American

Whiskey Review: WhistlePig PiggyBack Big Papi

We review WhistlePig Piggyback Big Papi. Named for Red Sox Hall of Famer David Ortiz, it is finished with toasted maplewood bats.

OVERALL RATING

8
Like Conversation
WhistlePig PiggyBack Big Papi (image via WhistlePig)

Tasting Notes

About:

100% Rye mashbill. Aged 6 years. 48.28% ABV. Retails around $55
Appearance:
Noticeably clean, clear golden color with medium weight.
Nose:
Sweet, burnt sugar with citrus and spice, clove or cinnamon.
Palate:
There’s a bit of burn, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a “hot” pour. It drinks smooth, but tongue-tingly spicy. On my initial sips nearly all I was getting on the palate was intense, nondescript spicy tingle. I added a couple drops (and I mean literally two tiny drops of water) and the glass really opened up. Spice is still the star of the show, but it’s a discernible sweet cinnamon spice (think cinnamon gum from the checkout line at a co-op grocery store) that pops into black pepper. As the tingle fades, it leaves behind a relaxed caramel sweetness that prepares the palate for the next sip’s incoming spice.
Finish:
Comments:
If you’re drinking this neat, I highly recommend opening it up with a very small addition of water. The intensity of the main flavor has me thinking that this is a good candidate for pairing with the right meal. As of this writing, field research is ongoing. Like I said before, the creative use of baseball bats puts a more interesting stamp on the whiskey than most celebrity endorsed bottles, and given that proceeds from the collaboration benefitting Ortiz’ charitable foundation, I think there’s plenty here to enjoy as a baseball fan or a whiskey enthusiast.

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.

Jacob Wirt

Jacob Wirt, whose past lives as a cook and cultural studies researcher, continues to shape his deep appreciation for fermented grain beverages. His understanding extends beyond the mere enjoyment of the drink; he recognizes the knowledge, labor, and rich history behind every glass. With a passion for homebrewing beer, Wirt finds a similar fascination in whiskey, exploring how techniques, ingredients, and nuanced variables create the distinctive character of each expression.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

The Dalmore Aged 17 Years Review

What happens when The Dalmore finishes a 17-year-old Highland malt in three rare González Byass sherry casks? We pour a dram of its newest core release to find out.