About WhistlePig Double Malt 18 Year Old 1st Edition Rye
Dave Pickerell built WhistlePig in pursuit of crafting the world’s finest and most interesting Rye Whiskeys. After years of devotion to patient aging and innovative blending, WhistlePig has turned their attention experimenting with grain - in particular, the practice of malting rye. Before industrial catalysts were introduced to increase efficiency, farmer distillers would malt a small portion of their rye harvest in order to access the grain's starch content and set off the fermentation process. Floral, earthy flavors imparted by malted rye would add nuance to the bold, peppery spice character of classic rye whiskey.
To harness these flavors for the oldest expression of WhistlePig yet, they selected a whiskey distilled from 79% rye, 15% malted rye, and 6% malted barley. These grains form a harmony that spans the flavor spectrum, at once soft and floral, rich and savory, and full of spice. Its complexity is only heightened after 18 years in the barrel.
Hand-bottled on the WhistlePig Farm, in commemoration of the WhistlePig rye harvest and inaugural Vermont floor malting, this 18-year-old WhistlePig is the oldest release of WhistlePig to date. Distinctive from whiskeys of WhistlePig past, focusing on age statements, unique finishes this release focuses on the influences of mash bill on flavor. Bottled by hand with a bespoke Vermont glass stopper, hand-pressed on one of the last remaining 19th-century glass pressing machines, rescued from a historic factory and installed at the WhistlePig Farm.
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About WhistlePig
Founded in 2008, WhistlePig is now the most awarded rye whiskey maker in the world. Their remote 500-acre hard-working farm in bucolic Shoreham, Vermont, is the perfect place to perfect their experiments with blending and finishing, ultimately leading to a portfolio of deeply complex rye whiskeys. In 2017 WhistlePig was awarded the coveted "Best In Show Whiskey" title from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Until his passing in 2018 the WhistlePig farm had been home to the founding father of craft whiskey, Master Distiller Dave Pickerell.
Their vision is to respect tradition and embrace progress, protecting what makes rye whiskey great, and at the same time innovating to make it better. After years of devotion to patient aging and innovative blending, WhistlePig has turned their attention to experimenting with grain, namely the practice of malting rye. Before industrial catalysts were introduced to increase efficiency, farmer distillers would malt a small portion of their rye harvest in order to access the grain's starch content and set off the fermentation process.
About Rye
As American as the bald eagle, rye whiskey was first brewed in the American Northeast in the 1600s. Even George Washington distilled it after leaving the Oval Office, so there’s no way of denying its origin.
It’s distinguished from bourbon for its original and unique spicy notes.
By law, rye whiskey must be made from at least 51% rye grain, aged in new and charred oak barrels for at least two years, and bottled at no more than 62,5% ABV.
Check out our impressive selection of rye whiskeys, find your new favorites in The best-reviewed rye whiskeys, and explore our treasury of Best rye bottles under $100.
