WhistlePig Old World Series Sauternes Finish Rye 12 Year

I have enjoyed this on multiple occasions over the past few years. Never formally reviewed it, but always loved it. This is the Sauternes version and it's delightful. Nose: Oak, pleasant spice and grain, and banana. I might not have identified Sauternes specifically without prior knowledge, but wine notes appear as it opens. Later, some vanilla, noticeable after tasting... First impression on the initial sip: wonderful banana bread or banana pudding (with some creaminess). Vanilla on the finish, which becomes more prominent as it opens up (as noted in the aroma). I will proceed, although hesitant to add a couple drops of water... But it's necessary for the review. My usual practice. However, it truly doesn't need anything... Ah, no issue... Some menthol and mint emerge. The aroma is enhanced again. Black pepper on the nose after adding water. Yes, this is outstanding.

The aroma is rich and sweet, with notes of apricot, vanilla, white chocolate, orange blossom honey, cherry cola, birch bark, cinnamon, white pepper, allspice, and more. Initially, there's smoke, but it quickly shifts to vanilla root beer, apricots with whipped cream and caramel, black pepper, and more smoke on the finish. This is a quite sweet rye with a really interesting smokiness at the start and end; I love it. The finish is medium-long, with a nice body and almost no burn, but it leaves my mouth tingling pleasantly. This is a truly complex rye. As a wine enthusiast, I appreciate the influence of the Sauternes barrel and the subtle sweet complexities it adds.

Absolutely delicious. The nose presents ripe peach, pear, and apricot (stone fruits), vanilla, honey, and a crème brûlée-like character (strongly influenced by Sauternes), along with rye spice. It has a silky, rich, soft, and velvety texture on the palate. The initial taste is sweet apricot, which gently builds to a peak of rye spice and sweet red licorice. The finish is warm and sweet, dominated by red licorice and ginger with a subtle hint of barrel character. A nice rye kick complements the sweetness from the cask finish. One of my preferred finished ryes.

Very potent, like something that would give you chest hair, which is surprising given the ABV. The aroma is remarkably sweet. The initial taste is spicy with a long finish. So, is it worth the price? As I don't typically enjoy rye, probably not for me. But if you appreciate high-quality rye, then yes.

The Sauternes finish wasn't as prominent as I anticipated, but the port and Madeira were outstanding. Finishing in those barrels lessened the spice's bite and brought delicious fruit flavors to the forefront. I'm not typically a rye drinker, but this bottle was exceptional.🥃

Banana bread, walnuts, smoky olive oil, pear tart, caramel, cloves, and a medium finish.