WhistlePig Estate Oak Rye Aged 15 Years
In 2006, a band of dedicated Rye enthusiasts purchased a 500-acre dairy farm in the rolling hills of Vermont’s Champlain Valley. Today, the farm — which is being painstakingly restored to grow rye grains — is home to Master Distiller Dave Pickerell’s magnum opus: WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey.
After he graduated from West Point with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Pickerell served in the military for eleven years as a cavalry officer. Later he received a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Louisville, before serving as chairman of the Kentucky Distillers Association and master distiller at Maker’s Mark in Loretto, Kentucky for 13 years. “This is what I was meant for,” says Pickerell of the whiskey business.
After leaving Maker’s Mark, Pickerell embarked on a journey to find the perfect rye whiskey. “Rye, in its own essence, is just a brilliant grain,” says Pickerell. “I wanted to do rye because it’s America’s historical whiskey.”
During the Revolutionary War, English blockades of American ports prevented the colonists from purchasing molasses used to make rum. As a result, American distillers, including George Washington, started making rye whiskey.
During his hunt for the perfect rye, Pickerell reached the conclusion that “To be perfect rye, it has to be 100% rye.” After scouring distilleries and rick houses across the continent for over a year, Pickerell found the perfect source for an aged rye whiskey in Canada.
WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey is one of the few 100% rye whiskies available today. “Rye is the brat of whiskey grains. The higher the percent rye you get, the worse it behaves,” says Pickerell. “It gets sticky.
It foams. A lot of my colleagues laugh at me for persisting to work with 100% rye because the nuisance level of going from 95% to 100% is unbelievable. Most people stop at 95%. We go ahead and push the envelope and make it 100%.”
WhistlePig 15-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey is a brand-new expression that marks the distillery’s oldest release to date. Aged first in new American oak casks, the whiskey is then “finished” for an additional six months in heavily-charred White Oak harvested on Bhakta’s farm in Vermont (Due to harsh winters and a shorter growing season, these trees possess a denser wood grain, imparting a nuanced and distinct flavor into the rye).
As a result, WhistlePig 15-Year-Old Straight Rye Whiskey has an aroma of roasted chestnuts, along with plenty of oak and toffee. The palate is subtle and nuanced, with faint notes of lemon zest mingling beautifully with cloves, caramel, black pepper, and leather. The finish is earthy and bittersweet, with bold notes of chocolate almonds rounding everything out.
Make sure to pick up a bottle of Oak Rye Aged 15 Years today!
INFORMATION
Proof | 92 Proof (46% ABV) |
---|---|
Distiller/Bottler Name | WhistlePig Farm |
Size | 750mL |
Julian (verified owner) –
Hard to find this economical deliciousness in Ohio (unless departing on an Allegiant flight) and I’d rather absorb a kick in the jewels than wait in line, in the early hours, on a designated date, at an insidious liquor store that withholds (hides) the vast majority of inventory for their “buddies”. Since I’m not dependent on the juice, I’m happy and willing to wait the 4+ weeks for delivery of this reasonably priced nectar at a REASONABLE price! Thanks, Bourbon Whiskey Distillery!
Nathaniel (verified owner) –
This place is HUGE! They have a massive selection of wines and beers, liquor section is impressive as well. They always have the newest releases as well, so it’s a must-stop even if to just see what they got in. Easy access from the turnpike also.
Kaden Arabic (verified owner) –
Nicely balanced, a quintessential bourbon. One of my go-tos. Getting harder to find!
Leo (verified owner) –
Great place always has everything in stock. Cashiers could be a bit more friendly.
Ryder (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Walter (verified owner) –
This place has just about Every Alcohol you can buy.
Ryker (verified owner) –
Let me start by saying this is a good Bourbon for the price But the hype around it, is crazy. Great nose, mild flavor and warm finish. Good to have on the shelf but not Great.
Walter (verified owner) –
I’m not one to refrigerate my bourbon, preferring a room temperature shot from time to time. The first notes of Noah’s were wonderful. There was a soft heat and the fruity notes were lovely. As time went on and we got closer to the bottom of the bottle, it heated. Harshly. We are not aficionados and perhaps didn’t treat this whiskey quite right, but that last shot was really tough. I might take to refrigerating in the future …
Anthony (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Deloris (verified owner) –
Good service.
Jayson (verified owner) –
Overall this is my favorite. Hard to find in local stores but like that I can order from here
Samuel (verified owner) –
I was fully prepared to not buy into the hype, but this is a very good bourbon and a decent value price point. Full-flavored, rich, and easy to drink. I’d like to keep a bottle in my cabinet.
Rufus (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Leo (verified owner) –
Good service.
Liam (verified owner) –
Never seen such a huge store in NJ. You name it and you get it.
Winnie (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Winfred (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.
Tyler (verified owner) –
My father in law searches high and low for this (and Blanton’s) each time it comes in stock locally. He very rarely gets his hands on it so I thought I’d try this site out so I can get him some for Christmas. It arrived in a little over a week, and was packaged phenomenally and there were no issues. I can’t wait to gift it to him!
Deandre (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Leo (verified owner) –
Never seen such a huge store in NJ. You name it and you get it.