WhistlePig is committed to crafting the finest and most interesting whiskeys in the market today. The brand has changed the game for rye whiskeys and continuously sets the standard each passing day.
If you are interested in WhistlePig price and how it became the epitome of rye whiskey, scroll down.
About WhistlePig Rye Whiskey
WhistlePig Rye Whiskey is one of the game changers in the whiskey world. The rye whiskey from rural Vermont pushes boundaries in every whiskey-making process.
The farm-to-glass whiskey is one of the widely acclaimed spirits in the USA, thanks to its rich history, unique production process, and world-class flavor profile.
Interesting Facts
History & Origin
WhistlePig started when Raj Peter Bhakta (American entrepreneur, Founder of WhistlePig [1]) bought a dairy farm in 2007 in Vermont for business opportunities.
After personal reflection and deep considerations, the brand became committed to making the finest rye whiskeys with the guidance of Master Distiller Dave Pickerell.
How It’s Made
WhitslePig’s vision is to respect tradition and embrace progress, so the brand constantly pushes itself to try new things and unlock the potential of rye whiskey.
From sourcing imported whiskeys, they opened an on-site distillery for their farm-made whiskeys. They use locally sourced grain, copper pot stills, aquifer, and Vermont casks. But is it a good sipping whiskey for beginners?
Mash Bill
WhistlePig does not disclose any mash bill ratio on some of their expressions, but their sourced whiskeys contain high rye content. Whistle Pig 18 Year – Double Malt Rye uses 79% rye, 15% malted rye, and 6% malted barley.
Maturation Process
Most WhistlePig expressions are matured from six to eighteen years in their signature Vermont oak barrels.
The wood innovation is the pride and trademark of WhistlePig as it is directly harvested from the farm. The aging in charred Vermont oak barrels imparts flavor and brings depth and complexity to their rye [2].
Read: Best Way To Drink Rye Whiskey
Ownership & Distillery
Raj Bhakta owns WhistlePig, and the distillery is located on a 500-acre farm in Vermont.
The 150-year-old renovated dairy barn opened as the WhistlePIg’s distillery in 2015, and with the help of the former Maker’s Mark master distillery, the ultra-premium rye whiskey was born.
Tasting Notes
- Palate – Elegant, mildly fruity, floral, oak, vanilla, bold, and spicy flavor profile.
- Nose – Aromatic, slightly sweet, toasted oak, nutmeg, vanilla, and rye spice
- Color/Hue – Light amber to rich deep amber
- Finish – Clean, long, and spicy
Common WhistlePig Price
| Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Piggyback Rye | 50 mL | 48% | $5.99 |
| 750 mL | $53.89 | ||
| Farmstock Rye | 750 mL | 43% | $85.99 |
| WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Straight Rye | 50 mL | 50% | $7.99 |
| 750 mL | $86.99 | ||
| WhistlePig 12-Year-Old Straight Rye | 750 mL | 45% | $139.99 |
| WhistlePig 15-Year-Old Straight Rye | 50 mL | 46% | $9.99 |
| 750 mL | $249.99 | ||
| 18 Year – 3rd Edition | 375 mL | 46% | $539.99 |
| 750 mL | $439.99 | ||
| Farmstock Beyond Bonded Rye | 750 mL | 50.5% | $119.99 |
| Farmstock Beyond Bonded Bourbon | 750 mL | 50% | $99.99 |
| Smokestock Wood Fired Whiskey | 750 mL | 43% | $72.99 |
| The Boss Hog VII | 750 mL | 52.6% | $624.99 |
| The Boss Hog VIII | 750 mL | 52.4% | $559.97 |
*Average prices are based on Drizly online except for Smokestock Wood Fired Whiskey (WhistlePig Website). Prices may vary in local liquor shops.
Compared to Other Rye Whiskeys
High West Whiskey Double Rye
High West Whiskey Double Rye is a cheaper alternative for WhistlePig Piggyback Rye because a bottle of High West costs around $37.99 on Drizly online.
It has a little lower ABV (46%) than WhistlePig (48%), but it is a great rye whiskey with a rich and bold flavor profile.
Old Overholt Rye Whiskey
Old Overholt rye whiskey is cheaper than WhistlePig and High West, and you can score a 1L bottle on Drizly online at approximately $23.99.
The straight rye whiskey has an appealing and distinctive flavor that mixes well in cocktails.
Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel Rye
If you want an expensive and more premium rye whiskey, you can substitute WhistlePig with Michter’s 10-Year single barrel rye.
A 750 ml bottle of Michter’s is around $251.97 on Drizly online, almost thrice the price of WhistlePig 10-Year-old.
Also Read:
Popular WhistlePig Rye Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Dirty Shirley
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Piggyback
- 8 oz Lemon-lime soda
- 1 oz Grenadine
- Maraschino Cherries
Instructions:
In a highball glass filled with ice, pour the rye whiskey and grenadine, then top it off with soda. Finish it with the maraschino cherries on top, then serve.
Serving: 1
Maple Old Fashioned
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Piggyback
- 0.25 oz WhistlePig Barrel Aged maple syrup
- 3 dashes of maple bitters
- Orange peel
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in an Old Fashioned glass, then add ice. Stir it well, then garnish with orange peel. Enjoy!
Serving: 1
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Straight Rye rare?
WhistlePig 10-Year-Old Straight Rye is not typically considered rare in the sense of limited availability, as it is a core offering in WhistlePig’s lineup of premium rye whiskies.
However, its availability may vary depending on factors such as distribution and market demand. While it may not be classified as rare in terms of scarcity, WhistlePig’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that each bottle of their 10-Year-Old Straight Rye offers a distinctive and sought-after drinking experience.
Why is WhistlePig expensive?
Several factors contribute to the premium price of WhistlePig whiskey:
Quality Ingredients: WhistlePig sources high-quality grains, primarily rye, from trusted suppliers to ensure the integrity and authenticity of their whiskey. Using premium ingredients contributes to the richness and complexity of the final product but also adds to production costs.
Aging Process: WhistlePig ages its whiskey in charred oak barrels for an extended period, allowing the spirit to develop depth of flavor and character over time. The longer aging process requires significant investment in storage space and inventory management, leading to higher production costs.
Craftsmanship: WhistlePig is dedicated to traditional whiskey-making techniques and meticulous craftsmanship. From distillation to barrel aging to blending, each step of the production process is carefully executed to achieve the desired flavor profile and quality standards.
Limited Edition Releases: While the 10-Year-Old Straight Rye is a core offering, WhistlePig also produces limited edition and single barrel releases that command premium prices due to their rarity and collectibility.
Brand Reputation: WhistlePig has established itself as a leading producer of premium rye whiskey, known for its innovation, expertise, and commitment to excellence. The brand’s reputation for quality and authenticity contributes to the perception of value among consumers, allowing WhistlePig to justify higher price points for its products.
What factors influence the price of WhistlePig whiskey?
Several factors influence the price of WhistlePig whiskey:
Age: WhistlePig offers a range of whiskey expressions with varying ages, and older whiskies typically command higher prices due to the extended aging process and the resulting complexity of flavors.
Rarity: Limited edition releases and special bottlings from WhistlePig may be priced higher than standard offerings due to their rarity and exclusivity. Collectors and enthusiasts are often willing to pay a premium for unique or hard-to-find expressions.
Production Costs: WhistlePig’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship involves significant investment in ingredients, aging, and production processes. Higher production costs are reflected in the price of the final product.
Packaging and Presentation: WhistlePig takes pride in the packaging and presentation of its whiskies, with attention to detail in bottle design, labeling, and packaging materials. Premium packaging adds to the perceived value of the product and may influence pricing.
Brand Reputation: WhistlePig has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality rye whiskey, which can command premium prices based on brand loyalty and perceived value among consumers. A brand’s reputation for excellence and authenticity can significantly influence pricing strategies in the competitive whiskey market.
Is WhistlePig considered a premium whisky brand?
Yes, WhistlePig is widely regarded as a premium whisky brand known for its high-quality rye whiskies. The brand has gained recognition and acclaim within the spirits industry for its commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication to producing exceptional whiskies.
WhistlePig’s emphasis on quality ingredients, traditional whiskey-making techniques, and meticulous aging processes has positioned it as a leader in the premium whiskey category, appealing to discerning enthusiasts and collectors seeking distinctive and flavorful expressions.
What are some examples of WhistlePig products and their prices?
WhistlePig offers a range of products, including their flagship 10-year-old rye whiskey, as well as older expressions such as 15-year and 18-year rye. Prices can range from around $50 for the 10-year-old to several hundred dollars for the older expressions.
Are there different price tiers within the WhistlePig range?
Yes, WhistlePig offers whiskies at various price points to cater to different preferences and budgets. You can find options ranging from more affordable everyday sippers to premium, collectible bottles.
Final Thoughts on WhistlePig Rye Whiskey
The WhistlePig price is relatively high compared to other rye whiskeys. They believe that while there’s a lot to learn in traditional whiskey making, embracing the progress will unlock the potential of rye whiskeys.
From farm to glass, WhistePig continuously innovates and experiments with sourcing, production process, blending, and finishing.
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