Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
The August 2023 WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded release marks the continuation of WhistlePig’s farm-to-bottle whiskey experiment. This year’s release includes eleven barrels of Straight Rye Whiskey, nine barrels of Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and for the first time, three barrels of Straight Wheat Whiskey. According to the brand, this annual limited edition release is meant as a tribute to the “hearty, heirloom crop” of the WhistlePig Farm. This review will focus on the WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey.
Located in Shoreham, Vermont and spanning 500 acres of rolling hills, WhistlePig Farm & Distillery started with the purchase of an old dairy farm in 2007 by its founder, Raj Peter Bhakta. They opened their distillery in 2015 in the farm’s 150-year-old renovated dairy barn. To kick off their whiskey making venture they bought a batch of 10-year-old blendable Canadian whiskey. Using a unique copper pot still that was designed by WhistlePig’s Original Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, they distill their whiskey 7 days a week.
Despite being relatively new to the whiskey-making industry, after the release of their first bottling in 2015 WhistlePig has become one of the most awarded rye whiskeys in the world. In 2017, WhistlePig was awarded “Best Whiskey in the World” at the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It has since become one of the ‘must haves’ for many bartenders’ home collection, particularly due to its ideal use in cocktails as well as sipping neat.
Bottled-in-bond at 100 proof using the Farm’s own well water to cut it, WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey is harvested and distilled in one season at the WhistlePig Farm & Distillery. It is produced from a mash bill of 100% Brasseto rye grain and aged for four year, six months and 22 days in sustainably harvested char #1 Vermont oak barrels. Displayed on each bottle is a QR code that allows you to trace the specific production details of the juice in your bottle, including field location, growing conditions, and aging warehouse, to name a few.
“FarmStock Beyond Bonded is at the heart of our strongest commitments to the whiskey world” said Meghan Ireland, Chief Blender at WhistlePig, in a prepared statement. “First, to relentlessly experiment to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Beyond Bonded is our greatest experiment in that we can control every detail of the process here on the Farm. Then, to turn that innovative spirit into whiskeys that are truly unique in quality and complexity. It started with Rye, and we’re having a grand time doing the same with Bourbon, Wheat and other whiskeys.”
The brand’s official tasting notes for WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey suggest aromas of black pepper, green tea and citrus zest, flavors of oak char, honey and tangerine on the palate, and notes of vanilla bean, almond and mint in the finish.
WhistlePig initially only offered this year’s release of their FarmStock Beyond Bonded line-up at Vermont farmer’s markets until the end of summer as a nod to the brand’s Vermont roots. Their original FarmStock Rye expression is available nationwide year round.
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Tasting Notes: WhistlePig FarmStock Beyond Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey 2023
Vital Stats: 100 proof (50% ABV), mash bill: 100% Brasseto rye, 750ml bottle MSRP $135.00.
Appearance: Chestnut/Oloroso sherry.
Nose: Sweet aromas of salt, toffee, buttery roasted corn, caramel apple and crisp kettle chips permeate the nose along with hints of red fruits and fresh mint leaves.
Palate: On the palate are flavor notes of toasted grain, malt, oak, tobacco, green grass, black pepper, and a touch of smoke.
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