Back in 2022, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its first “Best Rye” at the World Whiskies Awards, WhistlePig unveiled what’s still considered its most audacious release yet with its PiggyBank Rye. Not only did you get a superb 10-year-old rye whiskey from one of the companies attributed to its renaissance but it was also presented in a polarizing pig-shaped glass bottle that poured the liquid right out of the animal’s derriere. Now, to coincide with its New York pop-up Gold ‘n’ Grocer store this December, the Vermont-based producer has now unveiled a shiny Gold Edition of the PiggyBank.
A Note on Rye Whiskey
Prior to about a decade ago, American rye whiskey was almost exclusively associated with names like Redemption and Bulleit. Rye was very popular pre-Prohibition for its “rye spice” that was less sweet than corn-heavy bourbons. However, these brands were helping to bring back and promulgate this style into the 21st century. The brashness of rye and its lack of popularity lead to a cheaper product. However, when WhistlePig came around in 2007, things changed.
All of a sudden, the meticulous aging and blending techniques that we saw with a lot of bourbons and single malt Scotches were getting transposed to the world of rye. In 2012, it was awarded the highest honors for rye at the World Whiskies Awards, signaling its eventual role as a catalyst in taking our nation’s rye craze to a new level. Today, nearly every distillery has its own rye but WhistlePig retains its position as the artisan at the top, with some of its releases even approaching the $1,000 mark.
WhistlePig PiggyBank Rye Gold Edition
Still holding their “gold standard” 10-Year Small Batch Rye, the Gold Edition of the PiggyBank is merely a special limited-edition release. The 1-liter vessel, which takes after the amber glass Berkshire Bitter Pig bottles popular in 19th-century Cincinnati, is now gold-plated, which elevates its visual appeal.
The whiskey itself is bottled at 110 proof and is said to have tasting notes of black pepper, mint, truffle, dill, and tobacco on the palate, with an oaky finish.
Spec Sheet
Style: Rye whiskey
Age: 10 years
ABV: 55%
Tasting Notes: Black pepper, mint, truffle, dill, and tobacco.
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Available nationwide starting November 20, the PiggyBank Rye Gold Edition is expected to sell out fast, limited to an unspecified number of bottles at a suggested retail of $300. Head over to WhistlePig’s website for more info.
Recap
WhistlePig PiggyBank Rye Gold Edition
WhistlePig’s PiggyBank Rye has come to be known as its most unprecedented release yet, pouring from the rear end of a pig-shaped bottle. Now, the Vermont-based whiskey maker has made a beautiful gold edition.
