It’s finally here. WhistlePig Rye Whiskey has released FarmStock Rye Crop No. 002, the second blend of their limited edition annual FarmStock estate release that debuted last year.
So what makes it’s unique? Rye Crop 002 begins with WhistlePig’s two-year aged whiskey, made from rye grown on their Vermont farm. The whiskey is aged in Vermont oak barrels made from locally harvested trees that feature a truly unique char and toast designed by Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. The estate whiskey is then balanced with 6 and 10 year old Ryes from their special reserves to marry the wildness of youth with the richness of age. The final No. 002 blend increases FarmStock’s Triple Terroir expression by 12%, bringing it to 32% in total.
The FarmStock Rye Crop 002 blend was crowdsourced from over 500 bartenders, influencers and consumers at blending events taking place at the WhistlePig farm and across the country over the last 6 months.
“By boosting the percentage of WhistlePig two year old distillate from 20% to 32%, as well as changing up the other component whiskies in the blend, we’re looking at a whiskey that drinks even easier than 001 did. 002 takes well to ice and cocktails, and hits you with a big burst of vanilla, citrus, and rye spice,” says Pickerell. “We also get a beautiful balance with some of the fruitier and more oak-like flavors from the more mature component whiskies.”
Sadly, we were not among the “influencers” involved in the process. And full disclosure, we’ve not tried it yet. But if it’s half as good as their other ryes, we’re all in for a treat.
This year’s limited release is hand bottled at 86 proof, and the suggested retail price is $72.99.
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