WhistlePig 10 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey

This WhistlePig 100% rye mash reviewed bottle, acquired and opened 2 years ago, is almost certainly one of several expressions of Alberta Distillers Limited rye whisky which have been purchased and bottled as US Straight Rye Whiskey. Two other examples are Jefferson's 10 Yo Rye Whiskey, and Masterson's 10 Yo Rye Whiskey. This bottle has been open for about 2 years now, but remained about 90% full until now, and its flavours have changed very little, except to have mellowed out a bit over that period. There are recent rumours that WhistlePig is being sourced differently now, but I don't know about their accuracy. This is almost certainly whisky from Alberta Distillers

This review is in non-sequential (SQVH) format. See my review and comments on Royal Canadian Small Batch for more information on that format

Strength: rye flavours are strong throughout nose, palate and finish. Wood flavours are moderate throughout, and take second seat to the rye flavours. Score 22/25 all; 23/25 Canadian Category

Quality: the rye is extremely good here, with a bit of perfume and fruit, especially on the nose; the wood is a little non-descript. This gets quite fruity and quite sweet when it sits for 30 minutes prior to sampling; Score 23/25 all; 24/25 Canadian

Variety: US straight rye whiskeys get their variety from two sources primarily: from variations and combinations of the rye grain flavours, and from contrast from substantial flavours from the wood. WhistlePig Rye has strong and good rye grain flavours, but not a very wide qualitative range within them. Those flavours do widen out, however, when the whisky is left to oxidise for 30 minutes. The wood flavours are somewhat muted in WhistlePig, and give an adequate contrast, which would be improved upon if they were stronger. This does not taste like it was aged for 10 years in new charred oak. Score 21/25 all; 22/25 Canadian

Harmony: WhistlePig works nicely, but it could be even better if it had a little stronger wood and if the spectrum of rye flavours were a bit wider. Score 22/25 all; 23/25 Canadian

Total Scores: 88 all whiskies; 92 Canadian whiskies