WhistlePig has been a big name in the whiskey world since they started distilling whiskey. They’ve continued to dominate the rye whiskey market, and some of their whiskey that’s aged for 15 to 20 years sells for well over $200 to $400. When it comes to whiskey in a bottle, it’s hard to beat Whistlepig if you’re a fan of rye whiskey.
While WhistlePig has been a big brand in the high-end whiskey market, in recent years, they’ve started to appeal to a wider market with whiskey that’s aged for under 10 years. Therefore, mainstream drinkers can enjoy an otherwise exclusive taste for the first time.
Read on to learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey’s history, what it tastes like, and how you can enjoy it.
WhistlePig Whiskey: An Introduction
WhistlePig Whiskey is known for making high-quality rye whiskey. It’s typically aged for 10 to 15 years and has a smooth taste that you can drink out of the bottle. To this day, WhistlePig is known for maintaining a level of quality that’s hard to find in other types of rye whiskey.
You’ll find that it has a bold flavor that’s paired with subtle spices that will tickle your taste buds in a way you didn’t think whiskey could. In fact, many types of WhistlePig Whiskey are known for having subtle hints of vanilla, caramel, and hints of oak.
In the liquor world, WhistlePig is categorized as a sophisticated liquor that’s associated with luxurious events, class, and of course, having deep pockets. That said, some of the brand’s new creations are accessible to people who have less to spend on whiskey but still want to have a good time.
What Is the Alcohol Content of WhistlePig Whiskey?
WhistlePig Whiskey has a unique alcohol content for each whiskey that’s offered. That said, their standard whiskey usually has an ABV that’s between 40 and 50 percent. Still, some of their special blends and high-end rye whiskeys will have an ABV that’s closer to cask strength proof, which has a much higher ABV. Therefore, Whistlepig has you covered for any type of buzz you want.
What Is the History of WhistlePig Whiskey?
WhistlePig was founded recently, about a decade and a half ago in 2007. It was founded by Raj Peter Pickerell, and he went on a mission to elevate rye whiskey and bring it to prominence once again. While rye whiskey was popular during the 20th century, its popularity started to dwindle after World War II, but over the last decade, it’s started to come back into prominence.
WhistlePig first came into the whiskey scene with high-quality whiskey; ultimately, they wanted to make a mark on the industry to get their name out there. For this reason, some of the first products offered were whiskey that was aged for upwards of 10 years. This product came out in 2010, and the original ingredients were sourced from outside the United States in Canada.
Today, Whistlepig crafts their whiskey in Vermont and opts for a farm-to-bottle approach, which has become popular among distillers and craft brewers.
Where Is Whistlepig Whiskey From?
WhistlePig whiskeys are produced in Vermont. Ingredients for the whiskey used to come from Canada, but the brand opted to produce their rye whiskey in the United States to become more of a farm-to-bottle distiller. This means that all ingredients are sourced by local farms in Vermont and the entire distilling process begins and ends in Vermont.
In Vermont, WhistlePig is distilled 7 days a week at WhistlePig Farm, which is a 500-acre farm that was converted into a whiskey distillery. Everything is grown and made at WhistlePig Farm.
When Was WhistlePig Whiskey Created?
Whistlepig was founded in 2007 but they didn’t have a product until three years later. It wasn’t until 2010 that WhistlePig was able to release its first whiskey. Today, WhistlePig continues to innovate with its rye whiskey as new limited edition options come out each year. New WhistlePig whiskey is also being created to this day, with a great example being the company’s venture into bourbon and Irish whiskey in 2021.
What Types of WhistlePig Whiskey Are There?
When it comes to variety, WhistlePig has you covered. While there used to only be expensive whiskey that could cost half a grand, that’s no longer the case. Today, WhistlePig manufactures a handful of whiskey products that can fit anyone’s unique flavor profile, smoothness, and wallet.
One of the most popular types of WhistlePig whiskey is their 10-year-old rye whiskey, Small Batch Rye, which is what put them on the map. Most of the whiskey is aged in the distillery’s signature Vermont oak barrels, which gives most of their whiskeys a flavor profile that includes vanilla and caramel.
There is also a 15-year rye whiskey that WhistlePig makes, which is known as their Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years. It’s one of the smoothest rye whiskeys you’ll ever have, and this shows in its ratings, which are the highest among most types of rye whiskey. Aside from these rye whiskeys, there is also a 12-year-old whiskey and a 6-year-old whiskey. In fact, there is even an 18-year aged double malt rye that’s likely smoother than any whiskey you’ve tried.
While WhistlePig’s most popular whiskey is aged rye whiskey, the distillery also produces some bourbons. Examples include the Piggyback 100 Proof Bourbon and Beyond Bounded Bourbon. The Piggyback Bourbon is aged for six years, and the Beyond Bounded Bourbon is farm-to-bottle.
WHAT PRODUCTS DOES WHISTLEPIG WHISKEY OFFER?
When it comes to variety, WhistlePig has you covered. While there used to only be expensive whiskey that could cost half a grand, that’s no longer the case. Today, WhistlePig manufactures a handful of whiskey products that can fit anyone’s unique flavor profile, smoothness, and wallet.
One of the most popular types of WhistlePig whiskey is their 10-year-old rye whiskey, Small Batch Rye, which is what put them on the map. Most of the whiskey is aged in the distillery’s signature Vermont oak barrels, which gives most of their whiskeys a flavor profile that includes vanilla and caramel.
There is also a 15-year rye whiskey that WhistlePig makes, which is known as their Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years. It’s one of the smoothest rye whiskeys you’ll ever have, and this shows in its ratings, which are the highest among most types of rye whiskey. Aside from these rye whiskeys, there is also a 12-year-old whiskey and a 6-year-old whiskey. In fact, there is even an 18-year aged double malt rye that’s likely smoother than any whiskey you’ve tried.
While WhistlePig’s most popular whiskey is aged rye whiskey, the distillery also produces some bourbons. Examples include the Piggyback 100 Proof Bourbon and Beyond Bounded Bourbon. The Piggyback Bourbon is aged for six years, and the Beyond Bounded Bourbon is farm-to-bottle.
PIGGYBACK 100% RYE
Aged for 6 years in charred oak American barrels and bottled at 96.56 proof, rye whiskey fans are bound to love Piggyback 100% Rye. Unlike other rye whiskey, Piggyback 100% Rye is made with, you guessed it, a 100% rye mash bill. This means that you get all of the flavors promised in a rye whiskey, including notes of spice, cinnamon, and much more. The 6-year aging period gives it a long finish that will keep you coming back for every sip, so we recommend sipping this one neat or with a splash of water for the best experience.
While Piggyback 100% Rye is definitely delicious, don't just listen to us. It was awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and won Double Gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Therefore, it's an award-winning whiskey that continues to impress those who enjoy it.
PIGGYBACK 100 PROOF BOURBON
WhistlePig isn't pulling any punches with this one, and they're telling you exactly how it is. With this product, you’re getting a 100 proof bourbon that's perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. It's made with a high corn mash bill and aged for 6 long years in Char #3 Barrels, which gives it a smooth and unique flavor. While there is plenty of spice included in this bourbon, you'll also find sweet and earthy notes. The finish is long, and bound to keep you yearning for more.
Aside from being a delicious sipping whiskey, Piggyback 100 Proof Bourbon is also an award-winning whiskey product. It won Gold at the World Wine & Spirits Competition in 2022, which makes it one of the best bourbon products you can drink for the price.
FARMSTOCK RYE
WhistlePig is a big grain-to-glass distillery and loves the concept of helping people enjoy the freshest grains in their whiskey. Released only once per year, this FarmStock Rye comes from FarmStock barrels that are 100% WhistlePig Whiskey. Furthermore, this rye whiskey adheres to the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, so it's an authentic rye whiskey that's made with tradition in mind. For people who want to taste a rye whiskey that holds up well against some of the classics, you can't go wrong with WhistlePig’s FarmStock Rye.
When it comes to the aging process, this rye is aged on the road, so it depends on the specific release. However, you’re always getting a 100% rye whiskey that's bottled at 86 proof. Expect subtle flavors of cinnamon and spice with each sip and a long finish that keeps you coming back for more.
SMALL BATCH RYE AGED 10 YEARS
WhistlePig kicked off their whiskey-making endeavors with their small batch rye that's aged for 10 years, so you’re getting a piece of WhistlePig history with this one. It stays true to the company’s Master Distiller’s original vision, so it's a bold rye whiskey with a lot of spice you need to be ready for. Not only is it bold, but it's also an award-winning product. It won Double Gold at the World Spirits Competition in 2020 and was awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast.
That said, people with a desire for an authentic rye whiskey will not be disappointed with the various layers of flavors you'll experience from the nose all the way through the finish. While it's spicy, it's also smooth enough to sip with a splash of water, ice, or even neat. In fact, we don't recommend mixing this whiskey in a cocktail or drinking it in shots because you'll miss out on the flavor. WhistlePig Small Batch Rye Aged 10 Years is bottled at 100 proof, and of course, aged for a decade.
OLD WORLD RYE AGED 12 YEARS
Looking for a rye whiskey that's smooth, spicy, and even savory? If so, you can't go wrong with WhistlePig's Old World Rye Aged 12 Years. It's the perfect rye whiskey for people who want something that's worth sipping and savoring. Plus, it's the first of its kind because it's divided into one of three barrels for the finish (Madeira, Sauternes, and Port).
WhistlePig Old World Rye Aged 12 Years is spicy, smooth, and bold enough to keep you coming back for more. We only recommend sipping this one neat, with a splash of water, or with some ice. In fact, we don't recommend mixing anything with this rye whiskey so you can preserve and enjoy the pure rye whiskey flavors. It's bottled at 86 proof after being aged for 12 years in American oak barrels. Like many other WhistlePig products, it was awarded 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2020.
ESTATE OAK RYE AGED 15 YEARS
WhistlePig’s Estate Oak Rye is one of the brand’s oldest whiskey products. It's a rye whiskey that's aged for 15 years in Vermont Estate oak barrels, which gives it a unique finish and flavor. Plus, because it's aged for 15 years you'll find that it has plenty of spicy and earthy flavor notes that pair perfectly with the spicy and smooth rye whiskey flavor. While it has high-quality ingredients, WhistlePig still makes sure it's certified kosher.
WhistlePig’s Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years is meant to be sipped or enjoyed with a splash of water. This ensures that you get all of the flavors, and as WhistlePig states: it's like enjoying a perfectly toasted marshmallow. This rye whiskey is bottled at 92 proof and perfect for those crisp nights around the campfire when you’re sharing stories with your loved ones.
DOUBLE MALT RYE AGED 18 YEARS
WhistlePig outdid themselves with this rye whiskey. It's their oldest rye whiskey to date and it's patiently aged for almost two decades. It's loaded with sweet, complex, toasted, and spicy flavor notes along with some fruity and more botanical flavors that add to its character. Hints of pepper and other earthy notes can also be observed in this delicious sipping whiskey.
Aside from being a smooth and delicious whiskey, WhistlePig pays homage to the farmers of old with this one. Back in the day, farmers used to malt a small portion of grain to start the fermentation process. For this reason, Double Malt Rye Aged 18 years has a mash bill that consists of 79% rye, 15% malted rye, and 6% malted barley. The result of this malt is a deliciously smooth whiskey that's bottled at 86 proof.
LEGEND SERIES: BROTHERS OSBORNE BARREL
Fan of the Osborne brothers’ music? If so, this 100% rye whiskey is perfect for you. While the Osborne’s are known for their musical creations, WhistlePig let them take the reins on this whiskey product. The result is a delicious 6-year-aged whiskey that's bound to impress you. It's a single-barrel whiskey that's made from 100% rye and then aged with high-toast barrel heads that enhance the whiskey’s flavor. Then, it's bottled at 96.56 proof, which makes it the ideal sipping whiskey.
When it comes to flavor, the Osbourne brothers didn't miss with this one. It has the perfect balance of sweet, spice, and smokiness that you'll enjoy with each sip. Overall, it's a warm and inviting whiskey that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, who doesn't want a limited edition Osborne brother bottle on their shelf?
PIGGYBACK SINGLE BARREL BOURBON: BUSSIN’ WITH THE BOYS
Another single-barrel whiskey, WhistlePig came out swinging with this one. It's a 6-year-aged 100 proof bourbon whiskey that has a comforting and warm aroma that's followed by sweet and spicy flavor notes that you won't want to miss. The finish is long and smooth, so it's one of those whiskeys that makes you want a second glass.
What makes this whiskey special is who it's made for. WhistlePig knows their target market well and designed a whiskey that was designed for the boys, which makes it perfect for sitting around the fire or football on Sunday. Plus, it's one of the most budget-friendly sipping whiskeys around, so you can't go wrong with this pre-game drink.
PIGGYBACK SINGLE BARREL RYE: KFC RADIO
If there's one thing that makes WhistlePig unique, it's their dedication to collaborations. Plus, they tend to let those they collaborate with take the reins on their product descriptions, so we’ll do our best to do the same here. This KFC Radio special edition whiskey keeps things short, simple, and right on the money. While you can go down the rabbit hole of whiskey, only two things really matter: spicy and smoky.
This 100% rye whiskey is the perfect combination of spicy and smoky. When you sip it, you'll be met with flavors that remind you of the smoke around a campfire, followed by the aroma of freshly baked holiday cookies. Throughout each sip, you'll be welcomed by notes of cinnamon, allspice berries, and freshly roasted cedar. Bottled at 100 proof, you can't go wrong with this sipping whiskey.
ROBBIE’S BLEND
Robbie’s Blend is WhistlePig’s special tribute to Robbie Robertson. It's a 12-year-aged whiskey that was hand-selected by Robbie Robertson, the Canadian-American rock guitarist who knew how to shred both cords and whiskey. To pay homage to this guitarist, the bottles have been dipped in melted wax that includes vinyl from the Last Waltz Album. For people who love this rockstar, why not have this bottle on your shelf?
It's bottled at 86 proof and finished in old world wine casks: Port (19%), Sauternes (.5%), and Madeira (76%). The result is a delicious sipping whiskey that includes spicy notes paired with wine flavors from barrels it's aged in. Since it's aged for 12 years, there's plenty of time for this whiskey to be loaded with delicious flavors you'll love.
SINGLE MALT AGED 21 YEARS
One of the most unique whiskey products that WhistlePig offers is the Single Malt Aged 21 Years. It's a one-of-a-kind whiskey that's super-aged for twice as long as any other single malt whiskey in North America. It's aged for more than two decades in American oak barrels, which gives it flavor notes of maple syrup. Then, it's finished in WhistlePig rye barrels, which enhances the flavor with the perfect amount of spice. This combination creates the perfect sweet, spicy, and smoky single malt whiskey.
When it comes to enjoying this whiskey, it's important to sip it neat, or at most, with a splash of water. WhistlePig’s Single Malt Aged 21 Years is bottled at 86 proof, so it's strong and smooth. If you want the best of the best from WhistlePig’s collection, this is the best choice.
DANK & DRY OLD FASHIONED
While it's nice to make yourself a cocktail every once in a while, what if you could have one shipped right to your door? WhistlePig’s Dank & Dry Old Fashioned is an Old Fashioned cocktail with the perfect amount of balance. It's bottled by WhistlePig using their 100% rye non-whiskey and made with non-psychoactive cannabis from the Green Mountain State.
These hazy aromas give it a taste that flies higher than most other non-alcoholic cocktails. For anyone who's interested in enjoying a non-alcoholic cocktail, you can't go wrong with WhistlePig's Dank & Dry Old Fashioned.
What Ingredients Are in WhistlePig Whiskey?
WhistlePig whiskey has a couple of ingredients, but the primary ingredient in their rye whiskey is rye grain. Most of the rye used in their rye whiskey is grown on their Vermont farm, which makes all of their ingredients farm-to-bottle.
That said, WhistlePig also has some bourbon whiskey that uses corn as the primary ingredient. Therefore, the primary ingredient changes based on the type of whiskey you plan on drinking.
How Much Does WhistlePig Usually Cost?
WhistlePig is one of the more exclusive whiskeys that you can find. The Estate Oak Rye Whiskey that’s aged for 15 years can cost upwards of $300, and the 12-year aged whiskey can cost about $150. From there, the price goes down as the age of the whiskey drops. For example, the 6-year rye is only about $50, and the 10-year rye is similar in price. That said, some special edition whiskeys will cost even more.
What Is the Best Way to Enjoy WhistlePig Whiskey?
When you’re drinking an aged rye whiskey like WhistlePig, it’s important to start by sipping it. When you sip on a delicious rye whiskey, you’ll experience the aroma, delicious oak flavor, and smoothness as it goes down.
For this reason, it’s best enjoyed straight or with a hint of garnish. It’s a great choice for an Old Fashioned, and while it can be enjoyed in this or another type of cocktail, some of the 15-year and 18-year ryes should be enjoyed in a glass without ice.
The 6-year and 10-year ryes are a better option if you’re looking for something to use in a cocktail.
How to Choose a Good WhistlePig Whiskey
WhistlePig produces a wide range of whiskey for you to enjoy as long as you know what you’re looking for. While it’s not hard to find a good-tasting whiskey, it’s important to understand what you’re getting.
If you want a smooth whiskey that you can drink straight or on the rocks, you’ll want the more expensive 15-year and 18-year whiskeys. On the other hand, if you plan on using the whiskey in a cocktail, you’re better off with a whiskey that hasn’t been aged for nearly as long.
There are also some special blends that you may like based on your flavor profile. Regardless of what you choose, it’s always important to focus on how it tastes by taking a sip before you mix it with anything. This is the best way to know if you like it.
Where Can You Find WhistlePig Whiskey?
WhistlePig whiskey is a niche rye whiskey that’s popular across the United States. That said, the operation is based in Vermont, and it’s a small business, so it’s easier to get your hands on it if you live in the Northeast. Otherwise, there’s a chance that you won’t find it at your local liquor store.
The good news is that many types of Whistlepig can be shipped across the United States from online retailers.
WhistlePig Whiskey FAQs
Want to learn more about WhistlePig? Find answers to some of the most common questions below.
Is WhistlePig a Sipping Whiskey?
Yes, WhistlePig is a sipping whiskey. It’s one of the smoothest rye whiskeys you’ll ever sip on. Even their new bourbon whiskey is delicious for sipping. That said, it’s only good for sipping if you have a taste for whiskey and opt for some of the more expensive whiskey options. Whiskey that’s only aged for six years won’t be as smooth and may be too spicy for some whiskey lovers.
Is WhistlePig’s Bourbon or Rye Whiskey Better?
One of the most important things to consider is the type of WhistlePig whiskey that you want to try. The brand makes Irish whiskey, bourbon whiskey, and rye whiskey. That said, their rye whiskey is often praised more than the other options because they’ve been doing it for longer. That’s not to say that their other whiskey is bad, it’s just not as popular yet.
Why Is WhistlePig Expensive?
WhistlePig is expensive because it’s aged for a long time in some of Vermont’s best oak barrels. Some of the limited edition releases are also expensive because of the ultra-premium rye that the brand uses. WhistlePig is in a category of its own when it comes to the quality of rye, so it’s not uncommon for some bottles to reach prices upwards of $500.
Why Is WhistlePig Called WhistlePig?
The name WhistlePig has some unique inspiration from the brand’s founder. It comes from a time when the Bhakata was hiking through the mountains of Colorado and met a stranger who told him to be on the lookout for a whistle pig, which is also known as a groundhog.
Experience Ultra-Premium Rye Whiskey With WhistlePig
Looking to up your whiskey-drinking game? Or perhaps you want to give rye whiskey a try for the first time? In either case, there’s nothing quite like WhistlePig’s rye whiskey. As one of the few distilleries in the United States that grow their ultra-premium rye, you’ll get a unique farm-to-bottle experience that’s hard to experience elsewhere.
What’s more, WhistlePig is one of the best rye whiskeys to try if you’re just starting out. While most of the 10 or 15-year whiskeys are expensive, you can get premium reg whiskey that’s been aged for six years for under $100.
