Whistlepig Piggyback Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

Barrel identification: 6620 Barrel designation: Liquor Barn 2022 barrel 3 I'm not a fan of supporting Whistlepig, but the complexity on the nose makes me think it could be a hidden treasure, assuming the barrel selection was sound. The primary issue for me is the lack of transparency regarding its origin. While most of their products are sourced from Canada, you'd have to scrutinize the fine print to know that. Now, this bottle claims to be distilled "somewhere" in Vermont but bottled in Mineville, NY. The brand emphasizes the Whistlepig farm, yet it's unclear what is actually produced there, fostering customer distrust through evasiveness. That said, Whistlepig (and their sources) clearly understands rye whiskey. It's difficult to name many other 100% rye whiskies, especially readily available or American-made ones. I'm uncertain if the precise 107.8 proof is specific to this barrel, as that part of the label doesn't appear removable or handwritten, unlike the separate label showing the barrel number and name. Nevertheless, this whiskey boasts an excellent mash bill, a great proof, and at 6 years old (a welcome sight with an actual age statement), it's on the verge of rye becoming overly sweet and mellowed, perhaps even a bit beyond that point. The standard Piggyback rye is a reliable choice for sipping neat or in cocktails, and if I held the distillery in higher regard, I'd always keep a bottle on hand. Noticeably dark for its age, the light orange-brown hue suggests it's older than 6 years or came from smaller barrels. From a distance, only a hint of the grain's cinnamon is perceptible. However, swirling the glass reveals maple, dry candied citrus, and some natural oak sweetness. With no other grains to compete, the rye's cinnamon is less assertive and more natural, complementing the proof well, though the ethanol is less pronounced than expected for this level. The texture is surprisingly light initially, building slightly to what feels like 90 proof. An earthy quality emerges quickly, reminiscent of mushrooms and damp cave air, preceding any traditional rye notes. Cinnamon, cracked wheat (somehow), and a mild tartness follow. The natural spice tingles the gums, creating a moderate heat in the mouth that fades rather quickly, even with subsequent sips. The finish revisits the damp earthiness, lingering for a moderate duration with only a touch of dryness. The original Piggyback rye offers superb balance after batching, while the single barrel showcases subtleties often lost in blending. In this instance, the rye consistently presents a damp earthiness, a profile I've encountered before, typically in high-rye mash bills or after extended aging. This is my least preferred characteristic in a rye whiskey. While I suspect it's specific to this barrel and not indicative of others, it doesn't diminish my appreciation for the single barrel program or concept. Much like other distilleries' single barrel offerings, this experience reinforces my fondness for the concept and motivates me to explore different barrels (and other retailers' selections, to be safe) to uncover the full range of possibilities.

For a 100% rye, this offering is somewhat unusual. For contrast, Alberta Premium Cask Strength, also a 100% rye, prominently features spice, rye, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, with only hints of caramel and mint. This Whistlepig Piggyback Single Barrel, however, presents subtle spice alongside dominant notes of cherry and cola, evoking Sazerac, which is certainly not a 100% rye (its mashbill is unknown, but it wouldn't need to be undisclosed if it were entirely rye). As the spirit rests in the glass, rye spice takes over the aroma, accompanied by a slight ethanol presence, though it's not intense for those accustomed to barrel-strength spirits (I've observed that individuals unfamiliar with high proof often perceive even moderate heat as extreme). The palate lacks profound complexity but offers a creamy texture with vanilla, caramel, and spice, and the cherry note reappears in the extended finish. It's not a must-buy, but at $60, I can't say I regret the purchase. In the future, I'd opt for the extra $10 for a Knob Creek Single Barrel Rye or even spend the same for Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye. Nevertheless, it wasn't a bottle I'd dismiss outright. I delayed reviewing until the final pour, hoping for deeper revelation, but it remained consistently one-dimensional throughout. Still, a single-trick pony can be enjoyable in its own right. This was one such instance. Consequently, it's a one-time purchase, and I'm content with that. P.S. On further thought, the cherry flavor occasionally shifts to cherry cola and at other times resembles Robitussin cherry, fluctuating between the two. While the Robitussin might sound unappealing, it brings a comforting nostalgia of my mother caring for me during childhood illnesses.

The Austin Shaker. 112.8 proof, 56.4% ABV.

A selection from The Austin Shaker 112.4 proof 56.2% ABV

Smooth and spicy. This is one to keep.