What happens when you get a bunch of Chefs in a room and they pick their favorite casks of Canadian Rye Whiskey and then it all gets blended together? You get the WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019, that’s what.
Made from a blend of Alberta Rye that was finished in various casks, this WhistlePig is one of a kind and the cask finishes clock in at the following ratios. 40% Madeira, 30% Sherry, 20% Port and 10% Sauternes. That’s a nice set of casks for a single malt, but how will it work with rye? Lucky for you that’s the entire focus of the rye whiskey review we’re about to get into.
WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 Review: Details and Tasting Notes
The four chefs who helped create WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 are Michael Gulotta of MOPHO/Maypop fame in New Orleans; Jamie Malone from Minneapolis’ stunning Grand Café; David Posey – one half of the dream team at Elske, Chicago; and Justin Woodward of Castagna in Portland.
The four James Beard Award-nominated chefs worked together at the WhistlePig Farm in Shoreham, Vermont to create WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 back in June this year.
Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)
Region: Canada / Vermont, USA
Distiller: Alberta Distillers
Finisher/Bottler: WhistlePig
Bottled For: Flaviar
Mash Bill: At least 51% rye + other greains
Cask: ex-Bourbon, ex-Madeira, ex-Sherry, ex-Port, ex-Sauternes
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 43%
Batch: 2019
Bottles: 1,000
Price: $130*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Ruddy Amber
NOSE
Caramel, red fruit, candy, wine sweetness, bread and butter pickles, clove, nutmeg, oak and vanilla.
PALATE
Red fruit candy, wine sweetness, candied citrus, powdered sugar, spice, oily nuts, oak and toffee.
FINISH
Medium -> Caramel, red fruit candy and spice.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium body and a light feel.
WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 Review: Overall and Score
Hmmm, The Aroma is light but not gutless — it has a nice sweet rye essence; Palate is light, sweet and a touch darker overall than the aroma but without any pickle ryeness; Finish is soft, light and nice but lasts way too short.
It’s tasty, it’s balanced, it’s fun, but it’s light and fruity and sweet in a way that just doesn’t hammer it home for me. Maybe the WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 is a case too many cooks in the kitchen? Maybe it needs a tad higher proof? Maybe it needs some 100% ex-Bourbon casks to bring out deeper rye notes? Not bad, just needs a little something… more.
SCORE: 3.5/5
*Disclosure: This was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 Review $100
Overall
3.5- Nose (3.5)
- Palate (3.5)
- Finish (3.5)
- BBF (3.5)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)WhistlePig X Flaviar Chef’s Blend 2019 Review Summary
A tad too light, a tad too sweet, but on the whole not a bad rye. I’m liking what’s happening, I just want more of it and especially more of the rye.
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