Review #669; Rye #52: Whistlepig Single Barrel K&L #2347

This barrel of rye from Whistlepig was distilled in 2005 before being bottled in 2019 for K&L Wines. Coming in at 13 years old and the highest proof of the bunch this older rye should be promising, lets see how it is.

ABV: 59%

Nose: Green Apple, Tobacco leaf, dark chocolate, slight dill, black pepper, vanilla cream

Palate: Medium oily mouthfeel, Pine, Green Apple, tobacco leaf, black pepper, vanilla bean, dark chocolate

Finish: Medium length finish. Pine, Green Apple, Black pepper, tobacco leaf, touch of leather

Rating: 7/10

The last in a series of Whistlepig bottlings they took all at the same time, this is a pretty fantastic rye. I don’t think current bottlings are up to snuff compared to these older ones, but Whistlepig used to put out stellar older ryes at cask strength for a very fair price. This is as shining example of one of those barrels, which is among my favorite of the style.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect