WhistlePig has launched its 15 Year rye whiskey, finished in Vermont White Oak from the WhistlePig Farm and surrounding area.
The tighter wood rings of Vermont Oak deliver more flavor and depth into whiskey, the company believes. To fully accentuate the flavor profile of the oak, WhistlePig developed a Custom-Charring Initiative for the 15 Year. The barrels receive a long toast and heavy char designed to draw out a rich sweetness that complements the natural spice of aged rye.
The 15 Year is a highly limited release and is available in select markets for a suggested retail price of $199.99 per 750-ml. bottle. The nose is rich, dominated by caramel, vanilla, and oak with hints of allspice and burnt orange, the company reports, while the tastes include butterscotch and baking spice with leather and a hint of tobacco, with a rich, warm, slightly creamy mouthfeel.
“With the release of the 15 Year, the public can now enjoy a top-notch whiskey aged in barrels made from wood right here on our farm,” said Raj Peter Bhakta, Founder and CEO of WhistlePig, in a press release. “Since day one, our vision was to create a fully farm-to-bottle operation.”
The 15 Year comes from a mash of 100% rye and is hand bottled at 92 proof. The whiskey is aged in three separate whiskey barrels: #3 Charred New American Oak, used bourbon barrels and finished for six months in custom #4 charred Vermont White Oak.
