Distillery: Sourced from Shoreham, VT
Proof: 116
Age: At least 10 years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
BACKGROUND: This is a WhistlePig 10 year pick, that was given to us by a friend. The barrel was sourced from Vermont, then aged for 10 years at the Whistle Pig Farms, although it is rumored that the bottle is as old as 17 years!
NOSE: A burst of spice immediately rushes in followed by sweet notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and sawdust. As time passes the oak start to become more prevalent blending delightfully with the sweet vanilla spice. (22/25)
PALATE: Very thick and dry mouthfeel opening up with a dark cherry flavor followed by a rye spice bomb that coats your mouth in the best way. As you continue to drink flavor of oak, vanilla, and nuts take over the dark fruit flavors creep in and out. (35/40)
FINISH: A relatively mild finish compared to the punch that came with the nose and palate. As the sweet notes fade you are left with a rye spice coat that leaves you wanting more. (21/25)
VALUE: This bottle sells at stores for $100, which is worth it for this single barrel pick. It’s hard to go wrong with any WhistlePig Sib picks & this one did not disappoint. (7/10)
Overall: 85/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: This WhistlePig did not disappoint, although $100 is a little high for any bottle but I am more than satisfied with what I got. This pick was loaded with flavor from start to finish. WhistlePig really does a great job with their single barrel picks & this one will definitely be on my shelf for a long time.
Slightly Better Whiskey: Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye
Equal Whiskey: Willet 4 year rye
Slightly Worse Whiskey: JD Single Barrel Rye
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away