WhistlePig rye whiskey, the new exclusive from Meregalli
WhistlePig rye whiskeys are the latest addition to Meregalli Spirits' spirits catalog. The distillery was founded in 2007 in Shoreham, Vermont, far from the main, more well-known US production districts, with the goal of restoring rye to the heart of American whiskey, enhancing its distinctive character.
The rye used comes largely from the farm on which the distillery is located, a 500-acre area of grain fields and experimental crops, native oak trees, well water and maple groves.
The rye is distilled in copper pot stills, a technique that preserves its character and enhances its personality. The result is a recognizable style, where the spicy note typical of rye whiskey emerges forcefully, yet is balanced by a deeper and more complex structure.
Experimentation and the pursuit of new interpretations of rye whiskey, through lengthy aging and maturation in select barrels, are other key elements in defining the WhistlePig profile. This approach began under the guidance of Dave Pickerell, a highly experienced master distiller who passed away in 2018, and is now carried forward by a female-led team, with Liz Rhoades as head of whiskey development and Meghan Ireland as master blender.
Another crucial element is aging, an expression of the brand's deep connection to Vermont. WhistlePig's most iconic barrels are crafted from oak sourced from the farm and surrounding areas. The region's cold climate, with a shorter growing season, encourages the trees to develop a greater number of growth rings, which, during maturation, contribute to greater intensity and richness in the whiskey's aromatic profile.
The three expressions that arrived in Italy
Meregalli brings three expressions from the distillery to Italy, aged 10, 12, and 15 years. WhistlePig 10 Years Old Rye (50% ABV), made from 100% rye, is characterized by a balanced structure and a spicy profile, with notes of allspice, orange peel, anise, and oak, accompanied by a charred note and hints of caramel. Sweet on the palate, with hints of caramel and vanilla, followed by a rye spiciness and mentholated notes, it's best served neat, on the rocks, but also works well in mixology, particularly as a base for a Manhattan.
WhistlePig 12 Years Old Rye (43% alcohol by volume) is the result of 12 years of aging in new American oak barrels and subsequent refinement in three different types of barrels, Madeira, Sauternes and Port, which enrich its profile with fruity notes of apricot, dates, raisins and plums.
Among the distillery's longest-running expressions, WhistlePig 15 Year Old Rye (46% ABV) ages for 15 years in American oak barrels and then spends six months in estate oak barrels. The aromatic profile is dominated by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, combined with hints of allspice and burnt orange. The palate is warm and creamy, with notes of butterscotch and baking spices blended with leather and tobacco.