WhistlePig 11 Year Rye 111 Proof

Description

Released in the early days of the brand’s rise (circa 2011/2012), WhistlePig 111 is one of the most legendary and historically significant bottles in the distillery’s history. Crafted under the guidance of the late legendary Master Distiller Dave Pickerell, this expression was created to answer a simple question: What happens if we take our core 100% rye, age it one year longer, and step the proof up to match?

The result is a perfect numerical synergy—11 years in the barrel, bottled at 111 proof. It was a massive critical darling upon release, taking home the coveted crown for “Best Rye American Whiskey” at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards.

The Flavor Profile

While the standard 10-Year (100 proof) is celebrated for its bright, minty, and herbaceous rye spice, the 11-Year “111” dives headfirst into deep, heavy, and decadent oak-driven flavors. The extra year of maturation in Vermont, combined with the 11-proof point increase, concentrates the whiskey’s sugars, drawing out a robust warmth that handles the heat beautifully.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Deeply aromatic and sweet-smelling. Powerful notes of toasted oak, freshly roasted coffee, clove, anise, and a rich layer of vanilla.

• Palate: Big, oil-slicked, and complex. Immediate, warming waves of cinnamon-spiced apple, dark brown sugar, butterscotch, and a dense, sweet fruitcake richness.

• Finish: Extremely long, dry, and robust. The baking spices linger on the tongue alongside seasoned wood char and a warm, comforting hug of high-proof alcohol.

Why It’s a Collector’s Dream

Because this was a one-time, limited-run release from over a decade ago, pristine bottles of WhistlePig 111 have completely vanished from retail shelves, now commanding thousands of dollars on the secondary market. It represents a highly influential chapter in the American rye revival and remains a holy grail pour for WhistlePig devotees.