence.
A brave, handcrafted whiskey, studied in every detail but which traces the groove you start playing for rye with grand ambitions.
How to drink 10 year old Whistlepig straight rye whiskey
As mentioned, the alcohol content hits hard, 50 degrees anesthetize the palate, so it is better to add a drop of fresh water to bring out the lighter and floral aromas.
Price of Whistlepig straight rye whiskey 10 years
80-85 euros: they seem a lot, but the quality is there and justifies a considerable outlay. Just because it is not super famous, rye can aspire to the Olympus of spirits, so don’t think there are only the 23 euro Bulleits. Excellent products, indeed excellent if you consider the price, but in this case, we are talking about a sartorial spirit that deserves all your attention.
Food Pairings
Chocolate cupcakes, cheesecakes, ciambella, Tiramisù and chocolate salami.