Whistlepig unveils Piggybank Rye
Vermont-based distillery Whistlepig has unveiled a limited edition porcine decanter containing its 10-year-old Piggybank Rye, designed to be sipped ‘from the rear’.
The release is in honour of the brand’s ‘10 years of award-winning innovation’, marking a decade since it won its first 'best rye' award. “We won our first 'best rye' award for an innovative whiskey release in 2012,” said Jeff Kozak, Whistlepig CEO, “and we haven’t stopped experimenting since. “We’ve broken ground on nine rye grain and experimental crop fields across 500 acres in Vermont, fermented yeast foraged from a ham’s hind, delivered the Great Beer Rescue, countless epic finishes, and even a whiskey-fuelled car. “We're erasing the boundaries of traditional whiskey making in an attempt to bring you the best of rye the best way we know how – big, bold and unapologetic.” The commemorative Straight Rye Whiskey has been aged for 10 years and bottled at 55% ABV in a one-litre replica Berkshire Bitter pig decanter that pours from the rear. Whiskey scientist Liz Rhoades commented: “With zero generations of tradition behind us, we're only looking forward. This is the story of the next decade of Whistlepig – one that will bring new frontiers beyond rye, even bigger age statements, stupendous complexity and undoubtedly more pig hijinks. “There’s no better way to mark the occasion than with an incredibly delicious whiskey that arrives from behind.” The brand has published a tongue-in-cheek disclaimer along with the release that reads: “This whiskey release features self-deprecating humour created under the supervision of professionals. We make no apologies for this release either expressly or otherwise. “Accordingly, Whistlepig and their retailers must insist that no one attempt to create or enact any stunt or activity performed with this bottle, including but not limited to selfies sipping straight from the posterior.” The launch of the Piggybank Rye decanter follows the auction of an original 19th-century antique Berkshire Bitter Pig filled with 20-year-old rye whiskey at Christie’s in June 2022. The lot achieved a sale of US$125,000 by winning bidder Rally 2 Give, with all proceeds benefitting ‘the next generation of world citizens’ via the Gumball 3000 Foundation. In addition to the decanter, Rally 2 Give’s purchase includes an invitation to custom-finish a barrel of Whistlepig Rye Aged 20 Years in a selection from Whistlepig’s experimental barrel warehouse, which holds rare wine and spirits casks ‘from the four corners of the world’, including a one-of-a-kind fairground hotdog barrel. The nonprofit is planning to use this barrel to further support its philanthropic efforts. Whistlepig 10 Limited Edition Piggybank is now available from a selection of premium liquor stores across the US for RRP US$199.99. In August, Whistlepig debuted its Piggyback Bourbon. The release was followed by the appointment of ex-Brown-Forman employee Matt Uden as its UK brand ambassador in October.
