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WhistlePig Declaration Wheat Whiskey Review

Can a rye-focused brand pull off a wheat whiskey? WhistlePig's Declaration marks a bold departure for their US 250 anniversary—here's how this summer sipper holds up.

OVERALL RATING

7
$70
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

WhistlePig has launched a pair of whiskies to celebrate the US 250 anniversary. In addition to the 10 year Piggy Bank Rye, they have a wheat whiskey.

The second release marks a departure for the rye-focused brand. Declaration Wheat Whiskey is crafted from a high wheat mashbill, bottled at 86 proof, and double aged in New American Oak. The bottle features a cracked Liberty Bell topper symbolizing American independence.

Marketing materials state, “WhistlePig Declaration Wheat Whiskey is a bold yet refreshing expression of American ingenuity, crafted to commemorate 250 years of this country doing things its own way. As leaders of the Rye Revolution, we’re not resting on our laurels — we’re planting a flag in the next frontier of craft whiskey. Built on a high wheat mashbill of 100% American grain, it leans fully into wheat’s naturally softer, more approachable character. A second finish in wave stave barrels adds a toasted flavor gradient and complexity. Double American oak aged and bottled at 86 proof, it’s exactly what summer calls for. burying spritz & seltzer season with a summer whiskey that refuses to go quietly.”
Appearance:
A golden clear whiskey with thin/fast legs which don’t really cling to the glass. Tasted neat in Glencairn glass after resting.
Nose:
Woody with caramels and sweet oaks. Smells older than four years with soft notes of grain, oak, new leather, alcohol touches, before a moment or two of apple crisp and oatmeal.
Palate:
A nice mouthfeel that is sweet, smooth and light. Similar notes to the nose but some added charcoal, sweet wheat, grass, and touches of tobacco.
Finish:
A nice slow burn but a short finish overall. Some nice drying chocolate powder flavor.
Comments:
This is a double oak aged high wheat whiskey aged for four years. The mouthfeel is watery but honestly quite nice, and the body has good flavors that don’t try to do too much with the profile. It’s enjoyable and easy to sip on. There are great components present throughout the body that I would have loved to be pumped up. However, on the whole for a four year wheat there is a lot to enjoy.

I think the opportunity is there for this to make a great summer cocktail with strong citrus or other complimentary flavors. It seems like it could be a lot of fun to have while trying to escape the heat or sip on as the sun sets.

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.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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