WhistlePig’s Old World 12Year Bespoke Blend is a rare, triplefinished rye marrying North American provenance with nuanced European wine cask influence. Expect honeyed dried fruits, spiced oak, and balanced rye character. Its an elegant pick for those exploring wine-inflected whiskies, though the 86-proof strength makes it lighter and more refined than many robust rye fans prefer.

Origins & Blending Strategy

• This 86proof rye begins with a 12year maturation in New American oak. After aging, it’s finished separately in Madeira (70%), Sauternes (20%), and Port (10%) casks before blendingcreating a marriage of OldWorld cask influence with North American rye raw material.

• Originally distilled as Canadian rye (likely 95% rye mash) from Alberta or Indiana, now bottled as a bespoke, small-batch blend combining multiple wine-cask finishes .

Nose & Aromatics

• Aromas: Rich and invitingcaramel, brown sugar, and dried fruit (raisins, plums, dates), alongside vanilla and winter-spice hints.

Palate & Texture

• Taste Spectrum: Starts with classic rye spice evolving into fruit-forward notes: apricot, plum, honey, raisins, and dates. Finishing barrels introduce raisiny sweetness, dried fruits, and gentle citrus/honeydew undertones .

• Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied yet silky; judged lighter in texture by some, though smoother than other rye finishes.

Finish

• Endnotes: Concludes with dark chocolate, dried fruit, caramel, vanilla, and oak spice. The spice elements assert themselves late in the finish .

Style Profile

• Evalutes as a wine-finished rye with a dual nature:

  • Sweet & Fruity: Wine finishes bring raisiny richness, fruitcake, and honeyed notes.

  • Rye Backbone: Classic spice, minty/botanical undertones, and traditional grain character persist.

• Some critics note it leans lighter than expected at 86 proof, while others praise the refined finish balance.

Accolades & Reception

• Enjoyed widespread acclaim early on, including a Double Gold at San Francisco and praise from Robb Report.

• Reviewers appreciate the “bespoke blend” concept, though opinions differ on whether it feels underpowered or elegantly balanced at lower proof.