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Whiskey Review: WhistlePig The Library Series 11 Year Old Cask #2471 "Bennington"

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Whiskey Review: WhistlePig The Library Series 11 Year Old Cask #2471 “Bennington”

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Tasting Notes:

About:
Based in Vermont, New England, WhistlePig is a rye whiskey distiller dedicated to creating the finest rye whiskies in the world. WhistlePig’s ‘Library Series’ is a series of annual single cask bottlings each released in in a leather-bound encyclopaedia style presentation box, reflecting that collectors are building their own library of rye whisky. Each bottling is named for a Vermont township local to the WhistlePig distillery – in this instance Bennington.
Appearance:
Burnt Orange
Nose:
Cereal grains and vanilla sweetness, combined with some fruity acidity – there’s almost a sour cooking apple note.
Palate:
Initially toasted oak, caramel, and vanilla, giving way to a toasted cereal grain hoppy note – slight hint of sulphur. The mouthfeel and texture are almost a little soapy, but flavours of toffee apple, all spice, cinnamon, and pepper emerge.
Finish:
Short to medium. Oak and vanilla, but these quickly dissipate.
Comments:
I’m admittedly not a major rye whiskey fan, but this WhistlePig expression is probably the best I’ve sampled. Considering the cask strength, I’d have like the flavours to linger a little longer.

Is WhistlePig’s Library Series A Good Collector’s Series?

This 22-part series showcases the range and diversity of WhistlePig‘s stocks, originally conceived by Dave Pickerell, credited with ‘putting Maker’s Mark on the amp.’ Details about this series are scarce online, though one article suggests that only 4,000 bottles were available. However, it’s unclear whether this number refers to a single release or the series as a whole. Either way, it’s a substantially smaller run compared to a recent Boss Hog release, estimated at 60,000 bottles.

For rye enthusiasts—particularly with rye’s notable development over the past decade—this series offers a unique chance to buy and enjoy some truly distinctive stocks. That said, given the investment this series requires, there are also several exceptional high-strength rye options available today at a similar price point.

Whiskies Similar To WhistlePig At Cask Strength?

WhistlePig rye stands out in the world of rye whiskies, consistently delivering a unique flavor profile with minty, buttercream aromas. However, if you’re exploring similar styles, several other brands offer comparable experiences. For a quality cask-strength rye without the hefty price tag, consider options like Wilderness Trail, Sagamore Spirits, Kings County, and Michter’s.

Additionally, higher-strength ryes like Rittenhouse and Elijah Craig (though not necessarily cask strength) offer excellent alternatives. Most of these come in under the price of a standard WhistlePig 10 Year Old bottle, though pricing may vary slightly depending on your location.

Final Thoughts On The Whistle Pig Library Series?

The range appears to have launched quietly—a surprising approach given the current high demand for American whiskies. This could go one of two ways: either it struggles to sell out, leading to reduced prices and a bargain for drinkers, or it becomes one of the most celebrated whisky collections, especially considering WhistlePig’s already strong reputation and numerous awards. With limited information available and minimal fanfare, this range offers rye enthusiasts an intriguing opportunity to explore and uncover its value firsthand.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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