Whistlepig launches six-year-old rye whiskey

Vermont-based producer Whistlepig has released its youngest expression to date: Piggyback 100% Rye.

Piggyback 100% Rye was aged for six years before being bottled at 48.28% ABV. It has been priced at RRP £45 (US$54) per bottle.

The whiskey was created by Dave Pickerall, Whistlepig’s late master distiller who died in 2018.

Jeff Kozak, CEO of Whistlepig, said: “On behalf of Dave Pickerall and all of us here at Whistlepig, we are proud to share the latest expression in our unparalleled offering of aged rye whiskeys to the UK, one of Dave’s final creations.

“Piggyback 100% Rye is a gift from our late legendary distiller to his friends across the country and around the world, and of course, the bartenders who helped forge the Whistlepig brand from the very beginning.”

The whiskey launched in the UK on American Independence Day on 4 July.

Piggyback 100% Rye is being pushed in the on-trade, which will be followed by specialist and independent retailers within the next year or two.

Dan Priseman, UK and European steward of the brand, added: “We are excited to reveal Piggyback 100% Rye to the UK, particularly across the on trade where we’re building advocacy and support for the brand across some of the UK’s most influential and exciting bars.

“Our first ever cocktail competition culminates at the launch event allowing us to put the liquid in front of 12 of the most creative bartenders in the UK, whilst immersing them in the world of Whistlepig and our approach to mixology.”

Tasting notes include aromas of cinnamon, black peppercorn and grapefruit zest, leading to a ‘powerfully spicy’ palate, with cocoa, cardamom and cured leather. The finish is ‘wonderfully lengthy’, with baking spices, oak and vanilla.