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WhistlePig 15 Year Old Rye Whiskey
(Credit: April Manning)
WhistlePig 15 Year Old Rye became officially available to consumers yesterday. This whiskey was aged for 15 years in standard oak barrels and then finished in Vermont White Oak using timber from the WhistlePig Farm and surrounding area.
Because of varying climates, trees from the same species grow at varying rates and this is reflected in the width of the wood grain, which in turn impacts the absorption of the spirit into the wood. Kentucky and Alabama oak trees have fat grains, but northerly Vermont oak grains are tight. To fully accentuate the unique flavor profile of the Vermont 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 most exquisite mouthfeel.
“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,” said Raj Peter Bhakta, Founder and CEO of WhistlePig. “Tight is better than fat, and old is better than young. In whiskey at least.”
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.
Editor’s Note: The Whiskey Reviewer had a sneak peek at this whiskey back in February.
