Whistlepig 10 Year Small Batch Rye

Barrel proof single barrel. Warm. Proof comes through on the long warm finish. The finish may be too long for some. Some hints of fruit of you chew it. Very well balanced. Sampling with Pikesville and Lock Stock & Barrel 13yr. Me and my buddy keep coming back to the Pig.

The nose immediately screams well-aged: tons of dry wood, almost like wood shavings, vanilla, nutmeg and rye spice. It's a very "dusty" aroma, missing some of the tropical fruit notes that I find in younger and more vibrant ryes. The palate retains hints of that rye character, with a mild fruitiness that's hard to place. It's spicy and balanced, with some unusual floral notes for a rye, and a discernible amount of mellow caramel and vanilla from those bourbon barrels. Whistlepig 10's curtain call is seven-grain bread, spice, and a very dry and oak-heavy final bow. This is a worthwhile rye to try because of its high age. I personally may prefer ryes in the 8-year old range, based on my love of Angel's Envy Rye, or brands that blend older and younger components, like the scrumptious High West Rendezvous Rye.