WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon Review [In Depth]
WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon
by: ALEX WANG
Founder, writer
Founder, writer
WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon Details
Distillery: WhistlePig
Type & Region: Bourbon, USA
Alcohol: 44%
Composition: Not disclosed
Aged: At least 10 years
Color: 1.3/2.0 on the color scale (russet, muscat)
Price: $80-90
From the company website:
We’re Flipping Bourbon on Its Head WhistlePig’s Snout-to-Tail Bourbon challenges tradition with bold innovation. Aged 10 years and crafted with a double-barrel-head aging process, it’s infused with rich caramel, vanilla, and smoky maple notes thanks to Vermont oak and smoked maple wood. Each barrel is flipped 180 degrees during aging for unmatched complexity. Bottled at 88 proof, it’s smooth, bold, and perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. Pair it with our 10-Year Rye for the ultimate duo. Ready to taste Bourbon reimagined? Grab a bottle and experience WhistlePig’s fearless craft.suntory hakushu whiskey overview
Alright…WhistlePig, best known for their rye whiskeys, has finally released the cousin to their 10 year rye – a 10 year old bourbon. But here’s the interesting part – it’s a Kentucky bourbon and I think the first one that they’ve ever released. Don’t quote me on that part though as I don’t think I’ve ever had any of their other bourbons.
So this is what’s happening – WhistlePig “Snout to Tail” 10 Year Bourbon is aged for at least 10 years (duh), but the “Snout to Tail” part is the unique part of this formula. You’ve probably heard of double oaked or double barreled bourbon, where bourbon initially aged in a virgin white oak cask is dumped into yet another virgin white oak cask.
While it’s not clear if WhistlePig finished the bourbon in virgin oak casks, what we do know is that they put a twist on the approach by using unique barrel heads, meaning the top and bottom parts of the barrel that keep it upright. This is what WhistlePig mentions in the press release.
“Each finishing barrel features two distinctly toasted barrel heads – a Vermont oak medium toast at “the snout” end and a Vermont oak smoked maple wood toast at “the tail.” The only Bourbon aged Snout-to-Tail, WhistlePig flips its barrels 180 degrees in the warehouse to capture each barrel head’s unique toasted flavors and bring out the big, bold character…”.
So first, it sounds like these barrels are stored upright and not sideways, meaning that one of the unique barrel heads touches the liquid at any time. If the barrels were placed sideways, WhistlePig would not need to flip the barrels to allow the other barrel head to interact with the whiskey. Both barrel heads would always be in contact with the whiskey. I’m sure they have their reasons for doing it that way, and I appreciate the detail.
The part that’s not clear is how long the bourbon is finished in these special casks. I wish that they would provide that detail, but it is what it is.
I strongly hope that the combination of well aged bourbon and a unique cask finish makes me go head over heels for this, so we’ll all find out in this WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon review.
This bottle was provided at no cost to me. All opinions are still my own.
As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for everything (they’re the best): Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass Set of 6, Set of 4, Set of 2, or just one. Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon smell
I smell toasted caramel and toasted marshmallows, roasted oak and char, dried red apple, cinnamon, effervescent allspice, dried orange peel, hints of herbal fennel, and some more burnt bits. WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon definitely smells old, even older than the 10 year age statement. It’s very woody, although not overpoweringly so.
For better or worse, the lower ABV doesn’t add much fullness, although it’s not thin as-is. It’s just not that bold or full, although the expressiveness and range are good and the oak gives it this Russell’s 13-ish vibe. Don’t be mistaken, this isn’t close to that, but the vibes and general personality are similar.
After swirling and rest, I smell more of that woody sweetness, baked red apple, vanilla bean, fragrant roasted oak, allspice, clove, and some dry grassiness and nuttiness from the dried oak and char. It’s very oaky (but not overdone) but balanced.
I know that this may not be the point, but I wish that it were fuller and richer. Sure, 44% ABV is on the “low” side (for crazy people like me), but it doesn’t mean that you necessarily have to sacrifice fullness and clarity at the same time. Unfortunately it does in this case, which puts a ceiling on how great the scents can be.
Whistle Pig 10 Year bourbon smells nice regardless and feels like a well made 10+ year old bourbon with good barrel selection, but it doesn’t blow me away. I don’t know why they chose 44% ABV, but it feels wrong and I always feel like something is missing.
WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon taste and aftertaste
I taste toasted caramel, vanilla bean, oak, allspice, dried red apple, fennel, spritzes of fresh orange, and oak varnish. The flavors start with dark sweetness, followed by a rush of oak, then turning to the fruit and spice.
The ABV is approachable, although the ample oak may not make this so approachable. WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon is quite oaky, with dark sweetness and roastiness, but there’s still some fruit and brighter notes floating around for some balance. This will not be for you if you dislike oaky bourbons, so consider yourself warned.
The viscosity and fullness are decent, but the ABV definitely takes away from those dimensions, although I still find this to be flavorful.
With vigorous “chewing”, I taste caramel, effervescent roasted oak, baked red apple, vanilla bean, cinnamon, orange peel, allspice, a little dry grassiness, wood varnish, and a hint of toasted popcorn.
“Chewing” opens up the sweetness, fruitiness, and woody effervescence, which helps better balance the entire experience. There’s a nice sweet oakiness, spice, and fruitiness here that feels mature, but the ABV again saps the fullness, complexity, definition, and expressiveness that could have been there. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still very nice flavor, range, and some layers, but it could have been so much more.
This is a well made and overall tasty bourbon that has all the potential to be outstanding, but falls short due to questionable decisions.
I’ve unfortunately lost some Glencairn’s while in transit, and that made me very sad. So, I wised up and bought this Glencairn Travel Case that comes also comes with 2 glasses so I don’t need to worry so much about them breaking. I think it’s great, and I think you’ll love it too.
Seriously, if you already have glasses, protect them.
WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon Rating
WhistlePig 10 Year Bourbon is in the awkward position of trying to be a premium extra-aged bourbon that skimps where it counts – fullness, richness, and definition. While I am an admitted lover of higher-ABV spirits and I often associate a higher ABV with more body and flavor, some bourbons can still deliver that at under 100 proof. It’s uncommon but it’s possible. This bourbon needed more proof and overall oomph, and it would have been a “Top Shelf” bourbon if it did.
ABV aside, I still appreciate the oak-forward and overall mature flavors that deliver on the age statement. In that regard, you’ll definitely get what you’re looking for and WhistlePig did a good job crafting that experience.
Your alternative 10-ish year old bourbons include Russell’s Reserve 10 Year (I haven’t had in a long time so I need to re-check my assumptions before I state anything good or bad), Eagle Rare (good luck), Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (which somehow still stays above 10-11 years old), and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon among others.
I personally don’t think that this is that compelling of a buy at $80-90 considering how much amazing bourbon is out there around that price, although it’s not a bad buy either. Just keep your expectations in check, which I think you will if you read this review then buy a bottle.
The main selling point is that it provides an extra aged and balanced experience that is just not that easy to find for under $100.
Meet the Author: Alex
I have far too much fun writing about whiskey and singlehandedly running The Whiskey Shelf to bring you independent, honest, and useful reviews, comparisons, and more. I’m proudly Asian American and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and some Japanese.
There are no sponsors, no media companies, and no nonsense. Support The Whiskey Shelf by Buying Me A Shot.
Shattered glass really sucks, so if you’re on the move, this Glencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass should survive your travels. Full transparency, this is an Amazon affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
BrüMate NOS’R, Double-Wall Stainless Steel Whiskey Nosing Glass – 7oz (Matte Black)
Leave a Reply