WhistlePig has launched its Piggyback 100 Proof bourbon, a sidekick to the 100% Rye.
WhistlePig Piggyback 100 Proof is the brand’s first foray into the bourbon category. “We’ve always been big on innovation and trying new things at WhistlePig, and we’ve been experimenting with Bourbon for years,” said WhistlePig head blender Meghan Ireland. “We always joke that a lot of places in Kentucky have a rye month, but we have Bourbon month up here [in Vermont], where we play with different Bourbon mash bills one month a year. Bourbon is something we’ve been playing with for years, but now we finally have the inventory and the blend that we think is 100% delicious and that we’re super proud of, and we’re excited to give it up to the world. Bourbon is something we’ve been playing with for years, but now we finally have the inventory and the blend that we think is 100% delicious and that we’re super proud of, and we’re excited to give it up to the world.”
The release is said to showcase WhistlePig’s bold approach to grain, age, and ABV, with a sweeter spin. It is made with a corn-rye-barley trifecta and includes a ‘super-high’ corn mash bill, seasoned with a hint of rye in a nod to Whistlepig’s roots.
“For someone who is used to drinking WhistlePig Rye, this is significantly sweeter, just as a Bourbon would be, but we put a drop of rye in it so there’s a bit of spice at the end, as well as nice vanilla and caramel notes,” said Ireland. “We’re super excited to get it out there.”
The bourbon is aged in char #3 barrels to add complexity before being bottled at 50% ABV. The WhistlePig Piggyback 100 Proof Bourbon Whiskey will be available via e-commerce sites in select markets across the US from August 30. It will retail for $49.99 per 750ml bottle.
For more information, head over to WhistlePig’s official website.
Earlier this month, WhistlePig released something special for every grillmaster’s favorite time of year, a smoked rye.