WhistlePig Homestock Whiskey

A departure from the usual spirits from this producer. The color is quite pale, but this doesn't diminish the impact of the initial taste. Pleasant spice upfront, followed by a light sweetness, and the spice returns for an extended finish. The mash bill consists of 45% rye, 30% wheat, and a higher barley content at 25%. This is an intriguing collaboration, a mix of whiskies from Canada and Vermont, based on input from fans during the early days of COVID. It might not justify the $70 cost, but it's a decent whiskey. I have no regrets about purchasing it, but I likely won't buy another bottle.

Nose: Sweet with hints of rye spice, ripe apples, and vanilla. A fleeting cherry cough syrup note appears and disappears. Palate: Quite smooth with expected rye spiciness. Caramel blends with the cherry from the nose, making it taste more like candy than cough syrup. Finish: Honey and nuts emerge, along with maltiness likely from the barley. It concludes with a subtle whisper of caramel-covered apples, a pleasant surprise!

Immensely clean and velvety. The aroma is packed with citrus, complemented by floral whispers and underlying spice. Flavors of spiced cookies emerge on the palate, touched by rye's warmth. The ending is a bit subdued, offering a trace of mint and ginger snaps, missing the punchy spice one might anticipate.

Specific Lot 4 This is one of my preferred releases from WhistlePig. The rye character is the most prominent element, which is noteworthy considering its reputation for a high barley content. It's simply a highly enjoyable whiskey. Notably sweet.

Right now, I’m not feeling this bottle and I think it might need some time to open up. I'll have to try it again later. Whistle Pig Nose: Corn Oaky barrel spice Grain Palate: Smooth Oaky Licorice Musty

I participated in the home kit blending. It closely resembles a favorite mash bill I developed, and it's very good. It's an easily drinkable spirit, not overly complicated. A bit expensive considering its age and alcohol content. However, it's worth trying.