WhistlePig is a rye whiskey brand that has gained a reputation for producing high quality and premium whiskeys. But does this mean it qualifies as a true “top shelf” whiskey? There are a few factors to consider when evaluating whether a whiskey can be considered top shelf.
What makes a whiskey top shelf?
There is no official definition or criteria for what makes a whiskey top shelf, but there are some general characteristics that premium and luxury whiskeys tend to have:
- High price point – Top shelf whiskeys generally have a significantly higher retail price than standard whiskeys.
- Aged for long periods – Longer aging times of 10 years or more in oak barrels can smooth out flavors and add complexity.
- Limited production – Small batch or single barrel productions are more exclusive.
- High quality ingredients – Top shelf whiskeys use higher grade grains and pure water sources.
- Complex and nuanced flavors – Expressive and evolving aromas, textures, and taste.
- Prestigious brand reputation – Established as a luxury brand with acclaim from experts.
- Special bottlings – Unique cask finishes, single barrel offerings, etc. add to exclusivity.
There isn’t an absolute threshold to meet all these criteria, but meeting several of them is a good indicator of a top shelf whiskey. Does WhistlePig fulfill enough of these qualifications to be considered part of the upper echelon of whiskeys?
WhistlePig’s credentials
Here is an overview of WhistlePig’s credentials and how they stack up to the factors that signal a top shelf whiskey brand:
High retail price
The standard 10 Year WhistlePig rye whiskey has an MSRP of $74.99 (750ml), putting it solidly in the premium whiskey price tier. Their limited Boss Hog editions can go over $500 per bottle, which definitely puts them in luxury territory. The pricing matches the expectation for a top shelf whiskey.
Long aging time
The minimum aging time for WhistlePig’s core lineup is 10 years, going up to 17 years for the Old World. They are aged in new American oak barrels with a #4 char and meet the expectation for extended barrel aging. The FarmStock releases are aged at least 6 years. The longer aging helps develop complex flavors.
Limited productions
As a small craft distillery, WhistlePig produces whiskey in smaller batches compared to large corporate whiskey producers. Their Boss Hog series especially is small batch and highly limited (500-2000 bottles per edition). The small output makes them more exclusive than mass produced whiskeys.
High quality ingredients
WhistlePig uses 100% rye grain as opposed to the more common rye with corn mashbill. They claim to use choice rye from Alberta, Canada. Water is sourced from a proprietary 1020 ft deep limestone well on the distillery grounds in Vermont. The attention to sourcing quality raw ingredients aligns with top shelf standards.
Complex and nuanced flavors
Here are some descriptions of WhistlePig’s core whiskeys to showcase their flavor complexity:
| Whiskey | Flavors Notes |
|---|---|
| 10 Year | Caramel, honey, candied orange, baking spice, vanilla, mint |
| 12 Year Old World | Oak, honey, dried fruit, sweet tobacco, cinnamon |
| 15 Year | Maple syrup, toffee, fig, cinnamon, allspice, oak |
Experts praise WhistlePig for its depth of flavors and aroma. The range of tasting notes match the complexity expected from a top shelf whiskey. Average consumers also praise the smoothness and complexity of the whiskey.
Prestigious brand reputation
Though relatively new (founded in 2007), WhistlePig has quickly earned prestige and acclaim within the whiskey world. They have earned over 70 awards at international spirits competitions, including being named “Best Rye Whiskey” 7 times by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Whiskey reviews regularly rate WhistlePig’s core lineup in the 90+ point range, indicating expert consensus around its high quality. The brand’s reputation gives it credibility as a top shelf whiskey maker.
Special bottlings
Beyond its core lineup, WhistlePig focuses on special limited releases that expand its prestige as a whiskey brand. These include:
- Boss Hog – Annual edition of small batch rye finished in different barrel types. Recent examples include Sauternes wine barrels and Jamaican rum barrels.
- The Independent – Cask strength single barrel editions.
- FarmStock – Aged and bottled on the WhistlePig farm in Vermont.
- PiggyBack – A more affordable 6 year aged rye made for cocktails.
The special releases reinforce WhistlePig’s identity as an innovative maker of unique and exclusive rye whiskeys.
Expert opinions on WhistlePig
In addition to examining WhistlePig’s credentials, it’s worth looking at expert opinions within the whiskey community. Here are some thoughts from whiskey specialists on WhistlePig’s reputation and quality:
“WhistlePig consistently delivers complex and delicious rye whiskeys. They are always innovating with different wood finishes and brewing techniques.” – Fred Minnick, Bourbon author and expert
“The whiskey world would be talking about them even without the fancy bottles. This is one of the great whiskey producers.” – Lew Bryson, Whiskey reviewer
“Luxury isn’t just about price or margin. It is about quality, craftsmanship and delivering on your brand promise. And WhistlePig does this as well as anyone I’ve seen.” – Clay Risen, Whiskey writer
The expert opinions reaffirm WhistlePig’s standing as an established premium and luxury rye whiskey brand based on the quality of their whiskey.
Conclusion
Based on an evaluation of WhistlePig’s credentials, pricing, production qualities, reviews, and expert opinions, there is a strong case for considering it a top shelf whiskey brand. It meets the criteria of:
- Priced at a premium level on par with other acclaimed luxury whiskey brands.
- Aged extensively in oak barrels for over 10 years.
- Made in smaller batches focused on quality and exclusivity.
- Built from high quality rye grain and water sources.
- Delivers complex layers of flavors and aroma in its whiskeys.
- Regarded as one of the best rye whiskeys by both experts and consumers.
- Offers limited special editions and single barrel offerings.
- Critically praised for its consistent quality and taste profile by experts.
There are many excellent rye whiskeys on the market, but WhistlePig stands apart through its mix of quality production, smart branding, and focus on the high end whiskey drinker. While “top shelf” is subjective, WhistlePig has made a compelling case to be considered part of the very top tier of American rye whiskeys.
