WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Review: A Barrel Pick Adventure

Overview: WhistlePig, the Vermont distillery renowned for its 100 proof WhistlePig 10 Year Rye, is more than just Canadian whiskey finished in bourbon barrels.. Today, we delve into a unique experience: WhistlePig 10 Year Single Barrel Rye Whiskey. This particular barrel was hand-picked by a local whiskey club that I belong to..

The Barrel Pick Experience: Belonging to a whiskey club with access to barrel programs is a privilege, and this WhistlePig selection exemplifies that. A single barrel yields a limited number of bottles, making each one a treasure hunt. In our case, we sampled through several options, highlighting the variability in single barrel picks.

Age: 10 years

Proof: 115.4

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Nose: A symphony of scents begins with a bold, expected heat. Thick pipe tobacco and molasses intertwine with vanilla and a whisper of maple syrup. Then comes a rye spice kick, followed by softer notes of Christmas cookies covered in frosting. Herbal undertones mingle with the slightest hint of earthiness, adding complexity.

Palate: A medium mouthfeel delivers black pepper, baking spices, tobacco, and a dark sweetness reminiscent of dark chocolate and licorice. The oak influence shines through, accompanied by a wave of mint and pine needles. Cinnamon, peppercorns, and chili powder heat things up, balanced by just enough brown sugar to prevent bitterness. The oily texture evolves with each sip, sometimes revealing its high proof, then softening into sweeter notes.

Finish: A medium-to-long finish showcases an explosion of floral and herbal notes.  Pepper, cloves, and a touch of ethanol mingle with cherry cough syrup, black pepper, mint, and plums. Unlike bourbon finishes, this rye concludes with a Halls cough drop and a lingering herbal bouquet. The complex finish puts an exclamation point on this whiskey.

Final Thoughts: This review isn't just about this specific barrel, as single barrel selections are inherently unique. Rather, it's about the barrel pick experience itself. The variance in quality we encountered while sampling 8 different barrels emphasizes the importance of trusting the store or club's selection process. While some stores rely solely on the distiller's choice, this can be risky, especially at this price point.

WhistlePig, no longer sourcing from MGP, presumably utilizes Alberta rye whiskey finished in Vermont bourbon barrels. The results can be exceptional, but buyer beware. If you're seeking a single barrel adventure, be prepared for variability and choose your source wisely.

Rating: Middle shelf - Link to ratings explanations

Traveller Whiskey Blend No 40 Review

Overview: Traveller Whiskey is a first ever collaboration from Sazerac / Buffalo Trace, landed in my glass as an allocation from my whiskey club. I don't often venture into blended whiskeys, but this bottle piqued my curiosity. Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace's master distiller, Harlen Wheatley, meticulously sampled 50 different blends, ultimately settling on blend number 40.

This is not a straight whiskey so, there is no age statement, no indication of mashbill and it was not limited to the constraints of straight whiskey, like distillation proof, barrel entry proof, minimum age, blending components and additives. Buffalo Trace assures us that no neutral grain spirits are in this blend but, we will have to take their word for it. The whiskey's widespread availability and reasonable price suggest Sazerac is looking to break into the "well pour" market which they have struggled to break into.

Age: NAS (No Age Statement)

Proof: 90 proof (45% ABV)

Mashbill: Undisclosed

Nose: The nose is subtle, demanding patience to uncover its nuances.  At 90 proof, there's little ethanol burn but also a distinct lack of classic bourbon or rye notes. Faint oak and a medley of light fruits emerge - apples, grapes, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe.  It evokes the image of a generic fruit salad at a hotel breakfast buffet.

Palate: The palate pleasantly surprises, exceeding expectations set by the nose.  A welcome viscosity coats the mouth.  Sweetness and oak come alive, intertwined with cherry, butterscotch, and a hint of vanilla.  Notes of bread suggest the possible presence of wheat in the mash bill.

Finish: The finish is short-lived and unmemorable, leaving a slight sense of disappointment. Yet, it also sparks a desire for another sip.  I'm surprised by how quickly a pour disappears, considering my less-than-stellar impressions.

Final Thoughts: Traveller drinks like the watered-down remnants of a whiskey that's lingered on the rocks too long.  Faint flavors remain, but they lack any captivating complexity. The remaining whiskey might be best shared with a friend new to neat pours, as its mildness won't overwhelm like a high-proof bourbon. I'll experiment with cocktails, but I suspect its simplicity won't hold up against mixers.

If you're dipping your toes into the world of bourbon or rye, Traveller offers a gentle introduction.  For seasoned whiskey enthusiasts, there's little to explore here. I won't be actively seeking out another bottle, but I'm glad to have experienced this one.  It certainly wasn't a major investment.

Rating: Leave it out the Counter - Link to ratings explanations