WhistlePig 10-Year Straight Rye Single Barrel
57.3% ABV - Canadian
Nose: Sweet honey, clove and cinnamon (plus all the standard rye spices), with a distinct wood character. Slightest note of pickel.
Taste: Cinnamon, clove, and baking spices are upfront, before some notes of maple syrup, honey, charcoal, and bosc pear.
Finish: Ending with sweet spices, a touch of cherrywood, and oak tannins.
This is another one of few reviews that I have written for a bottle that I did not buy. This "heel" of whiskey was gifted to me by a friend, or maybe he left it for anyone to take—doesn’t matter though, it ended up with me one way or another.
When I was first entering the wonderful world of whiskey, I remember learning about WhistlePig and their use of Canadian stock to bottle and sell as their own. Apparently the really early bottlings made no mention that the liquid actually came from Canada! This one has it on the back label. It’s not prominently displayed, but it’s not hard to find.
This is a very good example of cask strength rye. I’m not sure what it costs, but I feel in the $60-90 CAD range would be good value.
Details:Bottled exclusively for Total Wine & More. Bottled in Vermont.
Tasting Notes (Official):
Tasted 9 December 2023. (Posted 8 February 2024.)
83/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
