Review: WhistlePig Single Barrel - 13 yr. MGP - Moreno's - 57.8%

WhistlePig 13 yr. (MGP) - Moreno's - 57.8%

Context: Back when Smooth Ambler discontinued their single barrel rye program (~2015), the only game in town for quality, cask strength, single barrel rye was WhistlePig. They were about $100 a pop (after tax in Chicago) and featured consistently good Alberta rye. Around 1.5-2 years ago, a bunch of 12+ year MGP barrels hit the market - instant buzz, favorable reviews. This barrel dropped February 2019.

Nose: Oak. Dill. Apple. Baking spice. It’s a classic, fantastic MGP nose. The extra aging has provided plenty of depth (leather, deep oak char and spice) filling out the dill/herbal notes, leaving them less punchy and boozy.

Flavor: Savory and herbal up front before the oak gives way to honey crisp apples and caramel. The finish is oak driven with background fresh herbs.

Palate Structure: Dense and chewy. The oak expands and takes over the palate while still delivering all the fruit and sweets. Killer rolling transitions. It's long and intense.

Alcohol Integration: Very little heat, but the high ABV here translates to insanely rich concentration.

You’d Dig This If You Like:

Calvados - higher proof

Château du Breuil Calvados 13 yr. - 52.2%

Jamaican Rum - higher proof, tropics aged

Habitation Velier Forsyths 2006 WPM - 11 yr. - 57.5%

Score: 9 (Stash Two) Side-by-side, this barrel out drank a handful of cask strength MGP ryes (SAOS 7-9 year, Redemption 8 yr. Batch One). The extra oak influence noticeably rounded and filled things out. I wasn't able to stash two, but I've tucked away a handful of samples for future comparison. One of the best MGP ryes I've had to date.

Archived Scores

Rating System

10 - Reevaluate The Budget

9 - Stash Two (If Able)

8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)

7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers

6 - Solid - Above Average

5 - Acceptable For The Situation

4 - Not Vocally Complaining

3 - Wish I Was Drinking Something Else

2 - Nothing Nice To Say

1 - Drain Pour