WhistlePig 11 Year Rye 111 Proof

Since its release two years ago, WhistlePig has garnered a well-deserved reputation for producing one of the best 100% ryewhiskeys in the biz — spicy, yet sweet and balanced. Now the company has upped the ante, with a slightly older (11 years instead of 10 years) and slightly hotter (111 proof instead of 100 proof) spin on the original. One feels that if WhistlePig could have figured out a way to squeeze 111% rye into the bottle instead of 100%, it would’ve). The nose is sweet-smelling, with touches of coffee, cloves, and strong wood notes. On the palate, it’s hot but not as fiery as you’d expect, offering the above, plus butterscotch, cinnamon, and fruitcake notes. Water brings out the sweetness.