Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by Wigle Whiskey. 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 towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Wigle Distillery in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania has, since its inception in 2012 , very much rooted itself in lore and tradition. From naming itself after Phillip Wigle, the first American to receive a presidential pardon after his participation in the Whiskey Rebellion, to celebrating whiskey distilling’s American heritage as related to western Pennsylvania. The people behind the bottle are committed to supporting their community, most notably from sourcing their raw materials from their local agricultural network. For all the discipline to tradition, they don’t shy away from pushing the envelope to come up with some innovative ways to share their whiskey.
Whether celebrating the local sports team, National Holidays, or supporting their local community of artists, creative uses of secondary maturations and finishings to their whiskeys has helped to distinguish themselves. Wigle rye whiskey has found itself in everything from an ex-mezcal cask, seasoned sherry casks and even quarter casks that once held Scottish whiskey. Since the latter seemed to work so well for their rye, why not try it on the bourbon?
A quarter cask refers to a wooden whiskey container, generally one fourth the size of a sherry butt. What this can mean to whiskey that has been placed in these smaller vessels is more surface contact with wood, which can intensify the characteristics associated with oak maturation. The quarter casks we’re referring to here were once used by Laphroaig, the well known, heavily peated Scottish single malt expression, aptly named Quarter Cask.
For Laphroaig’s Quarter Cask release, they place their single malt whisky (which began its journey in an ex-bourbon barrel, for those of you keeping score at home) into the smaller vessels as a way to offer a softer alternative to their traditional expression. So, Bourbon influenced Scotch goes on to influence a separate wooden container, which then in turn has another life influencing bourbon. Talk about a round trip!
Tasting Notes: Wigle Scotch Cask Finished Bourbon
Vital Stats: 92 proof (46% ABV) Mash Bill: of 65% regional organic corn, 18% regional organic soft winter wheat and 17% organic malted barley. Aged at least two years in 25 gallon barrels, and then aged again in ex-Laphroaig casks for an additional year. MSRP $85
Appearance: Clear amber with copper highlights, reminiscent of a polished citrine quartz
Nose: Grilled peach and noticeable peat character, leaves you with the impression of marshmallow
Trending Stories
Palate: The peach and smoke continue. Cedar astringency and a long finish make you feel like you’re on a hayride at the fall harvest fair.
Latest News