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Whiskey Review: Whistlepig Farmstock Rye No. 003

We review WhistlePig Farmstock Rye No. 003, the latest in a series of whiskeys from this Vermont distillery that incorporates an increasing amount of their own in-house aged whiskey into the blend.

OVERALL RATING

8
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WhistlePig FarmStock Rye Crop 003

Tasting Notes

About:

86 proof; three straight whiskies were blended to create the final product (52% WhistlePig 3-year-old rye whiskey, 31% 6-year-aged whiskey, 17% 10-year-aged whiskey from Alberta, Canada); bottled at 86 proof; prices around $75 per 750 ml bottle.
Appearance:
The coloring on this whiskey is a light yellow, almost the shade of unvarnished pine.
Nose:
Soft and inviting. Some whiskeys have a sharp or medicinal twang, but WhistlePig Farmstock No. 003 is easy on the sinuses one waft after another. I find that notes of vanilla, creamy, soft caramel, a hint of citrus and pine needles are all present. After a few wafts, there are some floral notes that will peak your interest as well.
Palate:
There is a light heat. It is only visiting vs. an unwanted guest who overstays their welcome. The predominant flavors were leather, wax and the distinct earthy flavor of oak. Secondary notes were clove and black pepper on the back of the tongue with a bite of cinnamon. Scorched orange peel made an entrance and was accompanied by the gentle hint of green grass as well. The texture was buttery and smooth.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a whiskey that plays easily on center stage with no help from water, ice, or other accoutrement that might accompany a mixed drink. That is not to say that it should only be enjoyed neat, but it has enough character to entertain the taste buds without becoming overwhelming.rnrnWith ice you actually loose a bit of its body making it disappear from the glass all too quickly. If you are in the mood to chat and linger, I would order it neat.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

John Dover

John Dover, creator and writer of the acclaimed "Johnny Scotch" series, draws inspiration from his immersive experiences as a professional musician and his extensive travels across the US. His Jazz Noir world intertwines with his music, culminating in collaborations such as the "Johnny Scotch Vignettes" with Thomas Barber, blending high-energy fusion with spoken word.

John's latest ventures include "Johnny Scotch #4" illustrated by Dan Schaefer, and the novella "A Song for Charlie." Alongside his music career, he continues to expand the "Johnny Scotch" universe through short stories and comic books.

Beyond "Johnny Scotch," John is a recognized horror writer, contributing to anthologies such as "Tales from the Braided Pony," "Monsters 'N' Things," "100 Word Horrors," and the forthcoming "Tenebrous Tales." He's also a regular entertainment writer for Mythmachine.com.

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