WhistlePig Distillery
Barrel #79605
103.2 Proof
Cask Strength, NCF

Is that a whistling pig? Sure is, it's our friend Tootin' Porker. He can really blow a tune!

We were lucky enough last year to grab three WhistlePig single barrels. While it said 10 Year son the label, we knew for a fact that those barrels were actually 16 years old. And that worked out really well for us.... Like REALLY well! They were delicious and an incredible steal for the age.

Well this year we got two more barrels from WhistlePig, but this time we couldn't get any information about them. Is it the same juice from last year, now 17 years old? Well we can't say for sure, but given the proof, the bottle count, and the TASTE, we're willing to bet a thick slice of bacon that that's exactly what these barrels are.

The nose on this barrel has salty sea air, candy (salt water taffy?), flowers and lemons. It's a wonderful and unique nose with a ton of warmth and character.

The palate is so thick and sweet and lovely, this is an incredibly drinkable rye. It's thick with honey and fruits, coating the tongue nicely. The oak comes out in the palate with more flowers (heather, daffodils) cream, little peaches and citrus fruits.

The finish is deadly smooth. Some of these lower-proof cask strength barrels have an incredible taste/proof ratio, and this is one for sure. Super smooth but super flavorful with a nice long finish that brings together the sweets and the flowers and the wood.

What a lovely barrel? Is it an old one? We may never know, but it sure drinks like one!