If you’re a fan of rye whiskey, you’ve probably heard of WhistlePig. The Vermont-based distillery has been making waves in the industry since it was founded in 2008, and its 10 Year and 12 Year rye whiskeys are two of its most popular offerings. But which one should you choose? In this article, we’ll compare WhistlePig 10 Year vs 12 Year to help you decide.
Table of Contents
History of Whistlepig 10 Year and 12 Year
Whistlepig 10 Year and 12 Year are both rye whiskies produced by WhistlePig Whiskey, a Vermont-based distillery founded in 2008 by Raj Peter Bhakta. The brand released its first bottling in 2015 and has since become a well-known name in the whiskey industry.
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Whistlepig 10 Year’s History
Whistlepig 10 Year is a rye whiskey that is aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak barrels. The whiskey was first released in 2010 and quickly gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts. Whistlepig 10 Year is made from 100% rye grain and is bottled at 100 proof.
Whistlepig 10 Year is sourced from Canada and finished in Vermont, where it is blended with water from a nearby spring. The whiskey is then aged in oak barrels that were previously used to age bourbon. The result is a smooth and complex whiskey that has notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice.
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Whistlepig 12 Year’s History
Whistlepig 12 Year is a rye whiskey that is aged for a minimum of 12 years in American oak barrels. The whiskey was first released in 2015 and is a step up from the 10 Year in terms of age and complexity. Whistlepig 12 Year is made from 100% rye grain and is bottled at 86 proof.
Whistlepig 12 Year is also sourced from Canada and finished in Vermont, where it is blended with water from a nearby spring. The whiskey is then aged in oak barrels that were previously used to age bourbon and finished in barrels that were previously used to age Madeira wine. The result is a rich and flavorful whiskey that has notes of dark fruit, honey, and spice.
Both Whistlepig 10 Year and 12 Year have won numerous awards and are highly regarded by whiskey enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the smooth and spicy notes of the 10 Year or the rich and complex flavors of the 12 Year, WhistlePig Whiskey has a rye whiskey that is sure to please.
Production Process
Whistlepig 10 Year’s Production Process
Whistlepig 10 Year is a straight rye whiskey that is made from 100% rye grain. The whiskey is distilled in Canada and then brought to Vermont, where it is aged for 10 years in oak barrels. During the aging process, the whiskey is stored in a warehouse that is exposed to the extreme temperature changes of the Vermont seasons. This causes the whiskey to expand and contract, which helps it absorb more flavor from the oak barrels.
Once the aging process is complete, the whiskey is bottled at a high proof of 100 and is not chill-filtered. This means that the whiskey retains all of its natural flavors and aromas, resulting in a bold and complex taste.
Whistlepig 12 Year’s Production Process
Whistlepig 12 Year is also a straight rye whiskey that is made from 100% rye grain. However, it is aged for an additional two years compared to the 10 Year, resulting in a more mature and refined taste.
During the aging process, the whiskey is stored in a combination of new oak, bourbon, and sherry casks. This gives the whiskey a more complex flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit.
Similar to the 10 Year, the whiskey is bottled at a high proof of 86 and is not chill-filtered. This allows the whiskey to retain its natural flavors and aromas, resulting in a smooth and balanced taste.
Both the Whistlepig 10 Year and 12 Year are hand-bottled at the Whistlepig farm in Vermont, ensuring that each bottle is of the highest quality.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to comparing the taste of Whistlepig 10 Year and Whistlepig 12 Year, there are a few notable differences to consider. Both rye whiskies are high-quality and offer a unique taste experience, but they each have their own distinct flavor profile.
Whistlepig 10 Year
Whistlepig 10 Year is a smooth and velvety rye whiskey that offers a rich and complex taste. The first thing you’ll notice when sipping on this whiskey is the sweet and spicy aroma. On the palate, you’ll taste flavors of honey, orange peel, vanilla, and caramel, followed by a subtle spice that lingers on the tongue. The finish is long and warm, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that is both sweet and spicy.
Whistlepig 12 Year
Whistlepig 12 Year, on the other hand, offers a more sophisticated taste experience. The extra two years of aging give this whiskey a refined quality that is hard to beat. The flavors are more nuanced, with a blend of fruit, oak, and spice that lingers on the palate. You’ll taste notes of cherry, vanilla, and brown sugar, followed by a subtle spice that adds a little kick to the finish. The mouthfeel is rich and smooth, making each sip a truly satisfying experience.
Price Comparison
When it comes to buying whiskey, price is always a factor to consider. Whistlepig 10 Year and Whistlepig 12 Year are both premium rye whiskeys, but there is a significant price difference between the two.
Currently, the Whistlepig 10 Year is priced at around $80, while the Whistlepig 12 Year costs about $150. This means that the 12 Year is almost double the price of the 10 Year.
While the Whistlepig 12 Year is undeniably a great whiskey, it’s important to consider whether the extra cost is worth it for you. If you’re on a budget, the Whistlepig 10 Year might be a better option for you.
However, if you’re looking for a special occasion whiskey or want to treat yourself, the Whistlepig 12 Year might be the way to go. It’s a more complex and nuanced whiskey, with a longer aging process and a unique finish that sets it apart from the 10 Year.
Conclusion
If you prefer a spicier and more complex flavor profile, then the Whistlepig 12 Year may be a better choice for you. Its unique finishing process using Madeira, Sauternes, and Port Casks provides a one-of-a-kind taste that is sure to impress.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more straightforward and classic rye whiskey taste, the Whistlepig 10 Year may be a better option. It has a smooth and balanced flavor with notes of caramel and vanilla that make it easy to drink.
It’s worth noting that the Whistlepig 12 Year is more expensive than the 10 Year, so if price is a concern, the 10 Year may be the better value for you.
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If you’re a fan of rye whiskey, you may be interested in exploring other whiskey showdowns. Here are some related posts that you might enjoy:
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