WhistlePig PiggyBack is a unique and innovative whiskey that combines the craftsmanship of distilling with the world of baseball. Created in collaboration with baseball legend David Ortiz, this whiskey takes aging to a whole new level by incorporating Ortiz's signature DO34 maple wood bats into the process.
The PiggyBack whiskey starts with the selection of 100% rye grains, which are known for their bold and spicy flavor profile. This choice of grain sets the stage for a whiskey that is rich in character and complexity. The rye grains are then carefully milled and mashed to extract the sugars needed for fermentation.
Once the mash is ready, it undergoes fermentation, where yeast is added to convert the sugars into alcohol. This process typically takes several days and is essential in determining the flavor profile of the final product. WhistlePig takes great care in selecting the yeast strains used, as they contribute to the unique flavors and aromas that will develop during maturation.
After fermentation, the whiskey goes through distillation, a process that separates the alcohol from other impurities. WhistlePig employs traditional copper pot stills for distillation, which allows for greater control over the distillation process and helps to preserve the character of the rye grain. The distillate is collected and carefully monitored, ensuring that only the finest cuts, known as the “heart of the run,” are used for maturation.
This is where the PiggyBack whiskey takes a fascinating turn. The heart of the run is then aged for a minimum of six years in American Oak barrels, allowing the whiskey to develop depth and complexity over time. But what sets PiggyBack apart is its finishing process.
After six years of aging, the whiskey is transferred to barrels containing Ortiz's signature DO34 maple wood bats. The bats are carefully charred to release the flavors and aromas locked within the wood, and the whiskey is left to rest and absorb the unique characteristics of the bat wood. This finishing process adds a layer of complexity and depth to the whiskey, imparting subtle notes of maple and wood that complement the spicy rye flavors.
The result is a truly unique and one-of-a-kind whiskey that marries the worlds of distilling and baseball. WhistlePig PiggyBack offers a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The maple wood bat finishing adds a touch of complexity and a subtle sweetness, making it a truly exceptional sipping whiskey.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of tasting many different types of whiskey, but the WhistlePig PiggyBack stands out as a truly innovative and exciting offering. The use of the maple wood bats as a finishing element adds a layer of depth and complexity that is unlike anything I have experienced before. The flavors and aromas that develop from the interaction between the whiskey and the bat wood are truly unique and add a touch of nostalgia for baseball fans like myself.
WhistlePig PiggyBack is a remarkable whiskey that pushes the boundaries of traditional aging and finishing techniques. The collaboration between WhistlePig and David Ortiz has resulted in a whiskey that combines the craftsmanship of distilling with the passion and excitement of baseball. Whether you are a fan of whiskey, baseball, or both, PiggyBack offers a truly unforgettable drinking experience.