As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: Does WhistlePig only make rye?
WhistlePig is a well-known distillery that is primarily known for its rye whiskies. However, it is important to note that while rye is their specialty, WhistlePig does produce other spirits as well.
WhistlePig is located in Vermont, USA, and their focus is on creating high-quality rye whiskies. They pride themselves on using aged rye stock purchased from Alberta, Canada, which they then finish and bottle at their Vermont distillery. The rye stock they acquire from Canada is crucial in maintaining the consistent flavor profile they aim for in their whiskies.
Now, let's delve into the different whiskies that WhistlePig offers:
1. WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey: This is their flagship product and the one that put them on the map. It is a straight rye whiskey that is aged for at least 10 years. The flavor profile of this whiskey is rich and complex, with notes of spice, caramel, and oak.
2. WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Cask Finish: This whiskey is aged for 12 years and then finished in a variety of casks, including Madeira, Sauternes, and Port. This finishing process adds unique flavors and nuances to the rye, resulting in a more diverse and layered taste experience.
3. WhistlePig Old World Cask Finish: Similar to the 12 Year Old World Cask Finish, this whiskey is also finished in various casks. However, it is aged for a longer period of time, resulting in deeper and more intense flavors.
4. WhistlePig FarmStock Rye: This is a unique whiskey that combines WhistlePig's own aged rye with whiskey made from grain grown on their Vermont farm. It is a blend of their own distillate, sourced rye, and sourced malted barley. This expression showcases their commitment to utilizing local ingredients and sustainable farming practices.
5. WhistlePig Boss Hog: The Boss Hog series is a limited edition collection of ultra-premium rye whiskies. Each release is a unique expression and is highly sought after by whiskey enthusiasts. These whiskies are aged for an extended period of time and are known for their exceptional quality and complexity.
6. WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye: Introduced in 2018, PiggyBack is WhistlePig's younger and more accessible rye whiskey. It is aged for six years and offers a bolder and spicier flavor profile compared to their other expressions.
While rye whiskies are the main focus of WhistlePig, it is worth noting that they have expanded their portfolio to include other spirits as well. They have ventured into the world of gin with their WhistlePig FarmStock Crop No. 002 gin, which features botanicals grown on their farm. Additionally, they have also released limited edition experimental spirits like their WhistlePig HomeStock, which is a blend of whiskey and maple syrup.
While rye whiskies are the core of WhistlePig's offerings, they do produce other spirits like gin and experiment with unique releases. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is evident in all their products, making WhistlePig a respected name in the world of spirits.