We at WhistlePig firmly believe that RYE holds the greatest potential of all distilling grains. We constantly strive to realize that potential and craft the finest whiskeys possible. Fueled by this spirit and unwavering commitment to superior liquid, we present The Old World Series: Port Finish, the third finish in a new series of Rye whiskeys.

In the fall of 2012, Master Distiller Dave Pickerell began a unique experiment. After studying the time honored techniques of the Old World – particularly single malt Scotch whiskies – Dave and the WhistlePig team finished batches of 12-year-old Rye with premium Port casks.

A classic dessert wine first produced in the 17th century in the Duoro region of Portugal, Port is a fortified red wine. Its signature sweetness is derived by the addition of a neutral grape spirit – aguardente – which halts the fermentation process, leaving extra sugar behind that boosts alcohol content. After fermentation the barrels are traditionally aged in a cave before bottling. The wine received its name from the town Porto, a seaport city at the mouth of the Duoro river.

Port notes of dried fruit and maple syrup further accentuates this mature Rye’s slightly sweet composition, while balancing with its spicy finish, yielding an ultra-premium straight Rye, distinctly American, but hearkening to its stately Old World roots.

• Bottled by hand at 90 proof on the WhistlePig Farm
• Aged 12 years, with a 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill from MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana
• Nose: Maple syrup, roasted nuts, raisins; Flavor: Rye bread, raw cacao, strawberries, ginger; Finish: Demerara, cacao, dried fruit
• Note: Experimental release with limited availability in New York, Illinois, and California