Credit: Lost Cargo
WhistlePig 18 Year Old is one of the oldest rye whiskies available on the market. The whiskey is distilled in Canada and then undergoes additional aging and finishing at the WhistlePig Farm in Vermont.
WhistlePig 18 Year Old is made from a mash bill that consists of predominantly rye grain. Rye is known for its spicy and robust flavor profile, which is a hallmark of WhistlePig whiskies. 15% of the rye used is malted, which is an uncommon practice for rye grain.
Malted Rye
Malting is a traditional technique used in whiskey production that involves soaking the grains in water, allowing them to germinate, and then drying them with hot air.
The malting process activates enzymes in the rye grain, converting starches into fermentable sugars. This conversion contributes to the development of unique flavors during fermentation and enhances the overall depth of the whiskey.
Malted rye is known for its spicy and earthy qualities, which are signature characteristics of rye whiskies. It can introduce notes of pepper, clove, and herbs, adding an additional layer of complexity to the final product. The use of malted rye in WhistlePig 18 Year Old helps to distinguish it from other rye whiskies and contributes to its flavor profile.
