WhistlePig announced this spring, the launch of its 15 Year rye whiskey, aged for 15 years in New American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in Vermont White Oak. Kentucky oak trees are fat, Vermont ones are tight. Tight wood rings deliver more flavor and depth into whiskey. Raj Peter Bhakta, Founder and CEO of WhistlePig says, “Tight is better than fat, and old is better than young. In whiskey at least. Since day one, our vision was to create a fully farm-to-bottle operation, and with the release of the 15 Year, the public can now enjoy a top-notch whiskey aged in barrels made from wood right here on our farm.”

To fully accentuate the unique flavor profile of the oak, WhistlePig developed a Custom-Charring Initiative for the 15 Year. The barrels receive a long toast and heavy char designed to draw out a rich sweetness that complements the natural spice of aged rye, and ultimately provides a lush mouthfeel.

With the opening of its distillery on the WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont in the fall of 2015, WhistlePig became one of the few whiskey companies to house every aspect of the whiskey production process in one location, from harvesting the rye fields to distillation, barreling, aging, and bottling the liquid. The 15 Year is the first WhistlePig release aged in barrels constructed from oak grown on the farm, and rounds out WhistlePig’s portfolio as the most premium offering, accompanied by the 10 Year and 12 Year Old World Series. WhistlePig also plans to release additional innovative products matured in Vermont White Oak moving forward.

The 15 Year comes from a mash of 100% rye and is hand bottled at 92 proof. The whiskey is aged in three separate whiskey barrels: #3 Charred New American Oak, used bourbon barrels, and finished for six months in custom #4 charred Vermont White Oak.

The 15 Year is a highly limited release and is available in select markets.

15 Year Rye Whiskey (100 proof)
Visual: Pale copper.
Nose: Tangy, sherry-like woody notes. Fresh leather, spice cake, cut wood and just a dollop of maple syrup. The high, peppery rye is accented beautifully by the level of char.
Taste: Quite dry, intensely rye forward with a curious, but slight fruitiness. This is a peppery, spice-bomb all the way.
Finish: Long and clean with the graininess of the rye tasting just like a fresh-cut slice from a loaf.
Overall: A powerhouse of a rye whiskey masterfully aged and blended. Save this one for sipping neat on special occasions or in an over the top Sazerac.
GSN Rating: A+

For more information go to: WhistlePigWhiskey

Filed under: Spirits & Liqueurs