Whistle Pig 12 Year Old World Rye Whiskey 43% 700ml

WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye Whiskey 700ml
Straight Rye Whiskey - 43% ABV - Finished in Madeira, Sauternes and Port Casks | WhistlePig Distillery, Vermont

A Rye of Grand Collaboration

Founded in 2007 and based in Shoreham, Vermont, WhistlePig has been instrumental in reshaping modern perceptions of rye whiskey. Best known for its high-rye, high-proof expressions, the distillery launched the 12 Year Old World Rye in 2015 as a bold evolution of its house style - one that bridges the intensity of American rye with the elegance of European wine cask maturation.

This expression begins with a 12-year-old straight rye whiskey, distilled from 100 percent rye grain. After primary aging in new American oak, the whiskey is finished in a blend of ex-wine barrels: 63 percent Madeira, 30 percent Sauternes, and 7 percent Port. Each finish contributes a distinct texture and aromatic layer, bringing balance and complexity without overpowering the underlying grain.

The nose is poised and expressive - dried fig, orange peel, raisin, and baking spice unfold over caramel and honeyed oak. The influence of the wine casks is present but restrained, offering nuance rather than novelty.

On the palate, it moves with quiet confidence. Spiced pear, toasted hazelnut, dark chocolate and ripe plum play off rye’s natural pepper and clove. The Madeira adds a nutty dryness, the Sauternes brings golden fruit and lift, and the Port contributes depth and subtle richness.

The finish is warm and lingering - cinnamon, cocoa, wine-soaked wood and a soft, herbal fade that carries the signature of all three casks.

Old World Technique, New World Voice
This is not a finishing flourish for show - it is a deliberate integration of global techniques into American whiskey craft. The World Rye remains rye at its core, but speaks with a broader accent, offering a whiskey that feels both familiar and refined.

Final Thought
WhistlePig 12 Year Old World Rye is a confident step beyond the expected. For those who value structure and spice but crave elegance and evolution, this is a rye that rewards attention - layered, cultured, and unmistakably well made.

Tasting Profile