Released in 2016, this is the 15 year old straight rye whiskey from WhistlePig in Vermont - their oldest release so far! Interestingly, their 15 year old expression has enjoyed a finishing period in Vermont oak barrels which have been given a long toast and heavy char. Due to shorter growing seasons and harsh winters, Vermont oak has a tight grain pattern, which can affect the flavour profile of the whiskey - there's some tree terroir afoot here!
Bursts of peppery rye, alongside buttery biscuits and toasted nuts.
Toffee and butterscotch, a little bit of dark chocolate too. Soft spices grow and grow. A touch of intense oak warmth.
There's still a good helping of exotic spice on the finish, with a lingering caramel sweetness.
Fantastic bottle, I had to get a backup bottle
Yep, I said it... one of the best whiskeys I've ever tasted! Have gone through several bottles of this in the last couple of years. Smell, taste, length, got it all. 46% is a great neat drinkers' percentage, I never have water. Shame it's so expansive... on the back of this I've tried most WhistlePig Ryes, even signed up to their site for newsletters. No other version is as good as this... although I've not tried the Boss Hog.
I bought it for my father who totally fell in love with it, I had to get one for me as well!
