WhistlePig Old World Series Madeira Finish 12 Year

It's December 12th, and I'm committing to trying a new rye whiskey daily this month. While my rye expertise isn't as lacking as my Scotch knowledge was this time last year, I'm always open to recommendations for good rye whiskies. With my current objectives (having goals is beneficial), there are some key contenders I could use assistance in finding. Present me with your most potent candidate. Objectives (summarized): 5 ryes. 4.5 stars. Easily accessible. (2/5, WT101, Whistlepig 10) I want to discern the difference between any bourbon and any rye. First attempt. One of these must be an Empire Rye. I desire a bold rye. I want the one that resembles my child's teacher's passively aggressive group email about how "certain parents" are still failing to equip their children with winter coats when the temperature is 53 degrees Fahrenheit. >>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This 95% rye - 5% barley blend has some scotch-like qualities. While it lacks the smoke and sharpness of traditional scotch, the Whistle Pig 12 is well-balanced and well-crafted, with a strong, rewarding spice finish that isn't overpowering. Aromatics: floral and earthy, somewhat delicate and not overwhelming. The spice notes are subtle on the nose but emerge prominently in the finish. Taste: Clearly strong floral and earthy notes upfront. The finish is quite rich with a lasting spice, just enough to awaken the palate without being too intense. I believe this bottle improves with more enjoyment. While not as smooth on the palate as the WP10, it possesses significantly more character. — a scotch guy

Upon taking the time to savor the aroma of this 95% rye whiskey, the 12-year oak barrel aging is immediately apparent. The toasted oak also imparts notes of vanilla and caramel. Further inhalation reveals a subtle presence of dark fruits from the triple wine cask finishing. When tasting, the initial impression is the spiciness of the rye and the toasted oak. This dual intensity gradually softens, leaving a lingering sweet fruitiness on the palate. Long after the final sip, a gentle peppery spice remains.

There's a lot happening here. Beautiful legs that cling to the glass... The nose has light caramel, the signature Whistle Pig rye grain notes, and subtle hints from the Madeira and port barrel aging. Golden raisins are present somewhere. An even palate carries a lightly sweet grain profile from the start, leading to a finish that alternates between dry oak, toasted grains, musty earth, cacao, ripe plum, hay, toasted pecans, and brown sugar.

The initial aroma suggests dill pickle chips, which then evolves into more raisin-like notes from the Madeira. The mouthfeel is rich and full, with sweet fruit blending into a spice of clove and brown sugar, followed by an aftertaste of botrytis-affected grape. This is one of the most complex rye whiskies I've ever encountered.

The bottle was opened about a year ago. Initially, the taste is dominated by deep dessert wine characteristics. Subsequently, flavors become lighter, slowly fading into a spicy rye finish. Excellent balance between a heavy rye mash bill and fortified wine barrels.