WhistlePig The Boss Hog III: The Independent

Cask-strength 100% Alberta rye finished in Macallan hogsheads? Yes please. It's dark and brooding in the glass and a cacophony of flavors on the nose, but like all high-proof WhistlePig products much smoother to sip than the ABV suggests. Still, even master distiller Dave Pickerell adds a few drops of water to his glass, which smooths out everything to reveal a typically classy rye from his Vermont farm. What distinguishes this from the rest of the range is the long, sherry-hued Scotch finish that really speaks to the previous occupants of the barrels. You can almost hear Pickerell's whisky lore emanating from this glass, or actually hear it if you're fortunate enough to be tasting it in his presence, as I was. I wouldn't pay $350-400 for a bottle, but do grab a sample if you're at all interested in rye, and especially if you like rye and Scotch.

Incredible! Very smooth for the proof and very complex. The finish lingers in a fantastic way. Get it if you find it!