WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Straight Rye Whiskey: A Masterpiece of American Rye Meets European Elegance
Elevate your whiskey experience with WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Straight Rye Whiskey, a groundbreaking expression that beautifully marries the bold spice of American rye with the refined elegance of Old World wine cask finishing. This distinguished whiskey is a testament to WhistlePig's innovative spirit, offering a complex and harmonious flavor profile unlike any other rye on the market.
WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye begins its journey as a high-quality straight rye whiskey, primarily made from a 95% rye mash bill (with 5% malted barley), sourced from Alberta Distillers in Canada. This robust spirit is then aged for a significant 12 years in new charred American oak barrels. The true artistry, however, comes into play during its unique Old World finishing process at the WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont.
Inspired by traditional Scotch finishing techniques, this 12-year-old rye is meticulously finished in a carefully curated trio of European wine casks:
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63% in Madeira Casks: Imparts rich nutty notes, dried fruit sweetness, and a certain oceanic salinity.
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30% in French Sauternes Casks: Contributes luscious honeyed sweetness, apricot, and a floral elegance.
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7% in Port Casks: Adds dark berry fruit, chocolate, and a hint of robust spice.
These separately finished components are then expertly blended together to create a symphony of flavors. Bottled at a balanced 43% ABV (86 Proof), WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye offers a nuanced and approachable yet profoundly complex sipping experience.
Key Characteristics:
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12 Year Aged Straight Rye: Extensive aging for deep maturity and character.
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Triple Cask Finish: Finished in Madeira (63%), Sauternes (30%), and Port (7%) wine casks.
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High Rye Mash Bill (95% Rye): Retains a distinctive spicy backbone.
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Old World Inspired: Blends American rye heritage with European aging traditions.
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Balanced Proof (86 Proof / 43% ABV): Smooth and approachable for sophisticated enjoyment.
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Complex & Layered: Designed for intricate flavor exploration.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Radiant, deep amber gold.
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Nose: Rich and inviting, with prominent notes of caramel, vanilla, and stewed winter fruits (apricots, plums, raisins). Hints of warm baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), a subtle minty freshness, and a complex interplay of the wine cask influences.
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Palate: Luxuriously smooth and full-bodied, coating the palate with layers of flavor. Sweet red berry fruits (raspberry, cherry), honey, and candied orange peel are beautifully balanced by classic rye spice, toasted oak, and a touch of dark chocolate. The fortified wine finishes add a unique depth of nutty, dried fruit, and a subtle savory complexity.
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Finish: Long, warm, and elegantly complex. Lingering notes of rich fruit, balanced rye spice, sweet caramel, and a sophisticated oak presence with hints of mint and chocolate provide a memorable and evolving conclusion.
Awards & Recognition:
WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Straight Rye Whiskey has garnered significant praise and numerous prestigious awards, cementing its reputation as a leading innovator in the rye category:
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Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) (often awarded in various years).
- "Best of the Best" by Robb Report.
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Platinum, Best of Class at the SIP Awards.
- Gold Medals at the International Spirits Challenge and Whiskies of the World.
- Highly acclaimed by critics and connoisseurs for its innovative finishing and exceptional balance between rye character and wine influence.
Overall Impression:
WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Straight Rye Whiskey is a testament to the artistry of whiskey making, offering a truly exceptional and multifaceted experience. Its unique triple wine cask finish transforms the robust character of rye into a refined, complex, and immensely satisfying spirit. Perfect for discerning palates who appreciate both traditional rye spice and the nuanced layers brought by European wine aging, this whiskey is best savored neat or with a single ice cube, inviting a journey of discovery with every sip.
